In the late 1950s, a new trend in car design began to emerge, incorporating sharp lines and angles, and culminating in wedged noses, wedged rears, even fins or wings. Virgil Exner Jr. was responsible for one of the earliest cars utilizing this style: the Simca Special of 1958, with its sharp nose profile and flaring “wings”. The “wedge” gained traction in the late 1960s when mid-engined production cars became more common. Without the motor in the front, a steeply sloped nose was possible. At Bertone, Marcello Gandini was penning cars like the Alfa Carabo and the Autobianchini Runabout. Soon, the market was awash with wedge-influenced design, including a car based on the 1969 Runabout: the Fiat X1/9. This pint-sized car was launched in 1972, replacing the aged 850. Here on craigslist is a 1975 Fiat X1/9 with an asking price of $23,500, located in Lake Balboa, California. Thanks to Pat L. for this showy find!
The X1/9 is a mid-engine layout, with the Lapredi-designed SOHC four-cylinder situated ahead of the rear axle. The fuel tank is just behind the driver and the spare is located behind the passenger. Concentrating most of the weight of the car in its center contributed to fantastic handling. The factory motor is a 1.3 liter four, with a single Weber making about 75 hp. Thanks to sturdy bracing to create the rollover bar that accommodates the targa top, X1/9s are heavy at 2200 lbs. With the small motor and high curb weight, performance was barely adequate. This motor has been built with forged pistons, a header, and that spectacular manifold carrying two Webers. If the motor’s configuration isn’t to your liking, plenty of performance parts are available for the humble Fiat; in fact, once you own this car, the track will beckon!
The condition of the interior is outstanding – all the more so because it’s original. The seller says everything works – even the heater. The gearshift boot has a tiny tear, but the switches and surfaces look new. It’s not easy maintaining these cars since much of the interior was cheap plastic. Too, stock replacement parts are difficult to find. The Coco mats are a swanky touch. Helpful hint: the gauges are behind a tilted clear cover, and glare from the dash below can easily obscure the readings. I use a black towel just under the gauge set to absorb the light.
The car has had one repaint in its original color, and the seller promises “zero” rust. The wheels have been restored, and the tires are new. Just my opinion, but I don’t care for the early bumpers; the later style is slightly more graceful. And now, the price: yes, you can pay a lot less for an X1/9, but it’s very difficult to find a nice one. These were not expensive cars when new – but maintenance is difficult in the tight engine bay and sourcing parts can be challenging, so buyers did not always treat their cars well. “Buy the best you can afford” goes doubly for this model.
Yes, the best you can find statement was made for this car, and I’ve never seen a better original one.
“ This pint-sized car was launched in 1972, replacing the aged 850..” Nicer looking, maybe-but as you pointed out it was incremental in acceleration. Adam would probably have to use a calendar for the 1/4 mile-0/60 time. They were on a curvy road in the MG Midget/Triumph Spitflame tradition but anywhere else they were just good as fuel economy.
Howsoever, I recall one of the more potent engine swaps (before anyone yells SBC, NO!) was to use a Mazda 13B motor with a 914 transaxle. Yes it was a terribly slow in shifting but if you could afford to keep the gas tank full it was crazy fast! Chewed up tires pretty quickly though…
Alsdo, many successful swaps with the Honda K24 2,4L engine. Stock was 190-200 hp.
“ They were *a blast to drive* on a curvy road”…
Henceforth-Coffee BEFORE proofreading..
I’ve owned all types of , sportscars, up to and including Ferraris. The X1/9 is the best cheap sportscar ever made; literally a budget Ferrari. The engine upgrades will turn this slow sportcar into a VERY fun piece!
I had a 1980, lots of fun …..
I had a ’74, and completely disagree with the author bout the bumpers. The early ones were much more graceful than the cow-catchers “gracing” later models. Nice to find one without corrosion. At night, I could hear mine rusting.
Reckon Michelle may have been referring to the ’79-on final style of X1/9 bumpers as her preference, having forgotten about the absurd ’75-78 “ladder” style bumpers that looked pretty much as that nickname suggests, like a tiny sideways ladder across the nose and tail, as covered here.
I do like the sleeker style of these early, dainty bumpers, ineffective tho’ they’d be for protecting against anything harder than a gentle tap; at least the later bumpers offered more actual protection.
I owned one in the middle 70’s for one year. Hell of a twisty road ride, and as John said, one of the best cheap sportscars ever made. It actually felt smaller than the Formula Ford’s I was racing!
This is going to be a very nice ride for whoever buys it.
I’ve owned an ’81 and a ’79, both great cars, I still drive the ’79 as often as possible. Excellent handling, good looks and 30 mpg. As far as being fast, well you can only drive as fast as the car in front of you and in Southern California that could mean creeping along in traffic. Remember, it’s not how fast you go, it’s how good you look going fast. Buy one of these cars and drive it through the Angeles Crest Highway, you’ll be happy you did.
Do Ferraris self destruct as easily as this thing did?
Road &Track called the X1/9 @the best handling car in the word.” Consumer Reports said it not recommended because of its poor handling.
Consumer Reports – from the same “car enthusiasts” that
tested appliances.
“depends”, all need maintenance.
I’m w/Pairs, this bumper.
MR2 (we just sold), fiero, 911, etc – all Great. Miata, 850, Karman Ghia, etc – pretty darn good. The driving public needs these cars (MPGs, sporty handling, good looks) as much as EV and pick up.
Shop mate drove the X 1 / 9 every summer wkend in SCCA so I really love em. A lill jewel (look close at detailing. Kinda nice “for cheep plastic” but all ways did like italian industrial arts).
Richard Pryor’s character in “Silver Streak” drives off in a X 1/9 just like this one at the end of the movie.