Fiat X1/9 History

Styled by Marcello Gandini at Bertone and introduced in 1972, the Fiat X1/9 was a two-seater mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive targa — an affordable sports car with balanced handling courtesy of its transverse mid-mounted engine. Uniquely for its time and price point, it also featured a removable hardtop panel that stowed under the front bonnet, front and rear luggage compartments, and retractable headlights.

The X1/9 was the first Fiat designed from the ground up to meet US federal safety and emissions regulations, and the American market was a primary target: nearly 60% of production went to the United States. In 1979 a larger 1.5-litre engine and five-speed gearbox replaced the original 1.3-litre unit.

In 1982, shortly after the 1500 was introduced, Bertone assumed complete manufacturing and the car was rebadged simply 'Bertone X1/9.' Production ran under the Bertone name until 1989, with the final 'Gran Finale' special edition closing out the run.