Fiat X1/9

[lfb666]

Fiat X1/9
Designed by Bertone as the replacement for the 850 Spider, the Fiat X1/9 was a radical departure from the norm for Fiat when it was released in 1972. It was an all-new car, just using the 1290cc engine (albeit modified with 75bhp (66 in the US)) and drivetrain from the 128. This was, however, positioned behind the only two seats and drove the rear wheels. MacPherson struts were chosen for all four corners, and each was fitted with disc brakes (taken from the front of the 128). An extremely low seating position with individual bucket seats and pop-up headlights added to the sports-car feel.

In 1978 the X1/9 was upgraded with the 1498cc engine from the Ritmo, in the X1/9 with 85bhp (67 in the US), and a five speed gearbox. The front and rear bumpers were also changed (due to US legislation) - most would agree for the worse, as was the engine cover (raised to clear the new air cleaner). The dashboard and interior trim was also updated. An injected version was introduced to the US in 1979, but the power outputs were still severely hampered by emissions legislation.

1983 saw the complete production of the X1/9 (along with the 124 Spider) pass away from Fiat, in the case of the X1/9 to Bertone who rebadged it as the Bertone X1/9 (really inventive!). It continued to be sold through Fiat dealers until production finally stopped in 1988.

See our 'Concept Cars' page for images of the concept car which preceded the X1/9 - the Bertone Runabout of 1969. A rally version was also built, the Prototipo by Abarth.

Technical Details

Driveline: transverse engine mid mounted with rear wheel drive
Suspension:
front : MacPherson strut with telescopic dampers and coil springs
rear : MacPherson strut with telescopic dampers and coil springs
wheelbase : 2202mm
front track : 1335mm (1300) or 1355mm (1500)
rear track : 1343 (1300) or 1350 (1500)
Brakes:
front: discs, diameter 227mm
rear: discs, diameter 227mm
calliper piston diameters : 48mm (front) & 34mm (rear)
handbrake operating on the rear via cable
dual hydraulic circuit
Gearbox:
4 and 5 speed manual
Hydraulic clutch
disc diameter 181.5mm
Steering:
Rack and pinion
3 turns lock to lock
Kerb weight:
1300: 880kg
1500: 920kg

Performance:
1300:
max speed: 100mph (160kph)
0-60mph: 12 sec
1/4 mile:19.0 sec
standing km: 34.7 sec
1500
max speed: 110mph (178kph)
0-60mph: 11 sec
1/4 mile: 17.2 sec
standing km: 32.3 sec

[Gabman]

This car has a high level of awesomeness. A couple of guys from my brothers racing club uses the Fiat for dirt track racing, and they are both fast and very stabile... Uhh, don't know if stabile makes any sense to those of you who speaks english as your main language, but you know... It stays on the road, not much sliding compared to my brother's Kadett which is a RWD.

Thank you for posting lfb666