1974 Fiat X1/9

The mid-engined Fiat X1/9 was manufactured by from 1972 through 1982, and then by Bertone, who had designed the car, from 1982 through 1989. The two-seater sports car had a lightweight removable hardtop, retractable headlamps, and a transverse engine and gearbox in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel-drive configuration. It was a development of the 1969 Autobianchi A112 Bertone Runabout Concept and styled under chief designer Marcello Gandini. There was a wedge-shaped design with an integrated front spoiler. When the hardtop was removed, it could be stored in the front, under the hood. A second luggage compartment could be found at the rear of the car.

The engine, designed by Aurelio Lampredi, was the Fiat SOHC engine and transmission sourced from the front-wheel-drive Fiat 128. The fuel tank and spare wheel were positioned ahead of the engine and behind the driver.

1974 was the first year of production for the X1/9 in North America. Unique features found on this model year include the small metal bumpers. Three generations of the X1/9 were sold in the United States including the 1974 cars, 1975-1978 cars, and 1979-1989 cars. The 1974 version has a 1290cc engine offering 63 horsepower and is backed by a four-speed transmission. The 1975-1978 cars were rated at 61 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019