BF Auction: 1987 Bertone X1/9
- Seller: Jonathan M
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Mileage: 48,000 Shown
- Chassis #: ZBBBS00A2H7161777
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1,500cc 4-Cylinder
- Transmission: 5-Speed
Seeing British manufacturers’ incredible success in selling sports cars in the US market, Fiat did its best to grab a share of that valuable market. The 124 Spider proved to be a success for the company, but was in a very competitive market, competing with the likes of the MGB and Alfa Romeo’s Spider. With the departure of the 850 Spider, they needed something new to fill that gap, so they turned to Bertone to design and develop something new and unique. The mid-engined X1/9 was a major departure from the 850 it replaced, but it carved out its niche and fan base. As the brand exited the States, it handed full production of the X1/9 over to Bertone, meaning cars built between 1982 and 1989 are the ones to get. This 1987 X1/9, being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction, is in wonderful condition and is ready to be enjoyed!
Just before Bertone’s stewardship of the X1/9, Fiat equipped the 1.5-liter Lampredi-designed 4-cylinder engine with Bosche fuel injection and a 5-speed transmission. While emission regulations had taken their toll on horsepower, the change to fuel injection improved usability and made for a more reliable car. Horsepower was rated at 75, and torque was claimed to be right around 80 ft. lbs. It wasn’t blistering, but the 2,200-pound curb weight meant it was plenty of power to be fun. After Bertone took over production, they made several other changes that improved the car, including improved rust-proofing, different seating to accommodate taller drivers and an improved electronics system.
Bertone’s changes to the interior increased comfort and build quality. This example was optioned with the leather interior featuring leather-covered seats, door cards, and a steering wheel. While the seats have some blemishes, they appear to be in good condition. Overall, the interior is exceptional throughout. According to the seller, the previous owner installed new door panels, sun visors, shifter gait bag, carpets, shift knob, and a new factory Bertone branded steering wheel. In total, the previous owner spent about $6,500 to get the car to its current level. One of the other changes made by Bertone was the addition of optional A/C, which this car came with. The seller has had all the work done to ensure it blows cold, but the air temperature slide selector became faulty and wasn’t switching between hot and cold. Since the part is nearly impossible to find, an alternate selector was placed under the dash to allow switching from heat to cool. The system works as it should, including the other climate control buttons.
Given its location in the car, getting a good look at the engine is challenging, but from what can be seen, it looks well sorted. The seller purchased this car in 2018. The previous owner did an extensive amount of work on the car, including cosmetic and mechanical work, to ensure the car was in top condition. The seller has thoroughly enjoyed the car and has done quite a bit to it as well. A complete list of work is included below.
Work performed by the Previous Owner
- New exhaust system with header, heat shield, muffler, and tailpipe
- New braided hood, trunk, engine cover, and throttle cables
- New aluminum trunk/engine cover lever housing
- Powder-coated sill rails, air filter box, rear muffler valance, and engine mount
- Factory “dial up” rims were sand-blasted, powder-coated, CNC machined, and clear-coated with new center caps.
- New Bosch oxygen sensor
- New Bosch cold start valve
- New Bosch air meter
- New front and rear KYB “Black” struts
- New Brembo rotors and pads,
- New brake and clutch master cylinders and clutch slave cylinder
- New fuel lines
- New tires.
Work performed by the Seller
- Added an original in-dash clock
- Air conditioning serviced and converted from R12 to R134 and works beautifully now
- Added a center console with storage
- 3-M Tint 25% on side windows and rear window
- Installed Kenwood JVC: AM/FM stereo CD player with Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone, Android, IHeart radio, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM ready
- Replaced strut tower caps
- Repaired and replaced exhaust gasket and manifold
- Replaced speedometer cable
- Replaced horn with working used original part
- Replaced coolant expansion overflow tank with stainless steel part
- Rebuilt the cylinder head, adjusted the valves, and replaced the seals in August 2022 (cost $4,900)
- Removed and reinstalled the oil pan
- Inspected pistons and replaced the rings
- Replaced fuel-injectors
- Repaired air conditioning hose
- Rewired fan relay
- Weatherstripping was replaced around doors, top/roofline, and the targa top in October of 2023
If you’ve been hunting for a super clean X1/9, this example might be your car! With their mid-engine layout, zippy engine, and great handling, these little cars are a blast to drive. The car includes the original Owner’s Manual, the Owner’s Warranty and Service Book, and the Kenwood JVC Instruction Manual. Just 1,200 of these fun little sports cars were imported in ’87, and there can’t be many left in this nice of condition. So, be sure to cast your high bid below, and if you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comments.
Bid On This Auction
vram bid $17,000.00 2024-07-01 09:31:05
Charley S bid $16,500.00 2024-07-01 08:52:07- vram bid $15,000.00 2024-06-30 22:19:11
- Charley S bid $14,500.00 2024-06-30 18:55:20
- vram bid $14,000.00 2024-06-30 18:35:44
- Charley S bid $13,500.00 2024-06-30 15:13:53
Dominic bid $12,000.00 2024-06-30 10:09:01- vram bid $11,500.00 2024-06-29 21:33:26
- Dominic bid $11,000.00 2024-06-29 18:03:28
- vram bid $10,500.00 2024-06-29 17:57:11
- Dominic bid $10,250.00 2024-06-29 10:03:50
- vram bid $10,000.00 2024-06-29 09:13:44
- Dominic bid $9,500.00 2024-06-28 16:58:28
- vram bid $8,800.00 2024-06-28 16:50:08
- Dominic bid $8,500.00 2024-06-28 09:06:18
- vram bid $8,100.00 2024-06-27 13:25:37
Geox19 bid $7,700.00 2024-06-27 11:55:45- Dominic bid $6,500.00 2024-06-27 11:53:07
- Geox19 bid $6,200.00 2024-06-27 09:54:35
- Dominic bid $5,000.00 2024-06-27 09:39:07
- Geox19 bid $4,700.00 2024-06-25 20:46:48
- vram bid $3,250.00 2024-06-25 17:38:25
- Dominic bid $2,750.00 2024-06-25 16:13:49
marbella car restauration bid $2,500.00 2024-06-25 09:54:25- Dominic bid $1,250.00 2024-06-25 09:12:15
Larry bid $1,000.00 2024-06-24 15:31:41
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Comments
My buddy had a red ‘74 with tan interior that he bought new when we were in high school. We had a lot of fun in it. He added some aftermarket wheels and a smoked top panel. Didn’t have many problems with it but being a Fiat the build quality was poor. It did turn heads back in the day as they were rarely seen.
The owner(s) took a lot of pride of ownership of this Fiat. Im not an expert on these, but this sure looks like a phenomenal example. All the work done to it makes it pretty much a hit the key and go scenario. Sure hope this goes to a great new home and enjoy ed and cared for as much as it was in the past. Just looking at it, makes me want to drive it, run it through the gears on some nice back twisty mountain roads with a huge grin on my face from ear to ear.
Is there a way to contact seller with this question? (or possibly they will respond here for all to see).
Q: Does this car retain the original smog equipment including catalytic converter (such that it could be registered in CA)? Best Regards
This Bertone is all Original except for the window tint and stereo system.
Yes the catalytic converter is on the car.
With the speedometer cable having been replaced, do you believe the miles shown to be correct? Also, is there anything else that you feel needs to be done? Seems like a lot of work for what looks like a low mile car. I’m considering buying it and driving it. Home to Ohio is there any reason you think that it wouldn’t be OK to drive that far in its current condition.
The speedometer cable was only replaced because it made noise. The milage is correct looking at DMV records of ownership per year. Honestly I cannot think of anything that needs to be done on the car, or it would be done. When I purchased it, the car being in Portland OR I drove it home with no issues, except driving through the Mojave desert without the A/C working yet. Don’t think you would have any problems driving it to Ohio or anywhere else for that matter.
What’s the best way to talk to the seller?
I had an employee who owned a Fiat X/19 that slowly self-destructed.
Fiat’s attempt at copying Porsche’s 914 did not go well.
Wow, beautiful color – never seen it before!
If I was a regular size guy this could be a lot of fun. Back in ’79-80 I shared rides to college with my friend Mike. He wanted one of these. We stopped at the dealership to see if I was able to ride. No way could I fold up and sit in the passenger seat. He said “this isn’t going to work”. I’m sure the sales floor thought that was sweet.
I had a 1974 X/19 and I enjoyed every minute of it, as did my mechanic. The one listed is a great looking car and I would love to have it. That being said, it should remain in a dry climate to maintain its condition.
Wow what a nice Bertone. I had an 87 Bertone that I bought brand new right off the showroom floor. Mine was silver and black with black leather interior. It really looked sharp. It was such a fun car to have everyone thought it was an expensive sports car. I spent a lot of weekends driving it on twisty curved roads and it was a blast. It hugged the road like it was glued to it. Just a really fun car. Never had any problems out of it. I would love to have this one gonna watch close if it stays in my price range I’m a bidder. Good luck to the seller and to the buyer get it out on some twisty curvey back roads and enjoy it. Who says you can’t buy fun lol.
There is no Lampredi engine in this car. The initial engine was redesigned w. 2oh cams and raced under cover in the States for 2 years (1970-71) by Abarth as an Abarth race car. For a cheaper production run Fiat did 1oh cam. Very few internal components from the initial Lampredi engine can be used. In fact my mechanic was able to find the struts that hold the head on the engine body when i needed a full rebuild after 400,000 km, in Mitsubishi Evo 300hp spare parts bin! Although in EU was advertised as a 85hp engine (1,500cc) it seems that some cars in competitive EU markets were produced with more than that. My mechanic has a book with various degrees of tuning for up to 130hp.
Aurelio Lampredi designed both the DOHC and the smaller SOHC engines for Fiat. Few if any major components are shared in common or swappable between these two different engines financembinc.comIK.
The twin-cam was initially equipped in the Fiat 124, and the single-cam in the 128, tho’ of course they both eventually appeared in many other models afterward, including the X1/9 which got its powertrain from the 128.
Fiat authorized Abarth to build an engine for the X1/9. So Abarth built and raced secretly the 1,500 doh cam in the States in 1971-72. The final result was considered by Fiat as overengineered and expensive so it was decided not to be used in any other Groupo car, with only exception the Lancia Delta automatic.
Does it have any rust? Does everything work perfectly (gauges, etc.)?
My girlfriend bought one new and worked downtown. Nice little car but she parked in a highrise parking garage and never could get the brakes to stop sweaking….didn’t know about the rotor covers they were making at the time.
My sister bought an 81 new similar color but darker almost maroon with a buck interior it was a hoot to drive. She really never had any issues with it but her future husband couldn’t fit in it so she traded it in on a Volvo in 84,
I am seriously watching this one
If it stays reasonably priced I may jump in on the bidding as the end nears
It doesn’t have any rust anywhere. This Bertone has had a good life being cared for. Yes all gauges work, The speedometer tachometer, voltage, engine temp, fuel.
Original Paint? Any previous bodywork? What will it need? Thank you.
Don’t believe it is the Original factory paint. I believe it’s been re-painted, with the Original color then sanded and clear-coated as the shine is unbelievable and the color so rich. It turns heads and gets thumbs up when ever I drive it anywhere. There’s no bodywork shown, or that comes up on the car history report. It truly needs nothing done.
I’ve owned a 74, a 76 and a 87. All fun cars that ran well, just got to keep up with the maintenace. I’m 6’2″ and I fit fine in all of them. Most fun I ever had on 4 wheels. Prices are on the rise for these, good examples are hard to find, now is the time to buy one. This one looks reasonable, but I expect it will go for over $15K.
Azzura, I’m 5’7″ and of course fit fine. My best friend is 6’3″ and fits fine too. I purchased the Bertone in 2018 for $15K. Being a X19 collector I had to make sure it was the best.. putting in over $10K. I’m hoping for better then $15K
Would like to arrange an inspection. Seller, can you please provide your contact info?
You’re welcome to private message me, and we can arrange for you to have a inspection done.
This is a great Bertone X19, of the 4 that I have owned, this is the best one of all. Truly have had no problems with it. Just upgraded and renewed things to enhance its performance and look. I have enjoyed it, with all the other cars I have collected, it is time to let it go and move on to the next. You will not find a better original Bertone X19.
Any questions about anything feel free to ask:
I have service records, and receipts from everything that’s been done to the car. Forgot to add it comes with a custom car cover, as it’s covered in my garage, not out in the elements ever.
Hi seller! I understand there are no overheating problems, right? No oil leaks? Thanks. It is a beautiful car. I so regret selling mine (1986 model).
vram, there is no overheating problems at all, even driving through the Mojave desert in July. At least now the air-conditioning system is working, and working great! As it wasn’t when I purchased it. No oil leaks since the engine gaskets, and oil pan gasket replaced. It’s a great car and been very good to me. No reason to have regrets. You can buy this one!
When I first contacted BarnFinds I was sure of putting the Reserve at 20K. Which is still much lower than what I have in the car.
After looking at all the cars in our driveway and garage. We lowered the Reserve by 3K I’m sure it’s going to go and I will miss it but this will not be my last Bertone X19
Less than 1 day left in the auction.
Thanks for all your bids.
Any questions ask..
It’s rare to see a Bertone in this great condition. I think you will definitely hit your reserve price and likely much more. Good luck!
It’s rare to find a Bertone in such great condition. I miss the silver ’86 I had and will be closely watching this one. I have no doubt you’ll hit your reserve and probably much more. Good luck!
Charley S, I had a 86 Bertone, it was black and white beautiful color combination. It even had air-conditioning like this one. They were the only two I had that had air-conditioning. I think this one is nicer looking the color is really amazing. And it is definitely the best of the 4 I’ve owned . You’re welcome to bid. Monday is the ending.
Here is one very similar that was bid to $7K and reserve not met on BAT 06/10/2024.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-fiat-bertone-x1-9-3/
Reserve is $3,500 away. Happy Bidding
$2,500 left to met Reserve Thank You for bidding on this one of a kind Bertone X19
Good morning Bidders! Your $500 away from the Reserve!
Good Luck I appreciate your support! Feel free to ask any questions.
I will miss this car! This is the best Bertone X19 I’ve ever owned!
The reserve is off!