Ferrari Features: 1974 Fiat X1/9 41K – SOLD!

June 24, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we can now call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

In November 1972, Fiat rocked the automotive world when it introduced a modern interpretation of the two-seat, open-top sports car.  Not only did the Fiat X1/9 become the first affordable mid-engine sports car for the masses, but it was also the first Fiat to have been designed from its conception to meet US safety and emissions regulations. Despite this, U.S. buyers had to wait until 1974 for Fiat to finally start importing the tiny Targa-Topped, Bertone-designed sports car.

U.S. Market 1974 Fiat X1/9s are unique because they aligned closely with rest-of-the-world models, including small (but U.S.-specific) bumpers, a 63 horsepower, 1290 cc engine, and a four-speed transmission.  We last spotted this yellow 1974 Fiat X1/9 for sale on Craigslist in Seattle, Washington, in May 2023. The seller reports their 1974 Fiat X1/9 for sale features only 40,723 original miles, however, the car received a repaint in the factory yellow two years ago. This X1/9 features period-correct, classic Ferrari Cromodora five-spoke wheels and four-outlet, ANSA-style exhaust tips that both combine to give this Fiat X1/9 for sale a unique look.

Last offered for $13,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly below the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for first-generation Fiat X1/9s produced between 1974 and 1989.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the X1/9 featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $10,200 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $15,200.

The 1974 Fiat X1/9 is a classic Italian sports car that was produced by the Italian automaker Fiat from 1972 to 1989. Designed by Bertone, the X1/9 is a two-seater, mid-engine coupe that offers an exhilarating driving experience and timeless styling.

The exterior design of the Fiat X1/9 is characterized by clean lines and a sleek, compact profile. It features a wedge-shaped body with a low, sloping hood and a sharply raked windshield. The front end is adorned with round headlights, a small grille, and a prominent Fiat badge. The car has a removable targa top, which can be stored in the front trunk when not in use, allowing for an open-air driving experience.

The interior of the Fiat X1/9 is designed with driver-focused ergonomics and a minimalist approach. Despite its small size, the cabin provides ample headroom and legroom for the occupants. The seats are low-slung and supportive, offering a comfortable driving position. The dashboard features a simple layout with easy-to-read gauges and controls, emphasizing functionality over luxury.

The 1974 Fiat X1/9 is powered by a rear-mounted 1.3-liter inline-four engine. In its early iterations, it produced around 75 horsepower, but this varied depending on the market and emission regulations. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels. The mid-engine layout provides excellent weight distribution, resulting in nimble handling and exceptional balance. The X1/9 is known for its agility and responsiveness, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.

While the Fiat X1/9 is a relatively simple sports car, it does offer some notable features for its time. These include rack-and-pinion steering, independent suspension, and disc brakes on all four wheels, ensuring precise handling and efficient stopping power. The car also features pop-up headlights, which were a popular design element in the 1970s.

The Fiat X1/9 gained popularity among sports car enthusiasts for its affordable price, excellent handling, and distinctive styling. It was lauded for its balance and responsiveness, making it a competitive option against more expensive sports cars of the era. The X1/9 also enjoyed success in motorsport, particularly in rallying, where it demonstrated its capabilities on various terrains.

Overall, the 1974 Fiat X1/9 is a compact and agile sports car that offers an engaging driving experience. Its stylish design, combined with its mid-engine layout, makes it a standout choice for those seeking a unique and spirited ride.

The VirtualDrive YouTube Channel features this Point of View (“POV”) video giving the perspective of what it’s like to drive a 1974 Fiat X1/9:

This 1974 Fiat X1/9 for sale is a rare first-year example that appears to be in fantastic shape.  Knowing the paint is only two years old, and how badly these cars used to rust, we recommend getting someone to inspect this car in person if you can’t do it yourself. However, with less than 41K original miles and a history spent on the drier West Coast, chances are very good no rust surprises lurk underneath.  The only item that jumps out at us is the missing passenger-side bumperette in one of the pictures provided.  The other exterior pictures show the part in place, so you’ll need to interview the seller to confirm the story behind that.

If you are serious about buying this X1/9, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Fiat sports car featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this restored 1974 Fiat X1/9 for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!