Highlights
- Low mileage example
- Excellent condition for its age
- Well maintained with excellent history
The Appeal
The X1/9 is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable mid-engined Italian sports cars money can buy. These Targa topped beauties are the brainchild of renowned Italian coachbuilder Bertone, with later examples such as this being assembled by Bertone from start to finish. The X1/9 offers excellent handling, and a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience, in part thanks to its mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout.
Bertone X1/9s flew somewhat under the radar for quite some time, with enthusiasts seemingly only recently recognizing the superb driving experience offered by the car. Today, it is believed that there are around a thousand surviving cars, the majority of which hold a SORN status.
As a result, tidy examples of these sports cars are incredibly rare, making the opportunity presented here today all the sweeter. If you’re looking for one of the finest classic Italian sports cars ever produced, this Fiat X1/9 deserves to be at the very top of your shopping list.
The History and Paperwork
- Just 5 former keepers
- 46K covered
- Mostly original
- Well maintained example
- Plenty of paperwork
- V5C document present
This 35-year-old Bertone notes just 5 former keepers on the V5C document, now showing a mere 46,599 miles at the date of photography. This low mileage is indeed believed to be genuine, as supported by included previous MOT certificates, such as the 1990 & 2003 certificates, which show just 12,075 and 33,951 miles respectively.
Also included alongside previous MOT certificates is a collection of invoices detailing previous maintenance. Key invoices to mention cover items like wiring, a new throttle cable, clutch cylinder, a re-cored radiator, a new exhaust system, electronic ignition and more.
In addition to a tremendous amount of previous paperwork, the original exhaust and a set of new hoses will be included with the vehicle if the buyer wishes. The exhaust certainly needs a dash of TLC but presents a good opportunity to retain purity if desired.
The Interior
- Mostly original interior
- Excellent condition
- 3-spoke steering wheel
- New black carpeting
- New floor mats
- New roof seals
- Previously treated for areas of rust
This X1/9 is believed to show off a mostly original interior, save for the exception of new carpet, floor mats and a slightly more modern Kenwood head unit. Despite being 35 years old, the cabin is in excellent condition for its age and remains a rather pleasant space to find oneself.
Both seats are in great condition for their age, although both signs of wear and usage can be noted. With a thorough detail, it is likely that any discolouration will likely be alleviated if not removed entirely, but signs of wear such as the pictured tear on the driver’s seat will likely require a professional touch.
As is to be expected with the sheer age of the car, the 3-spoke steering wheel does show signs of use and deterioration. The dashboard and accompanying instruments, however, show far fewer signs of age, and could easily suit a newer vehicle thanks to their overall condition.
Despite being a rather small vehicle, you’d be pleasantly surprised just how much storage space is offered throughout the car. The removable Targa roof fits perfectly within the spacious frunk, the cabin plays host to spare wheel storage and more, and there is an adequately sized boot in the rear.
The Exterior
- Mostly original black paintwork
- Excellent condition for its age
- Refurbished alloy wheels
- Iconic pop-up headlights
Somewhat comparable to the likes of the AW11 Toyota MR2 in terms of styling, the X1/9 shows off some of Bertone’s finest design, leaving the vehicle with a rather iconic profile.
Other than a few minor defects such as a rust spot above the rear windscreen, the two inner kick plate defects and the usual front end marks, this Bertone is in excellent condition, leaving little to be further desired.
Much like the interior, the vehicle’s exterior is believed to be mostly original, with the exception of a few areas. Most notable is a new front-end panel (in between the pop-up headlights). Those knowledgeable with X1/9s will recognize this as an area commonly faced with rust issues, so a new panel is certainly a welcome addition.
Exterior trim pieces such as lights, badging and door handles are in fair condition, although as both the badging and handles are likely original components, signs of wear and age can be found. The vehicle has also been fitted with a rear spoiler at some point in its life, with the remaining fitting holes now wearing rubber bungs to keep water out.
The car sits on a previously refurbished set of alloy wheels, which look absolutely fantastic today and suit the car greatly. The wheels are wrapped in a fresh set of Toyo tyres, giving the lucky new owner plenty of tread to enjoy out on the twisty country roads where the X1/9 will shine.
The Mechanics
- 1498cc inline-four
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Drives superbly
- Electronic ignition
- Re-cored original radiator
- New Ricambi Auto Moto Store stainless exhaust
- Recently serviced
- Well maintained example
A quick drive in this X1/9 will leave you wondering why on earth these enjoyable roadsters went under appreciated within the used car market for so long. The car provides a thoroughly rewarding driving experience, showing off excellent handling, characterful rear-wheel-drive quirks and a great power-to-weight ratio.
Buyers will be pleased to know that this vehicle benefits from an excellent maintenance record, and boasts a range of new parts including electronic ignition, a re-cored original radiator and general consumables. Courtesy of Ricambi Auto Moto Store, this X1/9 also shows off a new stainless steel exhaust, allowing the peppy inline-4 to sing a tasty tune.
With no known mechanical or electrical faults to note, this quirky Italian roadster will make the absolute perfect car to enjoy out on the sunny roads, and will no doubt continue to put modern rivals to shame for many more years to come.
Summary
This X1/9 shows off both Fiat and Bertone’s finest work. It is a car that should be considered by any Italian car collector or enthusiast looking for a thoroughly enjoyable mid-engined sports car. The car shows off plenty of originality, and now presents itself without a single known mechanical or electrical fault.
With well-cared-for examples of these iconic roadsters now being rather scarce, this opportunity is one you simply cannot afford to miss.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
