This article is about one of my favourite cars. The tiny X1/9 was Bertone design at it’s best (seen here) before later versions were ruined by US spec bumpers.
The X1/9 was often termed the “Baby Ferrari” as offered mid-engine layout, great handling and the wonderful, if rather overwhelmed, ex 128 Lampredi SOHC cam engine in a tiny, smaller than compact, car. The early ones were 1300cc, later 1500cc, so not fast in a straight line but you made it up in the twisty bits and had fun doing it. It was a pity the X1/9 never got the development it deserved.
I nearly got a mint Bertone edition 1500 several years ago and regret not doing it when I had the chance. They appear fairly often on TradeMe and if not for a lack of garage space I’d own one now. They are not expensive to buy but running a elderly mid-engine Italian car, even a Fiat, usually means trouble and fun in equal doses!
Classic Cars: Fiat X1/9 > Independent Online Edition.
The Fiat X1/9 looks sharp, is a great performer and, best of all, has a limited number of admirers, says Keith Adams
