Fiat’s X1/9 arrived at the CAR offices just before Christmas 1976, in time for inclusion in the February 1977 issue – quite the ideal time of the year to enjoy the little roadster’s finer attributes.
Designed by styling house Bertone, the X1/9 featured a removable hard top that could be stowed in the front luggage area, spare wheel in the crevice behind the driver, a 1,3-litre four-cylinder engine mounted amidships, and a second stowage area just behind the motor. The X1/9’s wedge profile also later inspired sister company Lancia’s Stratos.
Fiat’s powerplant boasted humble outputs of 66 kW at 6 000 r/min and 97 N.m of torque at 4 000 r/min, but the X1/9’s excellent handling characteristics and low mass of 880 kg meant that the overall package could easily be exploited to its full potential.
