Fiat X1/9 5-speed (1979)

[1959scudetto]

In 1972 Fiat introduced its Bertone-designed mid-engine  X1/9  Spider. It had a 1300 cc, 75 hp engine and replaced the 850 Spider. With a Targa-type removable  roof  similar to the Porsche 914 and extraordinary road-holding abilities it was sometimes called “poor man’s Ferrari” .

In 1978, the 2^nd series followed:  1500 cc, 85 hp and a 5-speed transmission. Unfortunately, this one carried heavy bumpers as it was exported to the US to meet their safety regulations.

When Fiat wanted to drop it in 1982 because of declining sales, Bertone took over for some more years and the car was now sold as “Bertone X1/9” until 1988.

In 2009, in the Italian newsstand “Quattroruote” series, the 1979 Fiat X1/9  5-speed was released as #46 of 50 models. It got reissued in March 2015 as #33 in the 66 pcs.  “Auto vintage deluxe collection” with a sturdy plexi box (blue version).

Manufactured by Ixo, everything opens (doors, 2 trunk lids, engine cover, 2 pop-up lights), very fine details all around, you can even remove the hardtop.

With a little TLC, this can be turned into a spectacular little model – here it is as it came out of the box - on to the pics:

Edited July 2, 2023 by 1959scudetto

[Mittagskind]

That´s a nice little car and a beautiful model.

[Gramps46]

What an impressive model and thanks for the history.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Looks like a great model. 

Thanks for the heads-up. I've owned and loved several X1/9s. It'd be nice to have one in 1/24.  

Edited July 2, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[Tiger AVG]

Those die-casts are very detailed. Nice representations of the real deal.

Perhaps sadly, I have owned waaay too many of these little cars. Cheap fun, basically street legal go-carts.

Just finished one for my son (a surprise...congrats on finishing his enlistment of 5 years). And just dragged yet another one into the shop for a winter restoration.

BTW, the Entex/Bandai 1/20th X1/9 is a fantastic kit. Expensive, but worth it.

 

Edited August 26, 2023 by Tiger AVG
more