Highlights
- Rare budget Italian exotic
- Bertone design
- Nimble mid-engined handling
- Two-owner example, only driven by first owner
- Been part of a collection for 18 years
- Garaged in a controlled dehumidified environment
The Appeal
Think: when was the last time you saw a Fiat X1/9? Maybe never? To be precise, this is actually a later Bertone-badged and built X1/9, but the same holds true; you just don’t see them. To be fair, they weren’t the most robust of builds, so not that many have survived, and they were a bit exotic for middle-English tastes. But it’s that exoticism that makes them so interesting and so much fun – that vintage trade-mark, angular Bertone styling, the compactness of the little two-seater, and that on-rails, mid-engined handling. It has panache...and it has a targa roof too!
The History and Paperwork
- Fresh MoTs with no advisories
- Recent recommissioning with carburettors and ignition system refreshed
- All original handbooks, service book and many club magazines
The Interior
- Two-tone grey cloth seats in excellent condition (could do with a clean)
- Tidy carpets and no holes
- Steering wheel and gear knob very presentable with no major scuffs
- No handling wear to door handles
- Vinyl and plastics remain a healthy shade of black with no cracks
- Door cards and attendant trim/fixtures are very straight and firmly fitted
- All switch gear looks tidy and all works
- Headlining taut and clean
The Exterior
- Resprayed 10 years ago due to faded paintwork
- Body reported to be very solid when stripped at respray
- Panel fit is good with narrow gaps and consistent shut lines
- Exterior plastics remain a healthy shade of black with no cracks
- Plastic panels, rear spoiler and mirrors are firmly mounted and a great feature of the car
- Powder-coated window frames are very tidy and rubber seals very healthy
- Chrome and plastic grill straight very smart
The Mechanics
- Tidy, workmanlike engine bay
- Clean, free-moving carburettor assemblies
- Strong-looking, corrosion-free suspension towers
- Hoses and leads appear good
- Robust inner wings and bonnet
- Solid underneath
- Very solid boot area with good carpets and very sound spare wheel well
- Reportedly never had to be welded
- Smart-looking (original) alloys on good tyres all round
Summary
As we said earlier, it’s rare to find any Fiat X1/9, let alone a rust-free example that has had only two owners. So, if you’re in the market for one, this car deserves your serious consideration. And if you’re not in the market..? Well then, maybe you ought to be – Bertone’s little dark offers a fine-handling and flamboyant alternative to an MG Midget, or even a Mazda MX5.
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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