1981 FIAT X1/9 1500 - IMMACULATE CONDITION - 12 MONTHS MOT

1981 Fiat X1/9 1500
Styled by Marcello Gandini of Bertone. the X1/9 came about as a realisation of the 1969 concept car. the Autobianchi Runabout. With the sharp-edged early 70s Italian styling. nbsp;targa removable roof and a mid-engined layout. the X1/9 really does have a 'mini-Ferrari' feel about it. The Fiat 1500cc four-cylinder is in a fairly high state of tune from the factory making it really revvy and eager (red line is at 6900rpm). The shell is incredibly stiff and suffers from no scuttle shake and the handling is sublime. Light weight. a great gear change. pedals perfectly spaced for 'heel and toeing' and no power assistance on anything (including the brakes) make this a real driver's car. I have driven a lot of exotic classic cars but few put as big a smile on my face as this little Fiat. These X1/9s have been extremely undervalued for years and are rare now. but I think the petrolheads are beginning to realise what fantastic value these great little cars are.
This '81 Fiat-built example is my idea of the best of both worlds X1/9. It looks like a 1300 but it goes like a 1500. It is a 1500 five-speed car. so it has the extra power and longer legs than the 1300 four-speed model. but it has been back dated externally to look like a 1300. The small quarter bumpers exposed valances. square number plate. chrome mirror and lower engine cover look infinitely prettier than the ugly plastic impact bumpers fitted as standard to the 1500 cars. These early 1300 parts are also extremely rare now.  The interior has also been changed for a tan leather from a VS model. Its ribbed leather seats complete the 'mini Ferrari' feel and contrast beautifully with the original colour of Grigio Metallic.
This X1/9 has only had three previous owners and covered only 56k miles. It has all the original manuals. spare keys and some history.
The amazing thing about the condition of this car is the bodywork. X1/9s rust terribly. everywhere. This car is totally rust free and has never been accident damaged. It was evidently Ziebarted when new and garage kept. The paint was starting to look a little tired so I have had the car fully repainted in the correct colour at considerable expense. During the repaint we bare-metaled much of the body. including the sills and amazingly the only piece of rust we found was a three inch section of the offside sill. This was cut out and a new piece of metal properly let in. Other than that this car has never been welded and does not need to be! The rear arches are all original and all the usual problem areas are solid and unrepaired. Please look at the pictures of the sills for illustration. The car is arrow straight with no dents or scratches. It is fitted with rare Carello yellow-tinted driving lamps but these are not wired up.
Mechanically this car is spot on. The engine is really sweet and eager. The oil pressure light goes out the moment it fires. it doesn't smoke. use oil or rattle. These are really tough little engines. A K&N air filter has been added. The exhaust is original and in great condition (a hard part to find). The engine bay is not detailed or anything and there has been plenty of anti-rust wax thrown around the inner wings for obvious reasons. The gearbox is lovely with a superb change and no synchro issues that normally affect these cars. The brakes are superb - It has discs all round. all of which are unworn and appear recent. Goodridge braided brake hoses have been fitted all round for a firmer pedal feel. One rear brake caliper has just been rebuilt. the rear pads have just been replaced and the fluid has been changed. New handbrake cables have just been fitted. It has Michelin tyres at the front and Avons on the rear - the rear tyres are slightly larger as I think this suits the looks and ups the gearing slightly. There is plenty of tread left. The original Cromadora alloys still have all there hubcaps. which is unusual.
Electrically (another problem are for these cars) this car is very good. Everything works - the headlamps pop up and down correctly. the heater is ferocious. the original radio works etc. with the exception of the oil pressure gauge. I have not looked into this as the warning light still works correctly.
The interior is not perfect. As you can see on the pictures. the leather is a little creased and lived in. but is not torn and has a nice patina. The targa top is in lovely condition and I have replaced the door rubbers/rear targa seal. There are no leaks and the targa is adjusted correctly so it does not rattle!
You buy X1/9s primarily on the condition of the body. then the electrics and the gearbox. This car is superb on all three counts. In addition. it has a great colour combination and with the early 1300 exterior parts is the prettiest example I've seen. I will seriously miss this car and don't want to sell but needs must. If you're looking for a really good X1/9 this must be one of the best available.
It has just passed its MOT with no advisories.  
To view. please call Edward on 07815870911

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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