Beautiful Photos of Fiat X1/9, One of the First Truly Affordable Mid-Engine Sports Cars

The Bertone X1/9 is a two-seater sports car designed by Bertone and built by Fiat from 1972–1982 and subsequently by Gruppo Bertone from 1982–1989. Intended to be the first affordable mid-engined sports car, the X1/9 is notable for its sharp styling and impeccable handling.

The targa top can be stored in the front luggage compartment. It was originally designed as a sports car for the masses. The X1/9 came stock with a single overhead cam 1290cc engine that was mounted transversely ahead of the rear axle line and a four-speed transmission.

After 1978, it came with a 1489cc engine and a five-speed transmission. X1/9s have four wheel independent suspension with Macpherson struts. The brakes are disc, front and back. It has rack and pinion steering. No power brakes or power steering, and all the instrumentation is analog.

For the U.S. market, additional emission control equipment and large safety bumpers were added, which sapped performance.