I have an '86 X1/9 and drive it almost daily. With electronic points, a refurbed carb and upgraded main jets it's super reliable and responsive; the handling is tight too. The layout and packaging of the whole car was genius.

It's tiny he says 😂 😂 😂 as he moves the seat forward after getting in. 😂

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂

@paulypoos1

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV Do you fancy doing a review of my mint BMW M5 F10 with comp pack. I've got a booster seat you could borrow. 😂

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

@Delta 67 😂😂😂😂😂

I had one of these as a young man. I watched this with a tear in my eye. There isn't anything that anyone could ever say to change my opinion of this super little sports car. I need one in my life!

@ollieox4176

3 жыл бұрын

If you can do it!!

@cdipri62

2 жыл бұрын

I had a '79 but sold it due to rust but miss it very much

@Americathebeautiful49

4 ай бұрын

I had a 74 and I lived very close to my mechanic so all was good. Loved it.

Sorry to be that guy but the bodies were always made at bertone and to keep the Americans happy they are incredibly strong. That's why they are 900kg. Mythbusters tried to crush one between two trucks and failed. Mines done 104k and in the 4 years I've had I've never been left at the side of the road. Something must be wrong with that one if it isn't steering properly, the wonky steering wheel is a bit of a giveaway. Anyway nice to see one being tested on KZread 👍

@TrashLefties

3 жыл бұрын

16 years and never stranded. :)

@ollieox4176

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree

@wootuser

2 жыл бұрын

This car screams mod me make me right. 1. Engine/tranny swap. 2. Suspension upgrade 3. Strip it down. 4. Dallara kit 5. Track it kzread.info/dash/bejne/pIWg1NWRopzAnag.html

@Americathebeautiful49

4 ай бұрын

I had one here in America that was a 1973 delivered in 1974 to the Lamborghini dealership in Beverly Hills California. I was stranded once with a broken accelerator cable I believe. This was one of the cars that was the most fun to drive through the twisty canyon roads between LA and the Valley. Mine was lime green the same color of the Lamborghini of that year.

It might be the case that these videos are watched by just a handful, but let me assure that the ones watching are truly loving it. Thanks for creating different content!

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, David - that means a lot 👏👏

@FrostedSeagull

3 жыл бұрын

You said it David 👍!

@NH00531

3 жыл бұрын

Well put David.👍

@Pablo-bp3dq

3 жыл бұрын

Quality over quantity 😎👍🏻

@anandpushkar7510

3 жыл бұрын

That's definitely true

One of my best friends in high school got a brand new X1/9 as an early graduation gift from his parents. It was a really cool car to cruise around in, especially in the summer with the top off. I have always been a big fan of the bertone design, lightweight tossable driving, and quirky interior. Back in the 70s this was a poor man's Ferrari for those that couldn't afford a 308 Dino.

Better looking car than MX-5, MG , Toyota MR-2 or Triumph TR7

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Well, steady on...

The steering wheel! 😂 What kind of blind mechanic took care of that car? The wheel would drive me crazy! It needs to be turned left serveral notches to stand correctly, so that turning to the left is similar to turning to the right. Every mechanic with professional honour would fix that. Gee!

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

It’s removed regularly for the owner to get in and out. Must’ve not been put back on properly

I had one before they added Bertone to the name. Still had the same 1.5 l. Some things must have been out of whack on your example. Steering on mine was precise with very tight handling. Shift linkage on mine and I understand all was clunky and slow. Brings back wonderful memories either way.

X19 was designed by Marcello Gandini when he was with Bertone and at the time he was worried that the US was going to change the crash test speed from 30 mph to 50 mph so to be on the safe side he designed the car to withstand a 50 mph crash test. the chassis is a single piece of bent metal that runs around and over the driver the actual B pillar hides the chassis forming the roll over bar . its a strong little car with an excellent pedigree. Here in Brisbane back in I think was 1986 a nurse who owned one managed to roll the car, she did not have a scratch but got concussion when some idiot pressed the release button on her seatbelt and she fell on her head. and why wouldn't you call it a Fiat this car company has been making cars for the masses since 1894 we tend to forget that Fiats are made to be abused and thrown away they are designed to be cheep and cheerful but we keep insisting on demanding that they be made more expensive and then complain about it.

@mrradman2986

3 жыл бұрын

Mine was hit from behind when stationary by a ford Fiesta XR2 travelling at around 30mph on a motorway in a snarl up and catapulted into the car in front bending a solid steel tow bar. I climbed out and inspected the fiesta which had a completely crushed front end leaking fluids. I had a few scratches in the aluminium rear bumper. Same at the front where the damage was limited to a broken number plate. I was able to drive home without incident. The fiesta was a complete write-off.

@kevinwong6588

2 жыл бұрын

The TR7 was also designed to meet proposed U.S. DOT test standards.

@joevarga5982

Жыл бұрын

@@mrradman2986 Cool story, bro.

@mrradman2986

Жыл бұрын

@@joevarga5982 I still have the car now. A Gran Finale purchased new back in 1989.

@joevarga5982

Жыл бұрын

@@mrradman2986 I accidentally bumped into a Fiesta with my elbow one time and it was a complete write-off.

Hi Car Guys.. I had the same toy!! Nice to see here complete with boat and trailer. I am very familiar with the story and history of the X19 and have built two from the ground up myself,, I do not consider myself as a expert technician but have much experience with detail and operations of this particular car. The car you reviewed is a Bertone and was put together at the Bertone factory with great care. The wing was only for styling and only for the Gran Finale. No down force was ever needed for the X.. The race version Dallara wing was only to allow the air to flow to the rear to restrict the vortices behind the rear window.... Lets just note this Bertone you are reviewing is a 30 year old car, This one is definitely 'not' pristine (looks only go so far). Only a handful of this color and from what I know only in the UK... A known fact,, the X19 is one of the best handling cars that was EVER produced without the aid of traction control.. Sorry you had to experience one that obviously has worn out shocks and worn out bushings, obvious again, the brakes are bad on this one and the master cylinder more than likely needs replacing, It is unfortunate that this one only does 112mph,, I have two,, one a 85 Bertone, and a 1980 Fiat,, both stock... Crash testing.. (keep in mind this car was designed in 1970 and just after the Lamborghini Muria) The only other car in comparison for crashing is Volvo.. I do take offence to the fact it is a "tin can", It has been documented as one of the best crash designs ever,, and thus the lack of knowledge and research on your part. When these cars are modified,,, they are equivalent or exceed any modern day sports car.. the tighter the track the better performance! Anyway,, I do appreciate the video regardless,, just wish you had a solid X19 to test to come to some more reasonable conclusions. Check this out,, lots of reality here guys,, facebook.com/iCSUNONOVE/ ...BTW,, drive that Porsche in 30 years with the same mileage of this X19 without proper maintenance and see .. just a pretty car that more than likely have a coolant leak.. Just my experiences with Porsche in general.

@Crusader63com

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree!

The Gran Finale was the run out model available in the U.K only, launched by Fiat U.K in March 1989. It was based on the 1988 Special Edition X1/9, and was available in only 2 colours, Mica Blue and Mica Red. With the addition of the Gran Finale badges on the rear quarters and dashboard, the model also sported the rear spoiler, which was fitted by the dealers, not Fiat. Consequently, some were fitted the wrong way round, or in may cases not at all. I had a Gran Finale on which the spoiler was fitted the right way round, but didn't have cut out for the aerial, there was just a rubber plug in the hole where the aerial would be fitted right underneath the edge of the spoiler. Perhaps the dealership offered the original owner a choice of an aerial or spoiler. Its the best car I have ever owned, and you can bet your bottom dollar all those who tell you its crap have never driven one

The wheel being just off of centre was driving me mad watching you drive it, let’s alone what it would be like to drive it. My neighbour as a kid had one of these and I used to walk past it so slowly everyday and admire. Great memories....

I am 55 years of age, that means that I saw this car when it just came out of factory among other Fiats just like the fiat 130 and 130 coupe at age 7!... I fell in love instantly, I considered it a baby Lamborghini. I wished it would someday get the 1600cc twin cam engine from Fiat 124, which unfortunately never did (the 2000cc would really be to much for this size of car) Anyway, I still love it (with the original bumpers, not these ugly pieces of plastic) and I thank you for reviewing it! Keep up the good work CarGuys! Greetings from Greece

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Antonis - glad you liked it

I had a 1500cc X/19 in silver back inthe early 80's. What a superb car. It went around corners like it was on rails. It was obviously not super powerful but I remember being chased an Escort RS down Weston-s-Mare seafront. When I got around the near 90° left hander at the end the Escort had fallen way behind due to the X/19s superior handling.

I had 74 silver Fiat X 1/9 loved it! miss it madly

in 89 i got a 79 bertone for 1200 dollars in florida while i was a senior is HS. never broke down and of course never raced considering the 74 thrashing HP wouldn't do much. cool going to a south florida school in an Italian convertible car with my shirt off. yes.................it did help with what every HS boy wants. miss that car

I bought one of these (red Fiat version) as my first car when I got a job and it was great fun to drive, all my friends had their tin top hatch backs and I had this great little open top mid-engine sports car. A bit lacking in performance but quite practical.

0 - 60 in 10.1 seconds! Same as the Escort RS 2000 and incidentally, my wife's e-Golf. And for all those complaining about the poor maintenance on the car, surely that's half the point of driving a nearly 50 year old car. It takes you back to when you were young and couldn't afford a newer car, did what little maintenance it got yourself and for most journeys were amazed that it got to it's destination without breaking down!

"It won't set your hair on fire". Another CarGuys gem. Such a cool car. Nice to see your enthusiasm. What an interior.

Super car. I have a 1988 SE in exactly same colour. No rust, waxolyed and loved! Sticks to the road like glue! And only done 30k miles!

That spoiler is around the wrong way. Google shows all others with it around the correct way.

@get71grip

3 жыл бұрын

I don't doubt these guys know their stuff, but you're absolutely right some clown has fitted that spoiler back to front in the years since it left the factory.

When used to autocross regularly a friend had a late 1970's X1/9 and he ditched the huge front and rear bumpers. There was a company, that I don't remember the name of, that sold a kit that covered up the holes where the bumpers used to be. Significantly lightened the car.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

I bet it did

I owned this car from around 2007 until I sold it about 8 years later..it had just 5533 miles on the clock when I acquired it. The toggle switch which the guy said he had no idea about is a manual override switch for the twin Kenlowe fans I had fitted along with a recored radiator. And yes, the spoiler is fitted the wrong way round!

Bought an ‘X’ reg one of these when i was 22 and 6ft2, immediately felt too small for me. Took the foam out of the oatmeal drivers seat and cut an inch off the reverse of the back and two inches off the reverse of the seat and it fitted me perfectly. Loved that car till it rusted to death.

The CarGuys have the best style of videos on KZread these days, I'll enjoy this one fellas👏 Thank you.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Dylan

Can't beat small low power sports cars like this and mk1 mr2 and early mx5, more fun all the time than nearly any other big power cars ...cheers lads

Thanks for the great review. Shows that on a sunny day on a country road, this is all you need. Sometimes less is more...

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed

Still absolutely gorgeous. Way ahead of it’s time and I’d love to own another. (Had a ‘78 and it was rather a rotter) But the Grand Finale is the one to have. Utterly gorgeous.

I had a 1985 vs model. As far as a driving experience was concerned, the only gripe I had is that it was underpowered in standard spec. It could have coped with much more. I have to say, the handling characteristics of an X1/9 were a great bonus, not some woeful, vague affair. Maybe an acquired taste, maybe drive a different one. I dunno.

OK, you two guys had me worried with the title. I really enjoy your videos, two good friends having fun with great cars. Keep up the great work!

Mine is stored safely in Ireland due to COVID 19, for almost 2 years, I totally restored it with no expense spared (Don’t ask!) in 2015 -18, money well spent ... It’s been in my family since new on August 1, 1988. This car is a driving experience second to none IMHO, new shocks, brakes, 15” wheels and boots plus a couple of twin Weber’s taken from Ferrari 308 with matched stainless steel exhaust, mark less & rust free makes it just a little more special. Only ~43k on the clock in over thirty years, I enjoyed watching your video this morning and the way your described the car in some detail, hope you agreed driving this car brings a smile when you get behind the wheel. Owning a Bertone x19 in this condition or any condition for that matter is a rare privilege as you know there are not too many left on the road anywhere! … so looking at the world as it is today and all the travel restrictions in place I’m hoping to get back to Ireland in summer 2022 and plan to drive it another +1000 miles to complete the Wild Atlantic Way and maybe a daily sprint round the twisty Irish country roads too. Cheers and thanks for reminding me of what I have waiting for me next year …. Stay safe and enjoy life …

Had one of these and loved it as a second car. Used to to tax it from May to October to take advantage of the summer months.

Fantastic video, great to see quirky cars like the x1/9 finally seeing the light of day!

Such a blast from the pat - thank you for featuring this. I had a faded red (so carrot orange) 1982 X1/9 as my first car - so many good times! I had this while my dad had an 89 TVR 350i - the wedgemen!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I had a 79 back in about 1987. It was my daily driver through rain, sun, cold and even snow! I had snow tires and a five gallon bucket of sand in the frunk for weight and that car was great! Only thing ever went wrong was the alternator and gas tank developed a leak. Both fixed very cheap. Couple items from your video: - the odd toggle switch is for those after market fog lights. -The crash rating of that car for cars of its time was actually very good. New standards had been envisioned and it was designed for that. I can attest to it withstanding a 35mph rear ending while I was stationary by a very large Oldsmobile. I was able to drive away from the accident but eventually my insurance totaled the car. - The aerial and spoiler. The aerial is normally mounted on the other side of the car. For some reason this one is on the wrong side hence the spoiler being backwards.

Another interesting video. You really looked like you were having fun, and without a 400+ horsepower motor. My aunt had the Fiat version when I was a teenager and I remember us driving along the waterfront near Southend Pier. Happy memories.

A slab of gammon 🤣🤣 I love your videos of car legends. That red M3 in the background looked great too. Fantastic lads, keep them coming...

It's always a treat to come across content about one of my favorite cars. I bought two of these brand new from the dealership, one in 1978 and one in 1985. My experience of the handling and braking performance of these two cars is much different than yours. Yes, the non-power brake pedal pressure was 50 pounds to acheive the highest stopping performance, but that was not difficult because of the seating position and support. The original Michelin XAS tires on the 1978 model were absolutely perfectly suited for the car. I was never able to obtain them again after they wore out. the Pirelli P3s on the 1985 model were not really performance tires and I tried all sorts of relacements but none felt as good as the original Michelin tires. But the car never felt vague, and with the 1500 model there was enough torque to encourage the rear-end to participate in cornering. It's true that todays cars are developing power that was inconceivable back then, but on a two lane twisty road, it was pure heaven. One more thing that you didn't address, for a two seater it had lots of storage in the front and rear luggage compartments. Not to forget that it had a full size spare tire. And contrary to other reviews that said you need two people to remove/replace the top, that's not true at all. What a great fun car and I'm glad I had both of them!

as a late teen, early 20's guy, I had a neighbour who was 6 feet, who had a Kermit green one from new, always thought they could do with a bigger motor, but it was his thing, his prior car was a Triumph Spitfire coupe which had 1500cc motors.

Brings back memories of my gold X19, thought it was great back then, my first Ferrari...think tracking or steering needed alignment looking at that wheel in a straight line...

Well sorted out they're actually quite good in handling and in breaking. Very reliable also as I've only had oil changes, 2 sets of tires, 1 set of brakes in my 4 year ownership of a 1982 red one. Very safe too as I walked away from flipping mine (with the roof off) with only a finger cut from broken glass.

Car Guys, your videos are very entertaining with wit and humour. Can hear your frustration about numbers and I agree I'm flummoxed as to why you aren't above at least 200k subscribers. Keep going, the numbers will get there!

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure they will, but it’s been fun

Owned five of these! Actually really strong body designed to cope well with rollover, relatively safe in its day. I used to pay £150 for these cars.. Prices have shifted up smartly now especially the earlier 1300 4 speed I recently witnessed a fairly decent example go for £11200 at auction which really surprised everyone. Great review thank you 🙂👍

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, cheers dude 👍

Nice to see some love for this little forgotten nugget. Well done lads!

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

👍👍

*FUN FACT: I crashed one of these and it held up. There's a box frame that runs from the nose to the rocker panels and up the roll bar. It was the only way to sell it in the US. The US model also had fuel injection. BTW: that Bertone needs a steering and brake overhaul. Throw on some AA traction tires and it'll take on any long and winding road.*

Thanks for the fun ride!!

This is the first video Ive seen from you and Im blown away! Watches and cars!? Hell yeah Im gonna subscribe!

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers, dude

Excellent review. Keep it up guys!!

Great to see your review of the little Exy. I have a few in various stages of oxidation. The earliest ones (70's pre. US bumpers) are prettiest with fabulous interiors. Like a miniature exotic. My youngest Mica Blue '88 has the same blue cloth which with UV exposure has become as fragile as a tapestry. Literally crumbling away... As many have said, you must have driven a dud as the steering is normally tight, telepathic and as delicate as an early Porsche. They can punch seriously above their weight when sorted. No need for a rollcage- very solid wee cars. Keep it up!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Gareth. I must say it’s great to hear from an owner who doesn’t just throw abuse for minor technical errors or humour! I was losing faith that X1/9 owners were some of the worst pedants. I’m so glad you enjoyed the fact that the X1/9 was getting some airtime, and you understand where we’re coming from

Great video. Always remember the X19 v MR2 review. As a new convert to the Ferrari 348 - this is one you should really get your hands on next!

Nope - not Italian engineering. The Gran Finale "kit" was fitted at the dealership. Someone's fitted the aerial in the wrong place first, then went "oops" when it came to mounting the spoiler.... That's possibly unique.

Owned a 81 1.5 ,drove it for four years everyday ,it was fantastic ,the example you tested is clearly in need of some repairs. When asked what it was by almost any one , I said it was a " Bertone bodied Fiat". Wasn't fast off the mark ,but enjoyed luring the "haters" into corners ,then watching them understeer across the corner in my rear view mirror. As for strength in an accident ,a full sized Holden sedan ,hit my rear quarter at 50 mph the X 1/9 survived with little damage ,the Big Holden was totally stuffed.

Really enjoyed this one guys. As a kid in Toronto Canada there were actually two of these in my neighborhood!! I just loved the shape of them and they looked like such a fun car to drive. I’m still a huge fan of 70’s era wedge cars and this one ticks all the boxes. However at 6’4” I’ll never own one, even if I could find one today 😜

Very nostalgic. I owned a bunch of these back in the day (76, 74 and 79). It was slow even by the standards of the day. A better cam and a bigger carb made a difference, but it really needed dual carbs to be competitive --- you need squeeze out about 140 Hp. I don't remember the brakes being that bad at all. It did have little warning to spin when you went into a corner too hot, but it took a while to get used to how my next car (not mid-engined) would plow. Not as timelessly pretty as the classic 124 spider, but every bit a 70's sports car.

i had an '86 model back in the '90s. I had wider wheels and tyres fitted and the grip was incredible. I used to throw it around and it never once lost grip. Having a child brought ownership to an end. I did try in the early days with bags of baby stuff wedged in the front and a buggy strapped to the engine cover but eventually had to sell. I still miss it some 25 years later. Great little cars.

Great fun presentation...wouldn’t want one either but good to learn a bit more about them - thanks guys 👍

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers

While this car looks to be in good repair, from your description of how it drives, the owner has apparently neglected the steering, struts and brakes. The original X1/9 had the shortest stopping distance of any car sold in the US even surpassing the Corvette. (from 75 MPH to 0 in under 200 ft.) Mine handled like it was on rails, steering was tight and precise. The only time a mid engine car would handle poorly would be if the tire pressures were off. (front to back side to side) Being a mid engine car with almost even weight distribution front to back, tire pressure difference off more than 1-2 psi will cause poor handling. Pontiac Fierro had the same problem, even caused some accidents.

I so recall this car in the wild back in the day, and wanted one so badly when I was a new driver. I'm all good now on it!

Great video, i enjoyed it that much i have subscribed to your channel.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

👍👍

"It's tiny, ancient, and very '70s. But at the same time, super COOL!" Haha, no you are!

Holy crap, I also had that exact toy! You've triggered a tsunami of nostalgia. Upon reflection, what the blimmin' heck was the concept behind a Fiat sports car towing a Carlsberg-liveried powerboat? There's a story there. As ever, I laughed all the way through that - plus if ever there was a symbol of Italian car design and 'flair', it's that spoiler/aerial cut-out solution.

I'd like to correct you on a few things... The X1/9 and a Volvo (can't remember which) were the only 2 cars to pass the 1972 US crash regs including the high speed frontal impact. The X1/9 was designed to meet these regs, but no other manufacturer apart from Volvo passed, so the regs were downgraded. Fiat didn't want to invest in making the car any lighter, so they left it. It's actually very strong in other words - nobody talks about scuttle shake. Meaning it's capable of handling a lot more power (200bhp) without, strut braces or seam welding or sill strengthening. Also, there are quite a lot of heavy components that can be removed - roof, spare wheel, jack, toolkit, washer reservoir, bumper irons, bumpers, headlamp motors, window regulators etc. You can get Tillett carbon shell seats and Ultralite 13'' wheels, all in all these mods will get the car down to about 800kg. If you spend more and replace the bonnet, engine deck, bootlid, door skins, with carbon components, more like 700kg. The competition weight can be as low as 650kg, the power as high as 380bhp, eg Manuel Dondi's car which uses an X-Trac sequential + Alfa D2 engine from the 156 SuperTouring. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZXhrmpppidSppaQ.html At the lowest level, fitting Tarox brakes, Gaz or equivalent coilovers, Addco front arb, and Avon ZZS 195/55/13, will allow the owner to lower the car by around 70mm and totally transform the handling. The X1/9 should stop on a dime, so it looks like the brakes need work like you said. If anyone is interested, I would recommend looking at Gordon Fogarty's car at - RMS Motoring Forum / Members Cars. He's using the Fiat Tipo Mk1 engine as the base motor, which has a modified oil gallery allowing the capacity to be upped to 2 litres. This block is externally identical to the X1/9 block, so it fits the X1/9 mounts. It's running 12:1 compression, ITB's, programmable injection, and makes 200bhp at 7500rpm, naturally aspirated, in fast road tune. Not bad for a non-crossflow 8V single overhead cam designed over 50 years ago. Try it.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

It was a joke... never mind

@markbowden7238

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV in that case I apologise for my wooden sense of humour. Hey, I know of a Dino 204GT that's been sitting outside for a year now. I reckon it's lost about 200k value in that time, ie sixteen grand a month. Attributable to condensation forming deep inside the monocoque. Unbelievable how someone who can afford 400k for a minter, cannot see the point of spending 400 quid on a cover. IDOITS!!

A nice cold beer. Excellent idea! I've driven a few of these over the years and wondered even back then how the car would have been if the dimensions had been increased just slightly and perhaps a two litre unit? Always thought it was a good looking car and clever design. Thank you Guys.

@mrradman2986

3 жыл бұрын

The Lancia Montecarlo was originally given the Fiat X1/20 designation in the prototype stage before being given to Lancia.

@markjohnson8352

3 жыл бұрын

@@mrradman2986 Thank you for that! I'll read up on the link but now you've mentioned it I can see some sense of connection. Cheers!

@mrradman2986

3 жыл бұрын

@@markjohnson8352 It's covered at the end of a book called Fiat Sports Cars by Graham Robson published by Osprey. Well worth getting hold of if you love the Golden era of post war Italian sportscars. My first 3 cars were Fiat 850 spider, Lancia Beta Coupe then Bertone X1/9.

@markjohnson8352

3 жыл бұрын

@@mrradman2986 Thank you for that! Your input is very much appreciated. What a nice way to begin driving! All the best to you.

My guess was 2 days to 60mph...Loved this one Damian and Jason and loved the Alfa one too. SAid earlier we must be the chosen few who love everything you guy do. Top quality and some excellent humour. Cheers

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Neil Patching Thanks, Neil - great to have you around. 👍

I had a 75 or 76 and when it wasn't in the shop it was incredible. Low center of gravity and it felt more like 200hp than 60-70. If Fiat brought this back with a larger engine they'd sell a million of them

Love these reviews of unusual classic cars. The backdrop at the Octane Collection is. Truly amazing. How about reviewing a Gen 1 MR2 in the future.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Good idea

Great Video! A good friend of mine said at the time he'd buy both "Mini-Ferrari's the X19 & the MR2" if he got the right number of score draws! - There's an option for you to test

Your example clearly had maintenance issues, as evidenced by the wildly askew steering wheel position, your comment about the car wandering, and the brake pedal going near the floor. An X in proper nick will have very precise steering and solid, linear, high-effort brakes. Neither has power assist. Another X characteristic is a remarkably supple ride for such a small car. Since yours was not, I suspect one or more dampers to be perished--the stock damper failure mode is massive jounce stiffness. Or could be the tires are well-past their expiration date. Spoiler was probably added by an owner as it is indeed mounted backwards and NO stock spoiler had that antenna cutout---antenna installers would simply cut the hole a little more forward on the fender to clear the spoiler. Condition of the interior is amazing, especially the seating upholstery. A single push-on-off courtesy light was mounted to the underside of the targa bar in Series 1 models. Not sure what you are talking about regarding the center stack switchgear, they are all identically sized push-on-off square buttons. The lighting rheostat has to be a dial. The electric window lift switches are simple rocker switches styled to look like separate buttons, and they do resemble a lot of the switchgear on early Series 2 cars.

I suspect that as good as it looks, it needs some attention to the steering, because it should be exceptionally precise. As for scary brakes, they’re better than you realize but no power assist takes getting used to - you gotta’ stand on ‘em!

Good review guys but you drive it like you were in the eights not the present day. Plus you had to rev them quite a bit to get them to go but hey they were brilliant fun and may I say pretty reliable too as I worked at the main dealer back then happy days. X19 and uno turbos

I've owned a number of these and trust me - there is NOTHING wrong with the brakes, the handling is spot on and the steering is razor sharp. And I'm comparing that to a then current Ferrari 328 and Formula Fords. If you think the handling is wrong, your car need help. The handling is SENSATIONAL!! The speed is not, but what a wonderful machine. I loved them - every one of them I owned from the 1300 to the Bertone.

One of my fathers friends had an X 1/9. For 4-5 yo me the highlight of their visit when he would let headlights pop up and down.

I remember the first X1/9 I saw as a child - 40+ years ago, on Park Lane. Orange. Dad said it was probably silver but had been out in the British weather. It looked like nothing else on the road. Thanks for reminding me of this. 100% share your view that it’s a totally charming car but I wouldn’t really want one. 👍

Spoiler on backwards. Wheel straightened by one bolt, brakes need bleeding, may need new struts, none of mine ever rolled in corners. If anything too rough. Joked about feeling twigs when went over them. All mine rode on rails and never felt wacky steering. Keep the revs high, its italian. Speed doesn't matter, it's great mph, topless, rides like rails.

@TrashLefties

3 жыл бұрын

Also reliable. Not Toyota but better than anything else I've owned. 16 years and never stuck on the road.

The X1/9 is one ofthe strongest cars on the road! They are double skinned and EVERYTHING is welded together! No bolt on panels. I 'reversed' one into a clay bank at 100kph and shortened it by the entire boot. When I had stopped shaking, I OPENED the door and stepped out! BOTH doors still opened and closed yet the car was 18" shorter. If you are hit by an X1/9, unless you are driving a tank you will be left with an X1/9 shaped hole in your car. My 2 Exxys drive VERY precisely, much like our Skyline R33. It corners just as well as our R33. The car in the vid must have knackered suspension.

A beautiful and timeless car. I doubt many SUVs will age as well!

Great video - I think you should test a Triumph TR7 next and have a wedge-off.

Great video guys 👍🏾 I reviewed one recently with a uno turbo engine swap and it transformed the car totally.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Very cool!

Very Interesting . A friend had one back on the day . Thanks

@TheCarGuysTV

9 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

In your face Mrs Henderson, classic😂😂. Love it

The brakes don’t need attention you just need to hammer them!

Brilliant. Loved it. I guessed 10secs so I’m having a point for that 😁

I had the 1300cc metal bumper one back in 1982... I was 18 and dreamed I was in Wham!? 🙃 A genuine hairdresser car, I bought it from a ... hairdresser that that spilt peroxide in the rear boot and it had rotten away 😄. Thrashed the nuts of it... but would suggest the handling was actually better than this one 🤨. For sure it was rusty and unreliable, but heck it was 5 years old then 🤷🏻‍♂️. Sold it and bought Matra Bagheera which was eventually traded for the “Fiat X1/20” .... more commonly known as the Lancia Montecarlo . Great times

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Great times indeed 👍

I had a two tone gold and brown one. I really loved it and I burnt off a lot of cars at the time including a Renault 25, the owner of which was shocked that he couldn't keep up with me. Unfortunately it turned out to be a rust bucket (the rust seemed to be within the metal), I got rid of it cheap but still have fond memories of the car.

One of my favourite cars ! Love them !

I bought a new one, in metallic orange, in 1978. Was a fun car except it overheated in summer. Was a good winter car.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

You were living the dream

Hi guys our parents had a met green with alloys, it was a lovely car but back then it had an 11 engine & as u know the roof came off Whitch went into the bonnet at the front.it was a great we car back in the 80s.👊

Pop up lights = cool. Great vlog on a very rare car. Saw one at Goodwood a couple of years ago, but never see them now. I thought you might of tried pulling a speedboat with it !. Needless to say, you had the last laugh over your teacher 👍

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

👍👍👍

Think I passed you in your Porsche spyder on the A14 today heading north. Great vid and I had that model fiat too 🤘🏻

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Not me, I’m in France.

Way too much play in the straight ahead position on that steering. Shouldn't be any perceptible body roll so the shocks bushes and tracking need checking. Also sensitive to tyre pressures. The brakes which are discs front and rear never had any issues stopping mine (in the dry anyway, rain is a different matter) but it is best driven with minimal braking inputs exploiting the mid-engined handling to maintain respectably fast B road progress. Any sloppiness in the gear change is usually due to a failing rubber anti-vibration disc sandwiched between two plates in the lever extending into the gear- box, an easy fix. Had mine from new in 1989, still fun, glad you enjoyed the ride.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I most certainly did

A Very nice example,great work

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Its absolutely tiny says Damien. Then moves his seat forward..... 😁

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

The owner is a tall man

This is my first video I watched from you guys, because of this car. I always wanted one but could never afford it, such a timeless shape and yes it has its flaws but I still want one, along with the 2000 spider and for some odd reason a 128 coupe or any Fiat just love them

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, always intrigued by the X1/9, so really excited to finally drive one.

Very entertaining as usual.You always make me laugh.Cheers

My dad had that exact toy and matching carlsberg powerboat!

I had a 1973 X1/9 And i will never forget after I rebuilt the motor I used to drive the car pretty hard I put in a 1500 out out of a Fiat regatta long story short when you throw the car into a corner the oil pressure warning light used to come on for about 5 seconds at which point I would panic and quite rightly so…..!!!!!

I've had four of that Bertone X1/9 and it is a blast to drive! It's the best of the best in winding roads. I've blown away ME and Corvette in a winding road with a big smile waving bye-bye to them....hehehe!

As an Alfa fan I was well surprised with the lack of views, I hope this one makes up for it.

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

It won’t

@RJPick1

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV It will, may be not 90K but sure it will get to 30K. I thoroughly enjoyed both this and the Guess the Alpha video so just keep doing what you are doing.

Love your video 😀👍👍👍👍👍

@TheCarGuysTV

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Michael