(Editor’s note: This being the traditional deadline week for filing federal income taxes — yes, we realize that deadline has been extended this year because of the pandemic — we’re focusing the Pick of the Day selections to vehicles being advertised for sale for four figures. The thought is that you might be getting enough of a refund to buy one of these cars, or after paying Uncle Sam, you might have enough left over to consider one of our suggestions.)
Imagine, a mid-engine Italic exotic being advertised on ClassicCars.com for only $6,500. Sorry, it’s not a Ferrari or Lamborghini, but a 1986 Bertone X1/9, and it’s being offered for sale by its original and only owner.
“I am the original owner of this Bertone X1/9 Targa,” the private seller says in the ad. “5 speed manual transmission. Outside is blue on blue. Interior is black and burgundy. It has a removable hardtop, power windows and AM/FM cassette.
“It was purchased out in Half Moon Bay, California, where it spent 10 years then to Maryland and is currently on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
“The car has had normal service. It was never used when there was salt on the road. The body is clean with a few nicks. The interior is in good condition.”
The seller notes that the sports car is shown with aftermarket wheels, adding, “I also have the original (factory) wheels.”
The Bertone is equipped with an AM/FM radio with cassette player and has power windows. The car shows 124,000 miles and is powered by its original fuel-injected engine, the ad says.
In 1986, that engine would have been a 1,498cc 4-cylinder rated at 75 horsepower and enabling the little 2-seater to sprint to 60 mph in 12.4 seconds.
The cars were designed for Fiat by Bertone, at the time headed by Marcello Gandini. The design was inspired by Gandini’s 1969 Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept car. The little mid-engine X1/9 features cargo trunks in both the front and rear.
Fiat produced the X1/9 from 1972-1982, when Bertone took over production, which lasted into 1989.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
This is a tremendous value for this car. If it is rust free it is one to buy. Finding one of these final X1/9s in great condition is quite difficult and these are fun cars to drive. Also I am 6’4″ tall and I even fit in these cars which is crazy.
A really neat car…I like the standard rims or hubs on the other picture…than the fancy type on this rig…Very unique car…Thanks for posting…
Terrible machines, a Corolla would be faster.
and your point is…….?
Hopefully after Bertone designed this car his days as a car designer we’re over!
Alright Andy and Larry……..you got me on this one. I owned (2) X1/9’s on Long Island in the 1980’s……great spot, thanks. I emailed the Owner to ask him to speak to me. Over the 1980’s prior to my Military enlistment (first Gulf War) we canibilized the 1979 X 1/9 to keep the 1982 X 1/9 running. I sold it to my buddy who then drove it to North Carolina….wow, really for that car. He is a Post Man and after 3 years of diligent service…and over heating it blew the head gasket and was ……(ah….) retired. While it was in NY we had it re-sprayed IROC Camaro Blue……great look. So maybe I’ll be able to save/re-furb this one in my retirement (I’m in GA now). Yes when they are on the road running they are a blast…..cause I sold my Ferrari F430 when I left Europe on my final assignment. Thanks for what you guys do. Joe (yes, of course….photos are certainly available).