Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The September Online Timed Auction on Friday the 27th of September, Online. Background:
Fiat developed its diminutive mid-engined two-seater X1/ 9 from a 1969 design study by Bertones design genius Marcello Gandini, launching the new machine in 1972, to critical and public acclaim.
Successful raiding of the groups parts bin provided the Aurelio Lampredi-designed 1, 300cc SOHC engine and transverse drivetrain from the 128 saloon, mounted behind the cockpit, rather than in front. The stylish wedge shape, complete with solid roll-over structure, targa roof and pop-up headlights were peak 1970s design and the new baby Fiat was designed from the outset to meet US safety regulations, aiming for major export sales. That aim was successful, with 2/ 3 of the c. 160, 000 examples produced heading Stateside.
The body was produced at Bertones works in Turin, then transported to FIATs Lingotto factory for final assembly. With 75bhp on tap, the diminutive roadster was capable of 106mph and provided lively performance and decent handling, on its 4. 5 x 13" wheels and 145 HR 13 tyres.
From 1979, the X1/ 9 was fitted with a 1, 500cc power-unit, coupled to a 5-speed transmission donated by the Ritmo (Strada in the UK) and from 1982 production was taken entirely in-house at Bertone, the cars being badged as Bertone X1/ 9s until the final examples rolled off the production line in 1989.
The Car:
This fine X1/ 9 is a rare late Bertone-built & badged UK right-hand drive car, delivered to its first lady owner in July 1988. With only 36 1988 cars currently registered on the road, its not surprising they are becoming harder to find, particularly in this condition. The exterior and underneath are unusually good without signs of the dreaded rot that these cars traditionally suffer with (UK salty roads and Italian sports cars tend not to get on well) and the charming original interior is in superb condition.
The second lady keeper bought the car when it was a year old with no record of another change of keeper for the next 26 years. The car was kept on the Isle of Man between 1994 and 2015, which accounts for its low mileage of just 52, 945 when it returned to the UK, since when usage has seen that creep up to just under 54, 000.
This fine example runs, drives and stops superbly thanks to considerable and well documented expenditure over the last couple of years, looking, sounding and performing as a sports car should.
The bright paintwork was refreshed in 2020 and is still in good condition, despite some blemishes and imperfections such as minor bubbles on window frame surrounds and nearside door bottom.
The two-tone grey cloth seats are smart, comfortable, supportive and in excellent original condition, while the interior switchgear is in very good condition and the electric windows work well. The vinyl coverings and plastics remain a healthy shade of black with no obvious flaws and the targa roof is in good condition, clipping in and out with ease and stowing snuggly into the front compartment. The distinctive X1/ 9 Speedline Phone Dial wheels are in excellent condition, with correct Bertone logo centre-caps and recent matching tyres all with excellent, even tread remaining. The original jack is still present and the car has had WaxOyl protected underneath.
As part of the extensive history, the original service booklet is present, within the original Fiat Assurance wallet. There are many written entries in the booklet, five with official service stamps (19881997). An additional original Bertone wallet is present, housing the technical data handbook, servicing guide and owners handbook. The car has an MOT until July 2025 and is supplied with two keys.
Summary:
X1/ 9s are becoming increasingly rare and finding an honest, rot-free and well cared-for example is very difficult. This fine, low-mileage, UK-market model is not to be missed.
Location: Cheshire
Seller: Trade
Photography: Professional
