Fiat’s X1/9 arrived in 1972 with an impressive resume: it was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone – the same man who penned the Lamborghini Miura; it was powered by an Aurelio Lampredi engine; and its basis was a concept car called the Autobianchi A112 Runabout. It was relatively inexpensive, and despite a performance demerit here and there, it generally put smiles on the faces of all who reviewed it. The X1/9 reached US shores in 1974, after effectively accommodating our safety regulations. These factors helped the little Fiat sell very well in the US, where more than 110,000 units found homes through 1982. Here on craigslist is a running, driving 1977 X1/9 project car, priced at $4700. The seller notes that his car has a salvage title, but there is no frame damage. It’s located in La Crescenta, California, and we have Rocco B to thank for the tip!
The X1/9’s engine was a bored-out version of the oversquare 1.1-liter SOHC in-line four-cylinder that Lampredi built for the Fiat 128, now at 1.3 liters and supplying about 67 hp (US delivery). To achieve the sharp wedge styling gaining favor during this era, the engine was transversely mounted just behind the driver’s ears. A four-speed manual gearbox sent power to the rear wheels. A rebuilt carburetor, refurbished brakes, a new battery, and a change of fluids got her back on the road after a thirty-year slumber. For what it’s worth, the car has passed its smog check in California.
The interior is described as being in great condition with pristine seats, and indeed, the surfaces are in far better shape than the average project X1/9. I think the upholstery has been replaced: Fiat supplied these cars with corduroy inserts and vinyl bolsters – but velour was very fashionable back in the ’70s. Just a note to prospective owners: the gauges sit behind a reverse-slant clear plastic panel, and it’s very hard to see instrument readings in the sun! The front trunk contains the spare – helping counterbalance the little car’s rear-happy weight distribution.
At the tail, the Fiat’s luggage compartment can actually accommodate a thing or two. Ladder-style bumpers were a nicely-styled compromise when the 5 mph rules landed. Viewing the car from the rear, and even more so standing next it, we’re astonished at how much functionality is shoehorned into the tiny Fiat. And driving an X1/9 couldn’t be more fun: low, quick, and handy, these cars generate confidence on the curves where many other makes fail. Meanwhile, prices have been drifting upwards. A decent example might cost $15k or more today; ten years ago, X1/9s weren’t on anyone’s radar and a five-figure price was an anomaly. Our featured car needs a bit of paintwork, and that salvage title will always be an issue, but the right buyer will be more focused on fun than investment value.
The seller’s CL ad says this one has a 1.5 motor.
1970s bumper regs sure did no favours for European cars.