Lot Ended
Description
Bertone-styled, mid-engined Italian sports car project; major
work reportedly completed; ready to be finished to personal taste in time for
summer
Introduced in 1972, the Fiat X1/9 was
a bold departure for the marque, combining Marcello Gandini’s crisp Bertone
styling with a mid-engined layout more commonly associated with far more exotic
machinery. Designed to meet stringent safety regulations without sacrificing
flair, it offered nimble handling and everyday usability in equal
measure.
Manufactured in 1987, this example was
built by Bertone themselves, who assumed production from Fiat in 1982 and
proudly fitted their distinctive blue badge in place of Fiat’s own. It benefits
from the later 1,500cc engine, replacing the earlier 1.3-litre unit and offering
a useful increase in power to better match the car’s sharp
looks.
The car’s recent history is equally
interesting, having spent time in Dubai where it is understood to have undergone
thorough recommissioning. Unfortunately, much of the associated paperwork did
not accompany the car back to the UK. To the best of the vendor’s recollection,
works included a new sports exhaust system from front to back, brake and
suspension rebuilds, and any necessary welding prior to a bare-metal respray.
Visible evidence includes notably fresh-looking brakes all round, though
prospective bidders should satisfy themselves as to the extent and quality of
the work carried out.
The vendor had planned to
convert the car to Euro-spec bumpers, realign the passenger door and replace the
fuse box before returning it to the road. However, the car has remained in
storage since its return to the UK and the difficult decision to sell has now
been made.
While the car does not currently run
due to its period of storage, the engine turns freely and appears complete.
Keenly estimated and offered as an appealingly complete project, this X1/9
represents an enticing route into a Bertone-styled, mid-engined Italian
motoring.
Contact - stewart.rich@brightwells.com