1986 FIAT/BERTONE X 1/9

Description

Introduced to the US market in 1972, the Fiat/Bertone X 1/9 was Fiat's first mid-engine production car.Designed by the legendary firm of Bertone, it was well-received in the 1969 Turin Motor Show. The X 1/9 was instantly viewed as a marvel for its sporty styling, compact design, ample luggage space and excellent handling, courtesy of its 41/59 weight distribution.Fiat and Bertone's accomplishment captured the joy of Italian motoring while still meeting strict US safety requirements. It cornered like "on rails" with no sway bars and independent suspension, and Macpherson and Chapman struts - a Ferrari clone.The X 1/9 would continue with the Fiat name until 1982 when production was switched to Bertone. Bertone updated the engine to a 1,500 cc fuel-injected unit, increasing horsepower to 85. It had an advertised top speed of 100 mph. The Bertone version used virgin steel and special attention was given to rust-proofing. It also had power windows and air conditioning.This X 1/9 has after-market phone dial rims with the Scorpion decal in the center, an Alpine CDE 9845MP3 MP CD receiver, and new rear tires. There is a crack in the upper passenger windshield, which is covered by the sunshade strip at the top. New and used windshields are available.This car is one of the finest examples of an X 1/9 available. It is currently for sale locally.