Description
15th Feb, 2025 11:00
The February 2025 Auction
1979 Fiat X1/ 9
Fun sized sporting 2 seater with a twist
Estimate
£5, 000 - £6, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: LAB 219T
Chassis: 010732
Odometer: 43000
Transmission: Manual
Rare 2 seater Fiat with a number of choice upgrades
Lots of invoices and bills for carried out over the years
MOT history to back up the mileage
Previously owners by X1/ 9 club member
Tax and MOT exempt and correctly registered as a Historic Vehicle
Designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, these mid-engined Targa topped pocket rockets are affectionately known as the 'Baby Ferrari'. They offer an incredible nimble and exciting driving experience that’s hard to beat. Built by Fiat until 1982, later cars such as this one were produced by Bertone until 1989, making this a rare late Bertone built and badged UK RHD example.
This particular X1/ 9 is something very different from a standard car in that the original 1500cc engine has been replaced with a Fiat Punto 1400cc Turbo engine which offers a substantial uplift in the original engine's power, making it a little pocket rocket. The exterior and underneath appear solid 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), although there is some bubbling along the bottom edges of the doors.
The car has been de bumpered for a more sporting look - although the original bumpers come with the car. The Fiat also features a removable black targa top which stores away if required.
The alloys have been painted black and suit the car well - they are shod in matching Kumho tyres. A twin exhaust pipe completes the sporting look in addition to some additional black badging and stickers.
What looks like the original interior is complete but could do with tidying. Additional gauges feature plus an aftermarket Sony CD player.
We have been informed by the owner that it is believed the engine swap took place some 5 years ago at which time a new cambelt was fitted to the engine. The gearbox was rebuilt and a high performance clutch was also fitted. We have also been informed that the car features the following upgrades.
Gas flowed head
Standard ECU
High performance fuel pump
Larger intercooler
In addition, the Fiat will come with a water to air intercooler (not fitted) plus some Apex coil springs.
Ideal as a summer run about or maybe as a potent hill climb car, this little Fiat is not to be missed.
Please note that the V5 still states the engine size as 1500cc.
