One Year Gone: 1983 Bertone X1/9 – Sold?

December 17, 2021 Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

November 12, 2021 Update – Longtime GuysWithRides.com followers may recall in September of 2020 we featured this red 1979 Fiat X1/9 the private seller had listed along with this white 1983 Bertone X1/9 featured here. While the red 1979 model sold last year in just two weeks, it appears the seller continues to struggle to find a new home for this Bertone version.  After reducing their price last year to $9,999 on both cars, the seller upped the ask of this car back to $13,900 this year.

We’re finding sellers continually develop creative ways to avoid spending any more money than possible on Craigslist posts.  For example, seen several listings with a slightly modified title so that it can be used to sell a second car.  In this case, the private seller has not one, but two of Fiat’s iconic 1970’s vintage mid-engine sports cars for sale: the focus of this post, a white 1983 Bertone and a stunning red over black example originally listed in September 2020 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  The private seller is now asking $9,999 for each X1/9, which is a four grand decrease from where he started.

Reportedly restored in 2003 and used only as a show car ever since the private seller remains firm on his asking price of $13,900. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their 1983 Bertone X1/9 priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $8,000 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $15,600.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $10,075 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $14,400.

As a competitive response to VW/Porsche’s new 914, in 1969 Fiat commissioned Bertone to create a two-seat, entry-level, mid-engine sports car capable of meeting the U.S. safety regulations of the period.  Designed around the Fiat 128’s front-wheel-drive, transverse-mounted powertrain, the X1/9 relocated the transverse drive train and suspension assembly from the front of the 128 to the rear of the passenger cabin, directly in front of the rear axle, to create the mid-engine layout. Unlike most other mid-engine car designs, Bertone ingeniously located both the gas tank and spare tire between the passenger seats and the mid-engine firewall.  Not only did this provide room for two, albeit small, trunks, but the result was also arguably one of the best handling Fiats ever produced.

In 1979 U.S. cars received increases in displacement to 1498 cc and five-speed transmissions, with maximum power up to VW Beetle-like 67 horsepower and retained previous emission controls. In 1979 U.S. X1/9s also received both exterior and interior revisions including integrated bumpers front and rear, as well as new front grilles and air dams. The instrument panel and dash redesign moved the heating and ventilation controls from the center console up to the main dash, relocated the radio to the center dash area, moved the fuse panel from the area above the driver’s left knee to the area above the passenger’s footwell where the glove box was and moved the glovebox to atop the dash.  With less than 100 horsepower on tap throughout its production, the X1/9 is at best a momentum car.

Fiat exited the U.S. market in 1982, although Malcolm Bricklin continued to import the car directly until 1989 under the Bertone moniker. These cars had a few more creature comforts like air conditioning and power windows but were largely unchanged from a mechanical standpoint. Badging switched from Fiat to Bertone. Sticker prices climbed steadily each year, eventually topping out at $13,990. Paired with competition from Toyota’s MR2 and Pontiac’s Fiero, fewer than 20,000 Bertone X1/9s found new homes, and production stopped altogether in 1989.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this 1982 Bertone X1/9 review from their archives:

This is arguably one of the nicest Bertone X1/9S remaining on the roads and this example is a nicely optioned one that appears well sorted.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1983 Fiat Bertone X1-9 in excellent conditions and rust-free, for sale, completely restored in 2003 used as a show car ever since. Services done lately, steering boots bushing tie rod, struts, upper strout mounts, strout bearings in the front ,all new braking sistem from A to Z oil change tires completely flushed the gas tank, fuel pump,fuel line,coil,distributor cap ,idle valve, control unit tires, and wheel alignment.
phone calls only no email no text“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored Bertone X1/9?  Comment below and let us know!