What defines an exotic car? Distinctive styling by a celebrated coachbuilder, advanced mechanical components, and intangible presence? Rarity combined with a particular badge? Each of us likely has our own definition, sometimes boiling down to: “I’ll know it when I see it.” The Fiat X1/9 has so many of the right ingredients, but it’s rooted in more ordinary fare, as a sequel to the 850. Fiat launched its new model in 1972, but it took until 1974 to reach our shores. US regulators insisted upon 5 mph bumpers in 1975 – resolved by the installation of ladder-bars across the entirety of the front and rear. This ’74 is still bestowed with the tidy corner bumperettes, and a surprise in the engine bay as well. Bidding on eBay sits at $2225, with a $6500 buy-it-now price in play. The car can be driven to its new home from Exeter, Rhode Island.
From ’72 to ’78, the X1/9 was supplied with a 1290 cc SOHC four-cylinder derived from the 128’s powerplant, uprated with an aluminum sump and a higher compression ratio. Output came in at 75 hp. The engine is mounted transversely ahead of the rear axle; cooling is courtesy of a radiator slung under the front of the car, with long tubes feeding back to the motor. The gas tank is right behind the driver. Suspension is MacPherson struts all around, and gear changes are handled by a four-speed transaxle. The result is a well-balanced go-kart of a car that feels much faster than its resume. Our seller indicates that this engine has been rebuilt. The intake system has been upgraded with what appear to be twin SUs wearing velocity stacks; the exhaust was also improved. The hydraulics were refreshed, and the seller promises us clean shock towers.
Fiat equipped the X1/9 with leatherette bucket seats, large gauges, a modicum of ventilation controls, and a pop-off targa top. The top stows in the front compartment. This car’s instrument panel has been modified – rather than being buried behind a panel of plastic, the gauges are embedded in a silver fascia. Hooray, I say – anyone who has tried to read an X1/9’s gauges with that plastic glaring in your face knows it’s nearly futile in the daylight. I’ve taken to using a dang headlamp to read mine’s output when ferrying down a sun-filtered tree-lined road.
Marcello Gandini at Bertone designed Fiat’s diminutive sports car – yes, the same guy who penned the Countach. I’m not here to liken this tossabout to a Lamborghini, but if you can’t afford the latter, you can certainly spring for an X1/9, and I guarantee you’ll laugh all the way through the twisties. This one isn’t perfect, but it’s worth a look if you want a malleable sports car that could rally in the Spring, go to the track in the Summer, and impress your friends at shows in the Fall.
They DO handle like a good go cart, mine was a 1976, black with gold stripes and tan seats. But with a belt running the cam on an interference engine, coupled with a kid that drove it like a muscle car…well I’m just going to say that I had a lot of problems. If I didn’t already have 3 little sports cars, I might give an X/19 another go.
I did the same to my 1985 Honda CRX. It was the Japanese version of a street legal go-kart in the 80s. Not fast, but light enough to toss around in the corners kind of fun. When that belt goes, you have a 1200lb boat anchor you are pushing home.
Good point, both of you – I forgot to mention to take care of that belt! Car is cheap, got to set aside money for the upkeep too. The good news is that engine swaps are common and performance parts are readily available. Classic Motorsports has some great tips to help keep these little guys healthy and running strong.
https://classicmotorsports.com/articles/tech-tips-fiat-x19/