Fiat Family Affair-Her Version: 1979 Fiat X1/9
About a week back, we featured the story of a 1981 Fiat X1/9 in pristine condition that was the “his” part of a pair of cars. That Fiat was in spectacular condition, and it spurred a bit of a debate on both the brown paint and whether the price was justified given the amount of money and work it would take to restore a lesser car to that standard. Well, today we are profiling the “her” part of this duo of cars. This even more beautiful 1979 Fiat X1/9 for sale on Craigslist in Oxford, Michigan has just 14,600 miles on the odometer and is finished in a stunning black with complimenting Cromodora wheels. Is it worth the $19,995 asking price? Thanks go to Pat L. for the second half of this Fiat find!
As an automotive enthusiast, I am certain you have met people who have a special affinity for their favorite car. Whether it is a large collection of literature or a car collection that focuses on one specific make, model, or year, the dedication we see in this hobby is awe-inspiring. The owner of these two Fiats certainly has that bug. Both the “his” version and this car represent some of the nicest X1/9s to be seen on this website. Both cars are completely original, and both feature low mileage for their age. It must have taken a lot of time to find cars this good and certainly showed an allegiance to these little two-seat mid-engine beauties to keep them in such great shape.
Sadly, the love affair with these cars has to come to an end for the seller. A corporate transfer to Germany is in the near future and these Fiats will not be loaded on a great ocean liner for a romantic adventure on the Autobahn. Both must find new homes. The good news is that each one of the pair can be considered a great catch for a new owner.
One has to feel for the seller in this case. The ad tells the story of a car that was cared for. According to that ad, the seller was planning on purchasing a lesser X1/9 and restoring it. Everything that was found would categorically fit in a bin called “rusty junk” despite having made a nationwide search. It was then this car was found and the seller must have realized that they would be money ahead to just go ahead and purchase a great car to start with. The car also came with a notebook full of documentation chronicling everything from maintenance to factory records. Upon returning home with the prize, new carpet was installed, and the top, engine lid, and trunk were treated to new paint. A set of Cromodora wheels were the icing on the cake. The car starts up and runs without fuss and many parts present as if new.
While these cars are not for everyone, the two cars represent a real opportunity for a fan of these diminutive sports cars. The price may seem a bit high, especially if you want both of them. Perhaps interested parties need to consider two things. The first would be that these cars have to be sold by a certain date. Serious negotiations would perhaps produce a positive outcome for both parties. Second, what does $20,000 buy anymore in today’s inflationary economy? Just this morning I saw an ad for a 21-year-old Ford Ranger with 140,000 miles in fair condition. That truck was being advertised for $7,000. In my area, they will likely get that price. It may be too early to pay $20,000 for a nice Fiat X1/9. However, the day that the price will seem a bargain is coming quickly.
What do you think about this pair of Fiat X1/9s? Overpriced? Are they a bargain? Please let us know in the comments.
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Comments
The black color really diffuses the look of the ugly bumpers. In good condition like this one these cars are a lot of fun. Don’t know market value so can’t comment on it. Nice car.
I had a blue 1978 Fiat X1/9… I truly loved that car. I ran all over Southern California in her. I see these two beauties and it brings it all back. If I had the funds available I’d purchase both of them. Being a 100% Disabled veteran though… that isn’t in the cards. Absolutely beautiful vehicles!!!
I owned one in 83 and wasn’t making alotta money back then, I was 21. It was at least 100 bucks every couple weeks to keep the thing running. Loved driving it and the handling was superb. My girlfriend nicknamed it “Hummingbird”
I would like to have another one just to get out and tool around country roads. That bill would be more like a grand every couple weeks now. FIAT—stands for “fix it again Tony!” If you could only LS one of these little puppies. You’d need to attach a sidecar to mount the engine!
How about dropping a nice civic engine in? That would at least ensure it would start every day.
I met a guy with a tuned 350HP V-Tech motor in his X1/9. He had to flair the fenders to get more rubber on the road. I wish I’d gotten to drive it.
The Fix It Again Tony only fits for people who don’t know how to care for these cars. I’m on my fourth 124. Yes, they took a bit to sort out but after that work they were as reliable as any of my cars. The X1/9 is a razon blade of a car that makes the most of its small engine. The 124 Spider is more fun than almost any car at it’s price point.
Another MattR! Glad we have similar opinions! Cheers.
It ist a miracle there are still some X19 around. I remember those sporting rust bubbles everywhere only 3 years after introduction in the market….the X19 was a cute pocket Ferrari but Fiat built real bad quality back in those days. Politely said. Obviously these two cuties never seen rain or snow! However, nothing makes only nearly as much fun on a tight twisting road like these!
I remember seeing Fiat X19s around as a kid in the 80s and 90s and the final bertone versions and I always liked them. It’s clear where Toyota copied their design of the 1st generation MR2s
I, as an automotive enthusiast, realize, every car has it’s following. While I can’t understand why a particular vehicle has any attraction at all, I’ll try and be respectful. To a “non”-Fiat person, it’s clear why the low mileage, it never ran long enough to accumulate any miles. While I never actually owned a Fiat, they were all around, and had a poor reputation. Okay, not many X1/9s, but ANY Fiat could be had for nothing, fix what sidelined it, and maybe get a year before something else sidelinded it. It was no Chevy Nova, and people found that out pretty quick. My credentials include, a good friend was a Fiat salesman in Waukesha, Wis. and we knew all about Fiats shortcomings. There were more Fiats BEHIND the building waiting on parts, than on the lot. The X1/9 was without a doubt, the coolest Fiat, and probably a blast to drive,,for a while. Like with the Jeep, AAA membership is a must have here.
These were garbage right off the boat. Guys around my area drove them in the winter. The joke was on them. That’s why they only exist in California and in memory banks.