Highlights
- Sharp, classic Bertone design
- Rare, Italian exotica with nimble mid-engine handling
- Eye-catching colour-scheme with fabulous, period interior
- Well-documented low-milage
- £11,000 spent by the last keeper
- Over £3,500 invested with 'Autolusso' specialists in the last 18 months
The Appeal
Overseen by Bertone's Marcello Gandini, the design of the Fiat X1/9 reflected the great man’s illustrious career which had spawned some of the world's most beautiful automotive designs. Seizing the opportunity to radically re-shape the sports car genre - some have suggested that Gandini fused the principles of Fiat’s pretty 850 Spyder with the design philosophy of the Lamborghini Miura, to create the low-slung balance of the new X1/9, which launched in 1972. Its silhouette also shares more than a passing resemblance to one of the most revered 'wedge designs' of the time - the Lancia Stratos.
Fiat manufactured the X1/9 until 1982, after which a modified X1/9 was built and marketed by Bertone themselves until 1989. Successful in their day, clean X1/9's are now increasingly scarce to find here in the UK, especially original domestic market RHD examples, such as this.
It truly is a treat for all the senses: The red coachwork complements the fabulous two-tone interior, the lightweight, transverse mid-engine and five-speed gearbox offer zesty performance and driver feedback while the targa roof adds a further dimension to the fun. All this in such a pretty little package - what’s not to adore?
The History and Paperwork
- UK RHD vehicle, delivered to the first lady keeper in July 1988 - Croxley Green, Herts
- The second lady keeper bought the car when it was a year old and there’s no record of another change with DVLA for 26 years
- The car was kept on the Isle of Man between 1994 - 2015
- Displayed circa 36,000 miles in 1994 and 52,945 miles when the car came back to the mainland in 2015
- Six registered keepers recorded in total
- Original service booklet present, within original Fiat Assurance wallet
- Many written entries in the booklet, five with official service stamps (1988 - 1997)
- Additional original Bertone wallet present, housing technical data handbook, servicing guide and owner’s handbook
- New clutch slave cylinder receipt, August 2020
- Supply & Fit Timing Belt receipt dated May 2021 (53,059 miles)
- Maintenance receipt for £1,257.55 at specialists Autolusso dated August 2022 (53,232 miles)
- Maintenance receipt for £670.70 at specialists Autolusso dated September 2022 (53,455 miles)
- MOT & Maintenance receipt for £1,628.10 at specialists 'Autolusso' dated July 2023 (53,427 miles)
- Wheel alignment report from Autolusso dated August 2023
- A quantity of old V5c’s and MOT’s
- The current MOT expires 17/08/2024 with no advisories - (just 102 miles covered since)
- Supplied with two sets of keys
The Condition
- Bright paintwork was refreshed in 2020
- Some blemishes and imperfections in places. Of note a few bubbles on window frame surrounds and n/s door bottom
- The interior switchgear is in very good order
- Very few signs of wear inside the elegant cabin
- The two-tone grey cloth seats are smart, comfortable, supportive and in excellent original condition
- The vendor highlights the internal heater fan can be temperamental
- The vinyl coverings and plastics remain a healthy shade of black with no obvious flaws
- The targa roof is in good condition, clips in and out with ease and stows snuggly into front compartment
- Electric windows in good working order
- Attractive X1/9 Speedline 'Phone Dial' wheels fitted and in excellent condition, with correct Bertone logo centre-caps
- Recent matching tyres - all with excellent, even tread remaining
- Original jack still present
- WaxOyl protected underneath
The Mechanics
- Powered by the 138.A2/A4 1,498 cc overhead-cam four-cylinder engine
- Five-speed manual transmission
- The engine bay presents smartly
- We are advised that the carburettor was rebuilt by a specialist (at considerable additional cost) and returned to Autolusso for fitting
- The car is reported to start with ease and settles into a gentle idle
- The vendor reports that gear selection is purposeful and accurate and the clutch feel is good
- The engine revs smoothly and has the pleasing exhaust note
- Reported as being enjoyable to drive, thanks to considerable expenditure in the last 18 months to achieve smooth and reliable performance
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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