1988 Bertone X1/9 pictures and wallpaper

1988 Bertone X1/9 news, pictures, and information

The Fiat X1/9 was produced from 1972 through 1988. This mid-engined sports car was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, an individual who had designed many reputable vehicles including Lamborghini. The mechanical components of the Fiat 128 were used to establish a rolling chassis. The Fiat 128 was a front-wheel drive vehicle and the X1/9 was a mid-engined vehicle meaning the entire drivetrain was relocated. Once the chassis, drivetrain, and suspension were in place, Gandini began creating a two-seater design. The result featured many sharp-edges, similar in ways to some of the prior Bertone-designed vehicles. The headlights would pop-up when in use and disappear when not needed. The roof panel was removable and could be stowed in the front of the car under the hood.
The name X1/9 was derived from the company's internal codenaming structure, 'X1/number'. The code name persisted to production. It was shown in concept form at multiple auto shows where the public requested very strongly that it be put into production. Almost immediately, Bertone's factory began the production of the Fiat, although in some markets the later models were badged as Bertone.

The beautiful, sporty styling of the X1/9 was unfortunately unmatched by its performance. Housed in the engine bay was a 1300cc SOHC engine with an aluminum head and 75 horsepower. Coupled with a heavy body-shell, the X1/9 had less than desirable performance. The body-shell was heavy because it was strong and stable, built to satisfy United States crash test requirements. On a positive note, more powerful engines could be installed in the X1/9 and the shell would not require additional modifications to handle the extra power. As emission and safety requirements in the United States escalated, the power in the Fiat, and other marques, declined. A 1500 cc engine was added and horsepower power rose to 85. Though it produced 10 extra horsepower over the 1300 cc engine, it was also heavier, meaning performance never really increased.

The X1/9 was a small, sporty car that often gave their owners problems. The engine bay was tight making maintenance difficult. Minor problems often went un-serviced which resulted in greater problems. Rusting was another issue, more prevalent in the earlier models. The transmission was unreliable and the reverse gear was reported to wear out rather quickly. Despite these and other problems, the X1/9 was a fun car to drive that offered its drivers excellent handling and 'peppy' performance. A popular way to introduce more power was to transplant a 2-liter Lancia engine, resulting in a significant improvement in performance.

1983 was the last year that Fiat exported cars to the United States. After 1983 the X1/9 was available but through the Bertone nameplate. Malcom Bricklin handled the Bertone importations. The car was equipped with a targa top, AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player, power windows, tinted glass, air conditioning, electric rear-window defroster, dual luggage compartments and a digital clock with stopwatch.

The final version of the Fiat X1/9 was produced in 1988. A special 'Gran Finale' edition, produced in 1988, was a dealer option that included a rear spoiler and Gran Finale badges.

With production lasting over ten years, the popularity of the X1/9 is undeniable. It was plagued with growing pains, but they were more inherent of the small car design and having to comply with US regulations. At one point, Fiat even considered using the X1/9 as a rally car, but used the Lancia Stratos instead.

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