I had a '75 (maybe?) X1/9 and really enjoyed it. I was 24, 6'0", single. It handled really well. I never did "push" it, knowing that Fiat products have never had a reputation for being dependable. I lived in a town of about 2,500 people, and there was a guy in town that had one exactly like mine!! How did that happen? I didn't keep it very long. Years later I had 2 different Miatas, and '08 and a '12. They were both great cars - did some major travelling in them. From St. Louis, went to the Smokies, Key West, Yellowstone, New Orleans (not in one trip!), never had a problem. In the 14 years that I had them, there was not a month went by that I didn't have the top down at least once. (SL has some tough winters.) I also had an MG Midget in 1970, which I enjoyed a lot. The rarest of the cars was obviously the Fiat, which, like in this video, would bring some attention to itself simply due to its scarceness. Plus, the turquoise color was quite an eye-catcher. I'd love to drive one again.
@@bbmotorsports1742 Frankly, the odds weren't that bad. I used to sell these. Let me explain. None of the cars came with a radio. There were probably about 8 colors to choose from. Two of them were metallic and cost extra. Besides the metallic paint, there was only one other option that being A/C. All of them had crank windows, the same tires, the same wheels, the same engine, the same gearbox etc. That's why it's not all that unusual to see two that are identical.
For those that think it is under powered. There are several of us that have done engine swaps. The most popular is the honda K series which will put you into the 200+ HP range.
In Europe you just put a turbo on it just like Fiat did in other models. It's a Lampredi SOHC, they're bulletproof. They're good up to 300 hp without even touching the factory piston-crankshaft assembly.
@@spavatch yup! Jealous! I still have a few of the parts to do that someday on a different x. You are totally right this is one of the best engines ever designed
@@autox19 superb engines I agree. Just finished a 1500 sohc fast road - 150bhp 1500 on throttle bodies... should be dead reliable, good economy, normal service intervals etc.
I had a 1975 model. My wife and I went on a 3-week honeymoon in this car. The 2 trunks carried plenty of luggage for the trip from Philly to Miami, stopping all along the east coast and minimizing Interstate roads.
Nice work on the review! Regarding interior space, when Bertone took over sales after Fiat left the US Market in 1982, Bertone dropped the floor pan a bit, creating a couple more inches of headroom. I am six feet tall and not a small guy at 250 pounds, but I fit comfortably in my '87 model. So, if you are a big person, look for one of the 1983 to 1988 model years.
My 81 x1/9 has the same interior but brown belts. This car has so many different options in interior colors and trim pieces and stickers and other body accessories
Fiat made so many amazing cars and at a good price! Driving a twinair turbo 500C at the moment, 105 HP for 950 kg so spicey enough as your car is. The X 1/9 still looks awesome and your car is very well kept have fun!
A great review and video. Two things, though: I’m six feet tall and have zero issues with the cabin space, as there’s actually a surprising amount of leg room. Also, there’s quite a bit of luggage capacity; the front boot (“froot”) is good for a couple of large bags and the rear boot is handy for smaller items, too. My wife and I tour in ours and find it quite adequate. Cheers from Tasmania, Australia.
Excellent job on the review of the X1/9. I owned one when stationed in Italy in the 1970's and loved that car, it was a '74. You did an awesome job on your review!!
Hey...I know that car...LOL. Great review and the overhead shot of you driving was really cool. Also, great use of transitions to soften the cuts. Great Video!
This car was so fun to drive, engine so hard to work on. Got one in 1983 from a girl who looked just like you; she had a rack to carry a hang-glider on it. It was silver just like this one, I painted it Porsche red, drove it all over Santa Barbara, Calif. Sold it because the electrics were wonky and the lights would suddenly go off at night. Ive owned over 250 cars; The top Three for fun are #1. Miata #2. Porsche 914 #3. Fiat X-1/9
Had three of these over the years. A 1975, 1974 and finally a 1979. Not the quickest ride, but sure a heck of a lot of fun. The engine is bullet proof. All I have left of the last one is the larger carb I had installed in it.
These cars can be made to look like a Lotus, wider tires ,especially in the back fender flairs and a tail in the back. 70's, (mostly) Italian styling , mid engine, whats not to like. There is one down the street from me at 2500 last i checked, tempted to pull the trigger, but to many projects,(72 Barracuda 2001 Porsche Boxster) this car i would have to be all in.Great Vid
Bravo pour l'essai ! Il aurait fallu l'essayer sur des petites routes sinueuses, c'est là qu'elle est la plus amusante à piloter. // Well done for the test! It should have been tested on small winding roads, that's where the X1/9 is the most fun to drive.
@@michaeloxman3820 Part of the reason for the reverse tach was because being an over square engine it loves to rev! once you are above 6k or so the higher RPM's are clearly visible.
I had one of these a 1977 model in the 1990s I’m almost certain the headlight pods are the same as Lancia Stratos and the front Radiator is also out of a Ferrari of some sort……
Great to see the next generation take an interest in these lovely Italian retros
It was fun. 80 ish hp doesn’t sound like a lot but this car comes in around 2000 lbs so it gets going if you run the RPM up some.
Same in MR2 world. People scoff at the maybe 90hp on a good day, then are amazed at how fast it is in the twisties.
I had a '75 (maybe?) X1/9 and really enjoyed it. I was 24, 6'0", single. It handled really well. I never did "push" it, knowing that Fiat products have never had a reputation for being dependable. I lived in a town of about 2,500 people, and there was a guy in town that had one exactly like mine!! How did that happen? I didn't keep it very long. Years later I had 2 different Miatas, and '08 and a '12. They were both great cars - did some major travelling in them. From St. Louis, went to the Smokies, Key West, Yellowstone, New Orleans (not in one trip!), never had a problem. In the 14 years that I had them, there was not a month went by that I didn't have the top down at least once. (SL has some tough winters.) I also had an MG Midget in 1970, which I enjoyed a lot. The rarest of the cars was obviously the Fiat, which, like in this video, would bring some attention to itself simply due to its scarceness. Plus, the turquoise color was quite an eye-catcher. I'd love to drive one again.
Thanks for sharing your story, what’re the odds someone in your town had the exact same car?!
@@bbmotorsports1742 Frankly, the odds weren't that bad. I used to sell these. Let me explain. None of the cars came with a radio. There were probably about 8 colors to choose from. Two of them were metallic and cost extra. Besides the metallic paint, there was only one other option that being A/C. All of them had crank windows, the same tires, the same wheels, the same engine, the same gearbox etc. That's why it's not all that unusual to see two that are identical.
For those that think it is under powered. There are several of us that have done engine swaps. The most popular is the honda K series which will put you into the 200+ HP range.
Thanks for sharing!
In Europe you just put a turbo on it just like Fiat did in other models. It's a Lampredi SOHC, they're bulletproof. They're good up to 300 hp without even touching the factory piston-crankshaft assembly.
@@spavatch yup! Jealous! I still have a few of the parts to do that someday on a different x. You are totally right this is one of the best engines ever designed
@@autox19 superb engines I agree.
Just finished a 1500 sohc fast road - 150bhp 1500 on throttle bodies... should be dead reliable, good economy, normal service intervals etc.
Mine will hit the road this weekend! Yaaaaaaah!
That’s exciting! Car show season is upon us
Mine is still in its home,but just back from Turino 50 years of the X1/9s about 150 cars from most of Europe
I had a 1975 model. My wife and I went on a 3-week honeymoon in this car. The 2 trunks carried plenty of luggage for the trip from Philly to Miami, stopping all along the east coast and minimizing Interstate roads.
Nice work on the review! Regarding interior space, when Bertone took over sales after Fiat left the US Market in 1982, Bertone dropped the floor pan a bit, creating a couple more inches of headroom. I am six feet tall and not a small guy at 250 pounds, but I fit comfortably in my '87 model. So, if you are a big person, look for one of the 1983 to 1988 model years.
That is good info.
Thanks for the extra information! I always enjoy learning more about vehicles I'm not normally around
Tillett carbon seats from the Lotus Elise Cup, fit with custom runners and give 4" extra legroom.
My 81 x1/9 has the same interior but brown belts. This car has so many different options in interior colors and trim pieces and stickers and other body accessories
Fiat made so many amazing cars and at a good price! Driving a twinair turbo 500C at the moment, 105 HP for 950 kg so spicey enough as your car is. The X 1/9 still looks awesome and your car is very well kept have fun!
Thank you!
A great review and video. Two things, though: I’m six feet tall and have zero issues with the cabin space, as there’s actually a surprising amount of leg room. Also, there’s quite a bit of luggage capacity; the front boot (“froot”) is good for a couple of large bags and the rear boot is handy for smaller items, too. My wife and I tour in ours and find it quite adequate. Cheers from Tasmania, Australia.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear the x1/9 is still spacious for taller people as well.
I've had to put in a different wheel and spacer/adapter to make room for knees
Thanks for all the love of our Survivorr original FIAT x1/9 60K original miles with original paint.
Chet it was a fun car to ride in. Maybe you can take me for a spin after our next cruise in.
It’s done really well, everyone seems to love your unique car! It’s cool to learn about something you don’t get to see every day
Excellent job on the review of the X1/9. I owned one when stationed in Italy in the 1970's and loved that car, it was a '74. You did an awesome job on your review!!
Thanks so much!
nice channel hope you get more viwer per vid and good work 👍
Great video and review. - MODsquad
Thanks!!
👋 enjoyed your video, just goes to show you don't need massive power to have fun🤗
Hey...I know that car...LOL. Great review and the overhead shot of you driving was really cool. Also, great use of transitions to soften the cuts. Great Video!
Thanks so much!
th-cam.com/video/9mJNRy4eeMo/w-d-xo.html here you go. Little cross posting.
Nice little shout out to LIBERTY CARE CARE in Liberty, MO on your shirt.
Thanks!
This car was so fun to drive, engine so hard to work on. Got one in 1983 from a girl who looked just like you; she had a rack to carry a hang-glider on it. It was silver just like this one, I painted it Porsche red, drove it all over Santa Barbara, Calif. Sold it because the electrics were wonky and the lights would suddenly go off at night. Ive owned over 250 cars; The top Three for fun are #1. Miata #2. Porsche 914 #3. Fiat X-1/9
Thank you for sharing your experience. 250 cars is an impressive list! Really awesome the Fiat made top 3
6:17. Sorry, but there's TONS of luggage space. Open both trunks and add them together. Now compare that to a typical sports car of any era.
Had three of these over the years. A 1975, 1974 and finally a 1979. Not the quickest ride, but sure a heck of a lot of fun. The engine is bullet proof. All I have left of the last one is the larger carb I had installed in it.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Cool car 😎👌👌. It was a nice review 😊👌👌.
Thanks!
These cars can be made to look like a Lotus, wider tires ,especially in the back fender flairs and a tail in the back. 70's, (mostly) Italian styling , mid engine, whats not to like. There is one down the street from me at 2500 last i checked, tempted to pull the trigger, but to many projects,(72 Barracuda 2001 Porsche Boxster) this car i would have to be all in.Great Vid
Bravo pour l'essai ! Il aurait fallu l'essayer sur des petites routes sinueuses, c'est là qu'elle est la plus amusante à piloter. // Well done for the test! It should have been tested on small winding roads, that's where the X1/9 is the most fun to drive.
Thank you! I agree, I will have to borrow the x1/9 again to test it out on the winding roads
Happy Easter. Enjoy time with family.
Thank you! You as well
That's such a cool little car. That reverse sweeping tach would definitely take some getting used to. Great review!
You don't need to worry about the tach layout since it's blocked by the steering wheel!! Magnificent car though.
@@michaeloxman3820 Part of the reason for the reverse tach was because being an over square engine it loves to rev! once you are above 6k or so the higher RPM's are clearly visible.
Thank you!
@@bbmotorsports1742 welcome
You know that one is a nice example because the plastic on the front bumper isn't "baconing" 😄
Cool😎 break down
Thank you :)
The X 1/9 was build from 1974 till 1988
I had one of these a 1977 model in the 1990s
I’m almost certain the headlight pods are the same as Lancia Stratos and the front Radiator is also out of a Ferrari of some sort……
Cute little car .
Agreed!
It's was never 80hp but more like 65hp on carburetor version and 75hp on EFI.
research shows 84 HP during these years. At least that is the listed power level.
Had an 80 and an 81 model and both were only 61 HP not 80.
Mistake: only 65hp on US X1/9s.
Sources show 85 HP and 87 TQ.
@@bradshawcowan9621 Not in the US. Ever.
Late European injected X1/9s did, however.
@@johnsalley1081 Thank you for the data. It is always good to get update info!
Cute
Yeah but it's a Fiat!
th-cam.com/video/1WJXCgfvo7s/w-d-xo.html