Only a few hundred miles completed since full rotisserie restoration
Superb overall condition
Genuine low-mileage car
The Appeal
Concept cars are often weird and wacky visions, created by car designers to show what could be possible with a clean sheet of paper and no engineering or legislative restrictions.
Just occasionally, though, one of them slips through the net and becomes a production car. The Fiat X1/9 is one such example – first shown in 1969 as the Autobianchi A112 Runabout, from Bertone. The wedge-shaped styling was the work of legendary Italian designer Marcelo Gandini, who also designed the Lamborghini Miura, Countach and Diablo as well as the Lancia Stratos.
The concept was that well-loved that it was decided to put it into production as a Fiat sports car, launched in 1972 and finally offered in right-hand-drive markets from 1978. The bodies were manufactured by Bertone, leaving Fiat to fit its 75bhp, 1290cc, SOHC engine from the Fiat 128 and assemble the car at its Lingotto factory.
In 1982, sales had slowed down but the X1/9 still had a cult following, so although Fiat put a stop to production, Bertone continued to build the cars itself until 1989, by now powered by a larger 1,498cc power unit. These later cars were identifiable by their thicker bumpers and revised cabins. This example is a 1987 car, originally sold in the Isle of Man and re-registered in England in 2001. Between 2013 and 2020 it was subject to a full restoration, with the engine removed and rebuilt and the body restored on a rotisserie to eliminate all traces of rot.
The vendor bought the car from the restorer last year and has spent a fair bit of money himself, with some paint rectification and a full service during his tenure, but the recent addition of a classic Citroën to his collection means there’s no longer room for the X1/9 in his storage, so having ticked it off the list of cars he’s always wanted to own it’s now offered for sale to its next lucky owner, as arguably one of the most solid X1/9s on the market thanks to the prior restoration, which is backed up by photographic evidence.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT April 2025
Workshop and electrical diagnostics manuals
Mileage believed genuine based on MOT records
Old MOTs dating back to the 2000s
Recent invoices for paint repairs and a service
Previous invoices relating to restoration, parts and repaint
Photographic evidence of rotisserie restoration and engine removal
Record of all previous ownership details including its time in the Isle of Man
The Condition
Smart Fiat Blue solid paint
Repainted in original colour
All panels in great order with a smart paint finish
Rotisserie restoration with all rust cut out and comprehensive body repairs, taken back to bare metal, zinc-primed and repainted
Recreation X1/9 decals
All correct badges and trim
Pop-up headlamps in working order
Black removable Targa top
Pewter Grey alloy wheels with nearly new tyres all-round
Two tone black-and blue leather trim
New carpets
All controls and switchgear work as intended
Electric windows
Smartly presented twin luggage areas with original spare wheel and tools
The Mechanics
1.5-litre 4cyl
Five-speed manual
Manual choke conversion
New brakes, springs and most steering components replaced during restoration
Starts and runs well, holds a steady temperature, doesn’t leak or appear to burn oil
Recent service with new spark plugs
According to vendor the X1/9 is huge fun to drive with no known faults or issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
