Highlights
- Rare Gran Finale model, manufactured exclusively between 1988 and 1989
- Original Fiat design manufactured by Bertone
- Retro-futurist aesthetics with pop-up headlights
- Serviced every 3,000 miles
- Extensive recommissioning work in past 3 years
The Appeal
Designed by Bertone, and first released in 1972, the Fiat X1/9 is a bold, mid-engined motor - one of the first production examples - assembled from a variety of tried and tested Fiat components. Two-thirds of the 160,000 vehicles ended up in the USA, while the rest were scattered about Europe.
In 1982, Bertone picked up production for themselves, building only 19,500 until ending the line. When the final year of production kicked off, it was labelled boldly as the Gran Finale; carrying a dealer-fitted rear spoiler (often fitted backwards thanks to somewhat unclear diagrams) and plenty of badges.
This lesser-spotted model comes to us in need of some minor cosmetic work, but perfectly capturing the sharp, angular lines of this distinctly retro-futurist car - having led a low-mileage life, this is a great way to discover an increasingly scarce classic.
The History and Paperwork
- Purchased by current owner in 2020 with no history
- Recommissioned for a Classic Car Hire business
- Serviced every 3,000 miles by current owner
- Valid MOT until January 2024
- Comes with original X1/9 Manual
- Includes V5 document
- MOT certificates dating to 2020
- Selection of workshop job cards listing work completed
The Interior
- Blocky and understated, this X1/9’s interior carries a distinct 80s charm
- Light wear throughout, but original with no reported modifications
- Seats are wearing protective covers
- Vendor reports that the seats could do with re-covering
- Door cards still carry original fabric and are in good order
- Distinct raised pinnacle shows that the instruments are clean and readable
- All instruments reportedly working as expected
- The cooling switch on the air conditioning is missing
- A portion of the switch on the windscreen heater is missing
- Fitted with original Blaupunkt stereo in good working order
- Interior carpets are original, showing some wear but reportedly have no holes or tears
- The ‘frunk’ space is in good order with decent carpets
- Ultimately, a good clean example with age-commensurate wear, in period condition
The Exterior
- Angular and sporty, the X1/9 is a sharp looker with pop-up headlights
- Original Bertone Bleu Micalizzato paintwork
- No known modifications
- One soft dent in the driver’s side door
- Scratches around the car, though largely minor
- Some chips around the wheel arches
- Central section of the front plastic trim is missing, exposing the grill
- Small corroded scab on the bonnet
- Blistering on the driver’s side door
- Pop-up headlights are in good order and working as expected
- Metal bumper trim shows some wear and discolouration
- The rear spoiler has been misfitted, apparently by the supplying dealer
- Car is sitting on its original Bertone wheels, which are showing wear
- Shod in a good set of Hifly tyres with good levels of tread
- Underneath, the car is carrying surface corrosion but does appear solid
The Mechanics
- Powered by the A2/A4 1.4L 4-cylinder engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay appears to be in decent order
- Some surface corrosion but nothing too severe we can discern
- Car is reportedly working as expected
- When purchased in 2020 this vehicle went under some mechanical work:
- New clutch
- New alternator
- New starter motor
- New battery
- New fuel pump
- Replacement cam belt
- Replacement cooling pipes
- Wiring corrections
- The vendor has since focused mainly on reliability and keeping the car’s character
- Car is in good working order with no reported faults
- No signs of oil or water leaks
- A good, solid mechanical example
Summary
Low mileage, reliable and mechanically sound, this X1/9 is a solid candidate for cosmetic restoration to bring it up to top standards; but even without it’s a solid car and an increasing rarity that's bound to turn heads.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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