Though Fiat isn’t a name we see often anymore in the U.S., the brand has had some memorable highlights—like the Fiat X1/9. Here’s a look at what made this speedster so special.
Currently, the Fiat name is not the most popular among car brands in the U.S.. However, there was a time when Fiat vehicles earned both critical acclaim and popularity among drivers. The Fiat X1/9 was one of Fiat's most successful
, the X1/9 raised eyebrows for its surprisingly inexpensive price, as its MSRP was less than $5,000. Price was only one thing that made this quirky Fiat a classic, though.
Birth and early success of the Fiat X1/9
In 1972, Fiat's mid-engine X1/9 took audiences by storm with its sharp wedge-shaped design. Speed was not necessarily the car's strong suit, and it took almost 15 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. However, the Fiat X1/9 made up for whatever it lacked with impressive handling and otherwise fun driving.
Early reviews of the Fiat X1/9 were overwhelmingly positive, with some comparing the X1/9 to a Ferrari. The timing of the launch was also a positive for Fiat, as other, more expensive sports cars like the Porsche 914 were coming out. The less expensive Fiat X1/9 served a market of drivers who wanted a mid-engine sports car experience without paying the standard price.
As the Fiat X1/9 gained success in the early and mid-1970s, versions of it entered the racing scene. The X1/9 had mixed success racing, but it helped spread the brand further.
Increased competition posed challenges for the Fiat X1/9
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The Fiat X1/9 earned its place alongside other legendary '70s sports cars, and it continued into the 1980s as well. After Fiat stopped selling cars in the United States, manufacturer Bertone got a deal to start bringing the X1/9 to the U.S. once again. X1/9 cars with the Bertone name began selling in the U.S. in 1983.
However, the Fiat X1/9 was losing steam, and this was in part due to the competition that they saw in the mid-1980s. Cars like the Toyota MR2 and Pontiac Fiero became the hot new things.
It also didn't help that the cost of the Fiat X1/9 became much higher. Affordability was originally one of the X1/9's main appeals, but this was no longer the case when the price grew to three times that of the original. With popularity declining, production on the X1/9 ended in 1988.
Can this classic Fiat be found today?
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Because of its unique place in automotive history, collectors highly value the classic X1/9 today. The car's lack of power and some issues with reliability initially limited the number of people who were interested in it. As time passed, though, it gained popularity.
Despite any newfound popularity, it is actually quite affordable compared to some other classic sports cars. MotorTrend notes that buyers can find Fiat X1/9 models for under $10,000.
If someone is considering which Fiat X1/9 to buy, cars from the early 1970s are the most desired. If possible, it may be best to avoid cars from the 1975 model year through 1978. These are the model years most associated with some of the X1/9's issues.
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