Bertone Fiat / Bertone X1/9 History

The X1/9 was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone and entered production for Fiat in 1972, notable as the first mass-market car to combine a transverse mid-engine layout, a removable targa top, and a front storage compartment — all at a price ordinary buyers could reach. Press drives were held in November 1972 and production began at Bertone's Grugliasco plant.

In 1982, Fiat transferred complete manufacturing responsibility to Bertone, which marketed the car under its own name as the 'Bertone X1/9.' The final 1989 cars were sold as the Gran Finale edition. Total production across both the Fiat and Bertone phases reached approximately 160,000 units, making it one of the most successful mid-engine sports cars of its era by volume.

The X1/9 was also the first Fiat designed from the outset to meet US federal safety regulations, and North America was a crucial market throughout its run.