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A BABY FERRARI?

It may be little more than a humble Fiat but you’ll be fine with an X1/9

We certainly think so and so did the motoring press when it was launched in the early 1970s, being dubbed ‘a baby Ferrari’.

THAT’S A BIT FAR-FETCHED, ISN’T IT?

In terms of raw speed, well yes because even the quickest X1/9 is only as fast as an average Mondeo. However, the Fiat feels extremely zesty and it certainly makes up for a lack of horses cross country, thanks to its brilliant mid-engine layout that wouldn’t disgrace a Ferrari

SO IT HANDLES, THEN?

Oh yes… and the Fiat was streets ahead of its direct rivals such as our prehistoric Midget and Spitfire and feels like the scaled down supercar it really is, but with running costs that are no more than a Fiat Uno or Panda

WHAT ELSE?

Well, it’s those oh so 70’s looks of course and the X1/9 still turns heads. The original 1300 model is the nicest because when the car was revamped in 1979, gaining a 1500cc engine and five-speed transmission, safety bumpers were also fitted to appease the US market and messed up those once delicate razor-edged lines.

There’s the packaging that’s as clever as the Mini, too. The mid-engined configuration allows a front and rear luggage compartment with the spare wheel cleverly stowed behind the driver. And don’t forget the Targa top that fits in the front luggage area yet doesn’t steal storage space. It certainly caught the attention of Colin Chapman who bought one for his daughter!

WHAT MODELS ARE THERE TO CONSIDER?

Fiat specialist Radbourne started marketing RHD converted cars in the UK in 1974 but officially it wasn’t launched over here until 1977. A (highly coveted) special edition called Lido, featuring chromed bumpers, came out a year later while, for 1979, the X1/9 was updated with the adoption of an 85bhp 1.5-litre engine and five-speed gearbox, taken from the recently launched Strada.

In 1981 Fiat handed over the car’s production to Bertone, leading to the car now being so badged.  There was also a VS model for the UK boasting leather trim and electric windows. The Gran Finale version was introduced in 1989, identified by its special wheels and trim and, alas, an ungainly boy racer rear spoiler.

PRICES?

It wasn’t so long ago that you could pick one up for well under a grand but enthusiasts have latterly cottoned on to their worth as a classic and you’re looking at £3000 plus for a minter – but considering how much a similar Midget or MGB sells for they remain absurdly cheap. Don’t be surprised to see a really grand Grand Finale or an early 1300 version sell for a bit more.

At the other end of the scale, you see projects for under £1000 but beware the restoration costs make them a labour of love rather than logic. On the other hand, a project might be worth buying for spares alone as many parts can now be hard to obtain.

IT’S A FIAT,  SO IT RUSTS – RIGHT?

There’s no doubt that tin worm is the most serious point about buying one along with bodged repairs. New body parts dried up years ago meaning that you may have to make do with used ones or have them made up. The X1/9 Files (01406 330460) has a decent stock of things while leading specialists Alternative Autos of Huddersfield (01484 865086) even has a selected stock of new bits.

WHERE SPECIFICALLY?

Floor pan, inner sills, suspension strut top mounts (front and rear), front inner wing bottoms, front under tray, rear compartment wells, windscreen surround, rear wheel arches, door bottoms and the rear bulkhead (insist on removing spare wheel behind driver’s seat to check).

WHAT ELSE?

Mechanically you are on safer ground as the car uses Fiat 128 and Strada hardware. The clutch actuating arm frequently seizes on little-used cars and it demands an engine out to split the transaxle and the clutch hydraulics are a bugger, too but the actual box is pretty sturdy. Another worry is the rear suspension; new dampers are pricey, especially at the rear while the rear ball joints and hubs wear and are dear to overhaul.

The engine thrives on revs but the cambelt snaps if left for too long (replace every 36k) and they can leak oil. Head gaskets also fail if the cooling system has been neglected. Poor hot starting is a characteristic but can be cured by a Fiat Uno or electric petrol pump. The interiors become ratty and of course there’s those infamous Italian electrics but really, the biggest worries are bodges due to the car’s lowly values.

CAN I TURN ONE INTO A TRACK DAY CAR?

Yes, there’s a fair amount of tuning gear for the Fiat engines but there’s also fair scope for other engines from the range such as Uno Turbo and Lancia twincam engines. Some brave souls have even slotted in an Alfa V6 but others feel it’s a step too far because the car’s delicate handling is upset if too much power is put through the chassis.

LOOKS LIKE I CAN AFFORD A FERRARI AFTER ALL – EVEN IF IT’S ONLY A BABY ONE!

Honestly, a good X1/9 is a honey of a car and good ones can only go up in value – and as they say, good things always come in small packages…