If you are looking for a classic and practical mid-engined two-seater open-top sports car, then the Fiat X1/9 is worth considering alongside later alternatives such as the Toyota MR2, MGF/TF and Lotus Elise. Find a good one and you will be rewarded with impeccable handling and exhilarating performance, but do be aware that you will need to be constantly on the lookout for corrosion and meticulous with maintenance.
The X1/9 first appeared in 1969 as a concept car called the Autobianchi A112 Runabout. The body was designed by Marcello Gandini, who also designed the Lamborghini Miura, Countach and Diablo as well as the Lancia Stratos. It was manufactured by Bertone, leaving Fiat to fit its 75bhp, 1290cc, SOHC engine from the Fiat 128 and assemble the car at their Lingotto factory. Production didn’t get underway until 1972, and it wasn’t until 1977 that UK customers could buy a RHD model.
In 1978, the 1290cc engine was dropped in favour of a larger 85bhp, SOHC, 1498cc motor from the Fiat Strada, complete with a five-speed manual gearbox instead of the previous four-speed unit. In 1982, assembly was moved to Bertone and all cars became known as the Bertone X1/9, including the VS model with two-tone paintwork, alloy wheels, electric windows and leather seats. The last X1/9s, known as the Gran Finale, were sold during 1989 and 1990, closing out a total production run of around 170,000.
With a mid-mounted engine and compact dimensions, the X1/9 blew the small sports car competition away, making the likes of the MG Midget and Triumph Spitfire seem dated in both looks and performance. It was also designed with safety regulations in mind, particularly those that were emerging in the US where the X1/9 was intended to be sold. Consequently, the bodyshell features a roll bar in the C-pillar, front and rear crumple zones and a safety cage around the passenger compartment.
Practicality
Weighing in at a mere 880- 920kg and with compact dimensions that are under four metres (12ft 6in) long and less than 1.6m wide (a little over five feet), the X1/9 is a small sports car to fit inside a garage and work around, requiring only an entry-level trolley jack to change a wheel or service the brakes. But for such a small car, it has been carefully designed to ensure a full-size spare wheel can
