I bought this car in Rancho Cucamonga California and drove it home to Missouri. After the long drive home I knew it needed more power. I toyed with K24 swapping it but decided I wanted to keep it Italian and sohc. I started making acquaintances overseas in Croatia and Greece as well as England and Brazil as well. I sourced the head from Croatia, the block and crank from England and forged pistons and rods from a German vendor. ZRP Rods are from Greece and Iapel forge pistons are from South America . The specially manufactured to order 123 ignition came from Germany and is programmable through a phone app. On the rolling road dyno before adding the dcnf 44 carbs it made 136whp but I then ordered new old stock Lamborghini 44 DCNFs from a collector in Portugal so now the horse power should be closer to 145or more at the wheel. This would be close to 190 at the crankshaft bringing this engi e close to the 100hp/litre rule. Then addition of the koni struts all round and after I sold it it got a 5 speed. I tested this car on the open road at 127.8 mph with speedometer and tach pegged and could've squeezed a bit more out of it. It was tested with GPS and recorded for the naysayers. After I achieved this successful 1.9 build I sort of lost interest and sold her. Very nice to see her get some of the recognition she's deserved and all X1/9s should've come equipped with a 1.9 as the standard. It's like driving a small block 60s vintage camaro or such based on the hp/lb. Thank you! The original dyno link is below. Enjoy ua-cam.com/video/2_1_M5hp7NE/v-deo.htmlsi=R9FhPpmbTgTeMmSu
I always lusted after the X1.9 as a small boy, and have loved them ever since. They dropped off my radar until I recently saw one on the road. Beautifully kept, bright yellow. I fell in love again. And now you go and show me this absolute gem. Great job, an object of desire. I'd have this over an Alfa Junior or GTV.
Great build! I always intended to mod my 82 back in the day. My idea was to interchange the whole engine and transmission from a Lancia Beta which had a 2 liter engine instead of my 1.5. Then would have gone Dallara wide body. Unfortunately I flipped the car (upside down) after 5 years of stewardship and life got in the way so none ever happened. Still always on my radar though.
I LOVE Fiat X-1/9's ! In the 1979 Castrol National Championship Slalom race, I placed my 1979 X-1/9 1500 5 speed into 2nd place in C Class Improved. That X-i/9 was the best handling car I had ever owned. I was selling high performance parts at Sports Tune in Calgary at the time. I replaced all the suspension bushes with nylon ones, added sway bars front and rear, a full Anza headers and exhaust, koni shocks, upgraded brake pads and my secret weapon was a set of slightly staggered Compomotive 3 piece race wheels mounting shaved Pirelli CN36 tires. With a Personal Fittipaldi E3 steering wheel. The local Corvette club banned me from their slalom events because they couldn't ever beat me. I even enjoyed getting FTD at our weekly races, especially when I was beating a millionaire in a 427 Cobra (a real one) on race tires.
I had a 1981 1.5 Bosch fuel injected X-1/9 which I used to win the Quebec region Autocross D-Stock championship in 1989 and 1990 then the Canadian D-Stock championship in 1990 !
A friend lent me his to do an SCCA drivers test at Pocono in the mid-90s. The thing handled like it was on rails but was severely underpowered on the straights. Would’ve loved to have gotten one later on and modded it for more power - seriously fun car!! A friend called it “The Italian Doorstop”!
Guys, I’m gonna watch this later but I just had to tell you how special this was to me. The Fiat X/19 was one of my Dad’s favorite cars and one he actually let me drive a few times which was special since I’m technically not able to drive as I am legally blind #ScentOfAWoman. He passed away about 2.5 years ago and for this to come out Father’s Day weekend means a lot to me!! ❤
Actually, no... not a world record at all. As hilarious as the joke was, it's not really a laughing matter. "Diphallia" is a known condition. Affects about 1 in 6 million men. Only 100 cases on actual record over the past 400 years though. But I saw a medical oddities documentary that included a chap who had two coques, and he described quite bluntly how each performed. Both worked normally, although one was far "lazier" than the other.
Back in the 80s I sold cars at a small Volvo, Saab, Fiat dealership in Ogden, UT. I loved the X1/9 and would take one of two we had (we had them for a very long time) on spirited "test" drives regularly. It was the most fun I think I've ever had driving a car. One day I got a call from a guy in Salt Lake City asking if I had a gold X1/9. I did and told him so, whereupon he said he would leave SLC then to come buy it. Yeah, right. Less than an hour later a car pulls onto the lot and two 20 something guys step out and walk in the showroom asking for me. He said he had just test driven a gold X1/9 in SLC and loved it. It begged the question, "Why didn't you buy it?", I asked. He explained, returning from the test drive and within a block of the dealership it burst into flames and burned to the ground before the fire department showed up to pour water onto the blackened lump of metal. I drew up the paperwork, he signed everything, paid and drove away as happy a customer as I ever had. And that was the last time I saw or heard from him. I assume it was a happy ending. That night I tuned into the local newscast and watched the news story of the flaming Fiat with film of the molten heap. Loved your video, it brought back great memories of flogging those X1/9s around town so many years ago.
YES! This is what we need. Review all sorts of cars. Old and new. If people will lend you even slightly interesting cars then go ahead, drive it and give it a quick review 👍🏼 Dosen't have to be anything more, two car guys driving interesting cars 😀
You know, as much as I love you guys as car reviewers, I think the reason I love this channel so much is because I just love yall's friendship. Just two good buds enjoying a shared interest together, well into their adult years. It's really a beautiful thing.
When I was a teenager in the 80s, in Florida, the 70s years of these were so cheap. They weren't common, but they weren't rare either and they stayed cheap and available into the 90s. I wish I'd fully understood at the time how lucky I was to ride in so many little 60s and 70s roadsters and import sports cars. I knew so many people who had Triumphs, MGs, and Datsun 240z and 260Z cars.
Fun fact, the stock engine in this is shared with our Yugo GVX (the sporty Yugo: the 1.3 and the 5 speed versus the 1.1 and 4 speed in the regular GV). The components of the Yugo engines are actually more sought after than the Fiat ones; the Zastava castings and machining was better (makes sense given their gun manufacturing background).
Yes, this true, my mother had a Yougo and it was a good car, and modern as it was one of the first hatchbacks. But the engine was pretty similar with the 128
I bought my X1-9 in 1980 when I moved to the Shetland Islands, with the furniture allowance my company gave me. It was the same Rosso colour with a 1.3 engine. A brilliant little thing. I took it to Aberdeen with me when I moved in 1985 and about a year later was woken up one morning to find a 10 Ton lorry on top of it outside my apartment, total write off. Always smile when I remember it
I've owned several of these over the last 40 years, and they've always been a real kick in the ass. My current '86 model came with the fuel injected 1.5 liter and a 5 speed as standard equipment.
That camera on the back glass was a great shot. It's like you're sitting on the hump in the back of the car with the boys(even if this doesn't have a backseat).
As am a 30 yo Italian Alfa Romeo Mito driver, living abroad (Netherlands). I LOVE seeing people falling in love again and again with Italian cars. They just HAVE something special, don't they. Keep up the amazing work!
As an Italian, I believe you understand this better than most. I'm English (with some German in my blood). I fell in love with the 128 when I inherited my mother's second 128 when I got my driving licence. I learned the amazing details of the 9,000rpm engine, and it really "got under my skin". I'd say that Italy has a passion not just for cars in general, but also for the engineering of the driving experience. Not always built to the best standards, hence reputations can be "iffy", but there is certainly something special about Italian cars that nobody else has. Somewhat like a bella donna (prima donna?), they can be high maintenance, with quirky demands, but oh-so-rewarding and reliable when cared for properly.
The X1/9 is so underrated. We race a VR6 swapped one in lemons. The way it drives is so nice. It's really forgiving at and over the limit, which is weird for a tiny mid engine car, but it's just really well balanced. It's also been a reliable car in the races. Absolutely love mine. It's funny that they were forgotten. But it means they're pretty cheap.
Love it, love it, love it. As an Alfa man but have had many Fiats too. Good, quick engines can be built almost off the shelf. To find a none rusty X1/9 would be heaven.
@@elnyoutube123 All cars rust. This is proven and hard fact for all cars from that era, From Alfa Romeo to Porsche and many more. Lesser know is how Bertone altered the construction and rust and corrosion protection over the decades of x1/9 production (body was never built by Fiat, they were built by Bertone from day one). Last production version from the 80's has the same galvanic coating, bare body dipped, wax sealed and all as any high quality production car from that era. Keep in mind Bertone was a small volume speciality producer that built special for many including Volvo, BMW and others... to their specifications. There was zero reason for Bertone to skimp on the x1/9 as this was their production car that paid the bills and more.
I had one for several years in the late 80s. I lived at the top of page mill road and worked at the bottom. 134 turns on a California mountain road each way, each day. Would maybe get 2500 miles out of a set of tires. I loved that car. Targa is awesome, lots of room for groceries. Sold it to an auto crosser friend of mine.
I will never forget a road trip from Toronto to Ottawa back in '74 (with my big brother) when I was 15 years old. 8track tapes blaring War, Barry White, Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Herbie Hancock... ...T top off, smoking 3 finger spliffs of Colombian gold... ...taking the side roads so he could demonstrate the advantages of a mid engine layout on the curves. I'm 65 years old as I write this today. (with a big dumb smile on my face as I remember 😊)
I am on my 3rd Fiat X1/9. I had a 1974, 1976 and now a 1982 with fuel injection. Best handling car ever. Not the fastest car on the road but like they say, "It is more fun to drive a slow car fast then a fast car slow"!
I’m resto-modding my X1/9 as well. It’s completely rust-free, it will have a new interior, a Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3 engine with a custom ECU, water-cooled intercooler and a bit more boost and after having seen this, I can’t wait for it to be finished! Total cost: 1000 for the car (10 years ago), 3500 for the engine rebuild, 1000 for the transmission, 1000 for upgraded brakes, 8000 for paint (and prep), and 1000 for the seats and then maybe another 3-5000 for the rest.
My dad had one of these and young me thought it was the coolest thing ever. Except I hardly ever got to drive in it, not because my dad wouldn't have taken me for a ride, but because the car spent the overwhelming majority of its life in the shop until dad got fed up and sold it. It was a lovely metallic green and it looked incredible in the Miami sun.
I had a '74. Lime green. Drove it brand new and was hooked. I've had a lot of cars, and some fast cars, but these guys smiles say it all! MOST FUN CAR I EVER HAD. (and by far the least dependable) Has nobody but me noticed the front trunk isn't latched down? Easy to do. It lifts a little at higher speeds. I REMEMBER!
This is truly a great video! You dont need hundreds of hp to have fun in a car. The first one I drove was the 2000 GTV from my father. Brilliant design, motor and driving experience. I still remember (50 years later) all the emotions and the seaside road. I friend of mine had a VW-Porsche 914 and I remember the front zig zag at high speeds on the highway ;)
My first car was a 76 red X1/9 in 82.. I had a LTD hit me in the back and shove me in front of a huge Dump Truck coming towards me. The truck ran up on the front over my legs then flipped the car through the air. I had the top off. I survived with hardly no damage. It was so safe. They said if the engine was in the front my legs would have been crushed. I got a 79 X1/9 next because it's a great car. Your video brought back memories.
04:22 And what a beautiful road to be taking this little stunner down. I dig that POV-esk camera angle where we can see both of you guys talking to each other, but it's like we're coming along for the ride, sitting in a ficticious middle back seat. I can actually FEEL how fun it would be zooming along in the open air under this awesome tree canopy. 🤩
I really enjoyed that. I bought a 77 in 1977 when I was 17. When everything was sorted, I loved driving it. I did my own brake pads. I put in a Clarion 8 track system with an EQ Booster and had the top off blasting Van Halen's first album in the school parking lot and driving around town. I had Clarion Component speakers that had both a woofer and a tweeter. I drove it to California when I graduated in April 1978. That was a great experience.
I had my first X when I was 20 years old. An unfortunate incident (that involved the car being completely airborne for a brief moment) brought an abrupt end to that experience. I've owned 18 cars in my life and none of them ever came close to matching the fun factor of driving an X. So much so, that I pined for another X for years. I searched for literally 10 years before I found a rust free example that I could afford. I snatched it up and began the restoration. I joined the X Web forum, which is an invaluable resource maintained by devoted X owners. Kent's car was a well known and well documented build, and the envy of many. He offered it to me, but having already made my purchase, I didn't have the finances to make that happen. Glad to see it made it's way to someone who really appreciates how special a car this is. I especially love videos of people (car enthusiasts in particular) who discover for the first time how unique and capable these cars really are. It's great to see their genuine surprise when they realize what a well sorted X can do. Especially one with the grunt to match it's amazing handling! And make no mistake... this particular car is a rocket ship! I giggle like a 12 year old, every time I drive mine!
How can you not love a restomod? You take a car that you love and make it better in every way without making it into something else. We called them sleepers back in the day - totally stock in appearance (with maybe a nicer paintjob and interior, nicer wheels and tires and improved brakes and suspension) but at the redlight will stand up and disappear and be impossible to catch. What's not to like? I've always loved these cars from the very beginning but they were begging for more power, better brakes and a chassis to keep it all together. This one is drool worthy for sure - absolutely gorgeous!
My best friend in high school owned one in that same color. Driving on autumn nights with the top off, the windows up and the heat cranking was an absolute dream.
I love the giggling from the sheer joy of driving this wee car. I was lucky enough to drive one or two in the 80s and they were fun even before the mods! Second gear acceleration of the Fiats in that day was a thing of wonder, excitement and joy. I had a Fiat 132GL 1600 and a Fiat 131R 2.0l twin cam engines and they both had the carburettor burr at about 3500rpm, which was highly addictive.
I got a brand new 1975 right off the truck. I bought it from my dad. I’m now 71 but that was the most fun car for the money. It was $4500 out the door in 75. I’m 6 foot three I hit a freeway abutment head on at 55 miles an hour, and got out of the car unhurt I cut the car in half went to the wrecking yard and bought one that was wrecked in the rear cut it in half put my car back together. I drove it for a while after that and sold it to some guy for $1500, and about two years later, I saw it in a used car lot. I could not believe it 😊
For a couple of years, I drove a 1976 yellow x1/9 that my Dad bought brand new from a SAAB/FIAT dealer in Billings MT. Price brand new was less than $5000. I put a ski rack on it and would take it anywhere, any weather, and it handled great in the snow as long as it wasn't more than 6" deep. With less than 100 hp, its straight line performance wasn't spectacular, but it handled like a go-cart in the bends. Its 4-speed manual was like butter and the steering and brakes were hard wired to my brain. So much fun. Sadly its timing belt broke at about 45K miles and it needed a complete overhaul, cost more than the car was worth so I ended up selling it. I regret selling it now. Wonderful car.
I've always loved how these things look, such a funky little car. Kudos to the owner of this one, it's a really beautiful specimen with some super tasteful mods. Looking forward to seeing what else you have on the cards, hoping to see a Smart Roadster at some point if possible just because they're so odd.
I grew up with these x1.9’s floating about , sad that I haven’t seen one in quite a while , but I agree as a former GT Junior owner ( biggest mistake of my life selling that one ) it’s awesome seeing some 70’s nostalgia again and it sounded like the 70’s , it put a nice smile on my face , thanks guys !
As odd as it may sound, as an Alaskan resident I've had 5 of these, most of them blue, they didn't last, rust being the main enemy. But with the engine in the rear the balance of the car on snowy & icy roads was incredible. I finally out grew the tiny little things & decided to move up to a big car so I bought a Honda Civic Del Sol... In the right hands another incredible car on winter roads. (& Love those targa tops)
I'm so glad to see your not just another car channel that writes off brands or cars because they're Italian. I just sold a Fiat Punto with a fairly worked T-Jet motor and it was so engaging and fun to drive, 6 years of pretty trouble free driving. I got rid of it as cars in general are getting so big I started to get concerned as to what would happen if I had an accident with a modern SUV or heaven forbid a dual cab ute. That is one hell of a Fiat! I can't wait to see the junior too.
I've owned two back in the 1980s. So much fun. In the red one I had the seats reupholstered - and sat on newspapers with no problem. (Should add I am 6 foot 4). In snow the little car could throw a fishtail 10 feet high!
My dad has a fuel injected model from the 80’s that he’s recently started restomodding. We got the opportunity to take it on a couple Italian classic car rallies before he started the project and it was the more fun experience I’ve ever had in my life.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Proud owner of an 82vs x 1/9 my is a survivor and still in stock form. These are little gems that are often overlooked looked because of is power. I tell people it like a boat you always feel faster in a boat and the “X” is the same. I can drive it at 9 all the time and never worry about speeding or violation and I’m smiling the whole time. At C&C the tuning crowd comes up and so do the guys like you dad. You touched on it’s story a little and it only get deeper and more interesting (look up its concept car the runabout) love to see Jason Camisa or DTm do a pice on these. THANKS AGAN!
So the engine in the x1.9 was designed by Aurelio Lampredi who also designed a few Ferrari v12s before this engine. This exact same engine was also used in the Yugo.
Yep. Lampredi was a main designer of Ferrari race engines in the 1960's. When he left ferrari (no idea if he jumped or was pushed) this transverse mounted, rubber cambelt driven, overhead cam, highly oversquare screamer of an engine (9,000rpm in stock factory trim) was his first effort for his new employer, Fiat. First used in the Fiat 128 (1969 European car of the year) as an 1100cc, it quickly enlarged to 1300cc (by 1972, for both 128s and X1/9s). It grew to 1500cc for the X1/9 in 1982. Was used as a 1.4 in Fiat Uno and Tipo, and as both 1.3 and 1.4 turbocharged versions in the Uno Turbo. Grew to a 1.6 and 1.9 in Brazil (Fiat Linea) in the noughties. Still fitted to new Peugeot vans as recently as 2010. Fiat sold the 124 design to Russia (Lada). And the 128 ended up with Zastava and Yugo in Soviet Slovakia. Which is why those cheap and badly thought of little Yugos have this exact same engine, gearbox and powertrain, and share most of the Fiat 128 parts (doorhandles, headlights, etc), even though they did their own hatchback body. While Fiat trialled a transverse engine and gearbox in the mid-60's Autobianchi Primula, the design was tweaked and "launched to the world" in the pioneering Fiat 128 in 1969. It was the first to fully sort out transverse engines and gearboxes, using an electric cooling fan, rubber cambelt to drive the overhead cam, CV joints at the end of unequal driveshafts, and the differential carried near clutch the bellhousing. In an effort to combat "torque-steer" - a common affliction of front wheel drive cars mostly attributed to the difference in angle between diff and wheel hub, the Fiat 128 used driveshafts of different diameters. The short driveshaft remained slim, but the long shaft had a much larger diameter. This made it extremely heavy, but the idea was that when equal torque was applied at the diff, the different shafts would "elastically wind up" the SAME - the bigger diameter shaft being much stiffer in torsion per unit length, but cumulatively the same torsion over the longer length. I never noticed any torque steer in my old 128 - but I'd also say the 128 engines were not powerful enough for torque steer to be a problem. However, the fact that these cars had such cleverly engineered driveshafts shows the depth of thinking that went into what became the blueprint for ALL modern front wheel drive powertrains. Yes, BLUEPRINT. VW bought a 128, stripped it to the last nut and bolt, then COPIED the powertain and front suspension verbatim (using their own engine and gearbox design of course, but blatantly copied the concept). And then 5 years later, gave the world the VW Golf / Rabbit - a hatchback version of the 128. So, yeah, the 128 was the blueprint that everyone else has now copied ever since. So when you laugh at Italian cars as a joke, bear in mind that in their heyday, they were far ahead of the Germans in engineering cleverness. Issigonis might have been ten years ahead with the Mini in 1959. But - transverse layout with the radiator and fan mounted in a wheelarch? Distributor and electricals carried on the exposed front, ready to die in the first hint of rain? Gearbox in the engine sump, forcing the sharing of oil and a variety of engineering problems because of that. While Mini showed the way in terms of how efficient the packaging of the powertrain could be, it was Fiat that sorted it all out and made it so feasible that before long, (almost) everybody would be copying them. BMW and (for a long while) Volvo excepted.
@@bythelee Yes, this is a true but with a few mistakes: 1. The lampredi block was used all the way up to the mid 2000s in europe as well and in the mid 90s it recieved a 16v dohc crossflow head as well which is a common swap for yugos and 128s in europe. 2. It was soviet yugoslavia not slovakia
Ouch! At least you had a great looking car. Somewhat similar experience: I bought a ‘72 Spitfire back in ‘79 (my first car). I worked in the local grocery store to earn the money for it. British sports cars were about as rare as things got in rural Illinois - never saw a X1/9. But while the Spitfire was far from perfect, at least it usually ran.
Happy to see more folks are appreciating the x1/9 now.. I restored one in the early 90’s. It was fun, a real stunt car that fit under docked trailers, under railroad crossings and more. It really wanted to be driven. Reliability was pure fiat.
Fiat are absolutely reliable.. Use more than one x1/9 as a daily driver/commuter for decades. Zero issues, all had well over 150,000 HARD miles on them. Anyone that claims the x1/9 and other Fiats are not reliable has never owned or driven one daly. If there were problems, the roots are due to Previous Owner Syndrome.
The X1/9 passed the crash tests from the late 1980's. It is small but very stoutly built. I've had three. All modified. Now you understand about the X.. Fabulous chassis.
I grew up in South Africa as a teenager, this car was driven almost exclusively by women of means. A few years later my 1st car (2nd hand) was a Alfa Sud Sprint 1.3 (2 door version of Jame's dad's car).
Just bought a 2001 Toyota MR2. When I was younger I thought they were too slow. Now it feels just about right. I have about 150 HP in mine, and it weighs 2,195 pounds. Lots of fun.
Boy does this bring back memories. I had the Fiat 128 hatchback modded with some racing parts from a guy out in Florida back in the '70s (Forza?) He was a local legend who was continually banned for beating all the Mustangs, Camaros and Trans Ams of the day racing a Fiat 500. I had a 1/4 cam, big 40mm Webber downdrafts (so easy to tune) and a racing exhaust, taking my meager 70ish HP to up around 110Hp and loved panicking all the Triumphs, MGs and smaller unsuspecting Porsches around Mulhollond Dr. 8,000 RPM shifts were the norm. I got 2 people to buy a Fiat based on how much abuse I put mine thru and they loved theirs as well. I should have gotten the X-1/9 when I had the chance.
I had one of these in 1995-1600cc, Janspeed sports exhaust, interior recovered in bone ivory `leatherette` (in Italy,and photographed with Alberto Bertone,no less) And it was absolutely the one car I loved!
An x1:9 was my first car purchased at age 16 in 1988. My mother was horrified when she saw there was no engine in front. I had many miles of fun terrorizing the neighborhood. Thanks for the flashback.
I got to ride in one of these in high school. I was a sophomore and senior took me to an event in his. I was not only excited to hang out with an upper classmate, but I was fascinated by the car.
I had a new 1980 X1/9 with fuel injection and the 5-speed. I loved it! (So much so, I’ve owned a few MX-5’s since, including the 30AE I drive today.) Incidentally, your video reminds me how this car, like the MX-5 RF, is every bit a true convertible. With the top stowed, you get 100% of the convertible experience, as you can clearly see here.😊
The first car I ever owned was a '78 X1/9 (when I was 17) which I begged an old man, who shopped at the grocery store where I worked, to sell it to me. I LOVED that car, but it was such a bucket of bolts. I had to have the clutch replaced eventually and the Italian mechanic told me afterword that he would never do that repair again because it was so difficult. After I sold it, the next car I purchased was an MR2, for obvious reliability reasons. Great memories.
Cool show! I notice more references to technical aspects, not often heard on TH. I also notice that hardly any car makes James and Thomas smile from ear-to-ear! Instead of the typical tension and concern associated with driving supercars and multi-million dollar hypercars, it's truly a great sportscar that can make the driver actually smile! The word for today is "Fun"!
I've been watching Hill Climbs featuring one of these X1/9's and they took the engine out worked the frame and suspension to make it even stiffer then dropped a Hyabusa from the motor bike into it. Watching it do the climb with extra cones placed around the course to make it much more difficult to navigate and for handling prowess it's INSANE!! It was either the constant winner or very close to winning all the time. (I just can't remember for sure off the top of my head). Go and have a look at some of the videos on it. Seriously AMAZING! It's like a whipping go cart with all the power PLUS PLUS!
I had one of these (stock) in the UK in the mid 80’s. Woefully underpowered, a rust box with steel the thickness of a human hair but a lot of fun to drive. To your point about the strength of the chassis I managed to run mine into the front of a truck coming the other way (a story which involved me answering the question ‘Can I get around this corner in 3rd without braking’). Any other car of the time I might not be here typing this - it was a write off but I walked away without a scratch!
This video made me remember that this was Richard Hammond's choice in The Grand Tour when he had to chose a rare classic car which was cheap, he went for the popular one! Great episode that was! You guys keep up the good work! ✌️
I had a choice to make back in the day. My parents gave me a budget to buy a car and I was torn between the X19 and a TR8. I chose the TR8. It died after 2 years of ownership and 30,000 miles. 😂
Sorry to hear the TR8 crapped out. But I highly doubt the X1/9 could be counted on to be any more reliable. In 1978 I was in high school and working at a car dealership that sold Fiat among other brands. I came into work one afternoon and the lot was full of new Fiats including X1/9 and Spyders. Until then the dealership had only had used models. I drove a new Spyder into the workshop to do the PDI. I braked hard like a typical teenager and hit my head on the windshield. I got out and asked the mechanic when Spyders got power brakes. He replied they all had power brakes. I retorted that none of the ones I had driven had power brakes. He said, “they only have power brakes when they’re brand new They stop working within a year.” Many of the new Fiats already had surface rust on them. They had to be repaired and painted before being sold.
@@morstyrannis1951 I bought a first-year X 1/9 (1974) and put 50k miles on it. Interesting car. The small steel bumpers starting rusting after the first year and the car wouldn't start if left outside overnight during a rainstorm (I had to dry the inside of the distributor cap). On the other hand, the suspension felt as good as new after 50k and the car was a blast to drive. The steering was so sensitive you could feel any gravel on the inside of turns. We bought a new 1979 as well, which had more power, a 5-speed, electronic ignition and large aluminum bumpers.
OMGawd, I had an X1/9 and I think it was a 1978 in the same colour. I loved it, bit funny in the snow, didn’t really steer but I was good a rally (I was 18 then). It was so much fun then, this resto mod must be insane. I do remember it being stiff for sure and was sure I’d die in any accident. What memories, thank you!
Love it and love the X1/9. I think you’d be surprised how much of the fun is still present in a more stock version! My neighbor bought one and wow! Could that thing handle!
This really makes me want to finish and drive my 1974 x1/9. Ive been restoring it for the last 7 years back to OEM spec (which is not easy, as 74 cars have 95% different parts compared to other years). I cant wait to hear it on the road 🥳❤🏎🏁
My dad owns a Fiat 128 sport coupe which originaly had the 1300cc engine, but someone in germany decided that it is a good idea to put a 1.5 engide from the Lancia Beta I believe. It has been paintet white and hase a red interior, both the paint and the leather are showing its age. It now wont get its MOT due to emission issues. Now its parked by my granddad to rebuild its carburetor. Just few weeks prior to it not passing I drove it for the second time in my life. First one was when I was younger and he decided that I should know how to drive. It is a fun car, although I find it hard to find 5th gear and also I was obviously scared to rev it high so I did not get anywhere near the top "power" it has. Still a car I hope we never have to sell and i hope to one day get to drive it more.
I had one of these in the 80's, and I had a lot of fun with it. it was like a street legal gocart. I was actually able to stand up while driving it on the freeway. I had decent grip, except when I hit the railroad tracks at an angle, and it would slide around the block. Top speed wasnt very high, like maybe 90mph, but around town it was a rocket.
I bought this car in Rancho Cucamonga California and drove it home to Missouri. After the long drive home I knew it needed more power. I toyed with K24 swapping it but decided I wanted to keep it Italian and sohc. I started making acquaintances overseas in Croatia and Greece as well as England and Brazil as well. I sourced the head from Croatia, the block and crank from England and forged pistons and rods from a German vendor. ZRP Rods are from Greece and Iapel forge pistons are from South America . The specially manufactured to order 123 ignition came from Germany and is programmable through a phone app. On the rolling road dyno before adding the dcnf 44 carbs it made 136whp but I then ordered new old stock Lamborghini 44 DCNFs from a collector in Portugal so now the horse power should be closer to 145or more at the wheel. This would be close to 190 at the crankshaft bringing this engi e close to the 100hp/litre rule. Then addition of the koni struts all round and after I sold it it got a 5 speed. I tested this car on the open road at 127.8 mph with speedometer and tach pegged and could've squeezed a bit more out of it. It was tested with GPS and recorded for the naysayers. After I achieved this successful 1.9 build I sort of lost interest and sold her. Very nice to see her get some of the recognition she's deserved and all X1/9s should've come equipped with a 1.9 as the standard. It's like driving a small block 60s vintage camaro or such based on the hp/lb. Thank you! The original dyno link is below. Enjoy
ua-cam.com/video/2_1_M5hp7NE/v-deo.htmlsi=R9FhPpmbTgTeMmSu
What do you do for a job, if you don't mind me asking
I always lusted after the X1.9 as a small boy, and have loved them ever since. They dropped off my radar until I recently saw one on the road. Beautifully kept, bright yellow. I fell in love again. And now you go and show me this absolute gem. Great job, an object of desire. I'd have this over an Alfa Junior or GTV.
Great build! I always intended to mod my 82 back in the day. My idea was to interchange the whole engine and transmission from a Lancia Beta which had a 2 liter engine instead of my 1.5. Then would have gone Dallara wide body. Unfortunately I flipped the car (upside down) after 5 years of stewardship and life got in the way so none ever happened. Still always on my radar though.
Heck of a story. Thank you for sharing.
Is there a forum or something where this process is more documented? Would love to piggy back on your design work.
Wow, kudos to the owner. What a cool car
The car also looks as nice as Mitsubishi 3000GT.
Guys you should be named "italy's ambassador in the world" for bringing piece of our car culture in the world
Have you seen most of their Ferarri reviews though?
Ok, an Italian said. It's official Boyz, this is getting done!
@@PasleyAviationPhotography yes but they're right about the quirky infotainment, even italian reviewers are complaining about that
@@MuhaamadAreebthe X1.9 after restomod has about 371bhp.
I LOVE Fiat X-1/9's ! In the 1979 Castrol National Championship Slalom race, I placed my 1979 X-1/9 1500 5 speed into 2nd place in C Class Improved. That X-i/9 was the best handling car I had ever owned. I was selling high performance parts at Sports Tune in Calgary at the time. I replaced all the suspension bushes with nylon ones, added sway bars front and rear, a full Anza headers and exhaust, koni shocks, upgraded brake pads and my secret weapon was a set of slightly staggered Compomotive 3 piece race wheels mounting shaved Pirelli CN36 tires. With a Personal Fittipaldi E3 steering wheel. The local Corvette club banned me from their slalom events because they couldn't ever beat me. I even enjoyed getting FTD at our weekly races, especially when I was beating a millionaire in a 427 Cobra (a real one) on race tires.
I had a 1981 1.5 Bosch fuel injected X-1/9 which I used to win the Quebec region Autocross D-Stock championship in 1989 and 1990 then the Canadian D-Stock championship in 1990 !
A friend lent me his to do an SCCA drivers test at Pocono in the mid-90s. The thing handled like it was on rails but was severely underpowered on the straights. Would’ve loved to have gotten one later on and modded it for more power - seriously fun car!!
A friend called it “The Italian Doorstop”!
Guys, I’m gonna watch this later but I just had to tell you how special this was to me. The Fiat X/19 was one of my Dad’s favorite cars and one he actually let me drive a few times which was special since I’m technically not able to drive as I am legally blind #ScentOfAWoman. He passed away about 2.5 years ago and for this to come out Father’s Day weekend means a lot to me!! ❤
Love you brother thanks for sending this to me, so cool
What a fantastic Father you have , We are Eternal souls and you are a Loving and Mindful Son God Bless you both ♥️
Giving you a like for monocoque
Mono-cock*
There are some people born with a...duocoque. It's called "diphallia." Maybe don't Google it though
Why? I believe the X19 is a unibody, not a monocoque.
@@jeffhildreth9244for the joke
@@jeffhildreth9244Thunderbird was also a monocoque i suppose.
I know logistics probably didn't allow it and that's why this video is on ETH, but MAN this car really deserved a main channel video.
"It's a monocoque" "I hope so, it would be in the Guinness World Record if you've got two of them"
This should have been the outro...
Mono-cock*
Those would be the ones in the car.
Bloody hilarious
Actually, no... not a world record at all. As hilarious as the joke was, it's not really a laughing matter.
"Diphallia" is a known condition. Affects about 1 in 6 million men. Only 100 cases on actual record over the past 400 years though.
But I saw a medical oddities documentary that included a chap who had two coques, and he described quite bluntly how each performed. Both worked normally, although one was far "lazier" than the other.
Love to see these guys enjoy a car. I love it when people get that gleem in their eye when experiencing a fun car
These guys always hit the ball out of the park. A breath of fresh air. We should get them to do a video on the main channel.
Back in the 80s I sold cars at a small Volvo, Saab, Fiat dealership in Ogden, UT. I loved the X1/9 and would take one of two we had (we had them for a very long time) on spirited "test" drives regularly. It was the most fun I think I've ever had driving a car. One day I got a call from a guy in Salt Lake City asking if I had a gold X1/9. I did and told him so, whereupon he said he would leave SLC then to come buy it. Yeah, right. Less than an hour later a car pulls onto the lot and two 20 something guys step out and walk in the showroom asking for me. He said he had just test driven a gold X1/9 in SLC and loved it. It begged the question, "Why didn't you buy it?", I asked. He explained, returning from the test drive and within a block of the dealership it burst into flames and burned to the ground before the fire department showed up to pour water onto the blackened lump of metal. I drew up the paperwork, he signed everything, paid and drove away as happy a customer as I ever had. And that was the last time I saw or heard from him. I assume it was a happy ending.
That night I tuned into the local newscast and watched the news story of the flaming Fiat with film of the molten heap.
Loved your video, it brought back great memories of flogging those X1/9s around town so many years ago.
YES! This is what we need. Review all sorts of cars. Old and new. If people will lend you even slightly interesting cars then go ahead, drive it and give it a quick review 👍🏼
Dosen't have to be anything more, two car guys driving interesting cars 😀
These guys always hit the ball out of the park.
They do enjoy ball sports of all sorts.
You know, as much as I love you guys as car reviewers, I think the reason I love this channel so much is because I just love yall's friendship. Just two good buds enjoying a shared interest together, well into their adult years. It's really a beautiful thing.
When I was a teenager in the 80s, in Florida, the 70s years of these were so cheap. They weren't common, but they weren't rare either and they stayed cheap and available into the 90s. I wish I'd fully understood at the time how lucky I was to ride in so many little 60s and 70s roadsters and import sports cars. I knew so many people who had Triumphs, MGs, and Datsun 240z and 260Z cars.
Out of the ones that I rode in a lot, I probably drove half of them.
I had a 1973 Datsun 240Z as my first car in 1983. My best friend had this same Fiat. Back when cars were fun…….
Fun fact, the stock engine in this is shared with our Yugo GVX (the sporty Yugo: the 1.3 and the 5 speed versus the 1.1 and 4 speed in the regular GV). The components of the Yugo engines are actually more sought after than the Fiat ones; the Zastava castings and machining was better (makes sense given their gun manufacturing background).
Damn good comment
I heard the Yugo was a No-go.😄😄
Yes, this true, my mother had a Yougo and it was a good car, and modern as it was one of the first hatchbacks. But the engine was pretty similar with the 128
I bought my X1-9 in 1980 when I moved to the Shetland Islands, with the furniture allowance my company gave me. It was the same Rosso colour with a 1.3 engine. A brilliant little thing. I took it to Aberdeen with me when I moved in 1985 and about a year later was woken up one morning to find a 10 Ton lorry on top of it outside my apartment, total write off. Always smile when I remember it
I love seeing you guys enjoying the amazing Fiat X1/9!!! I’ve been enjoying my 1978 RestoMod Fiat X1/9 since 1999 in Atlanta, GA. Never gets old!
I've owned several of these over the last 40 years, and they've always been a real kick in the ass. My current '86 model came with the fuel injected 1.5 liter and a 5 speed as standard equipment.
That camera on the back glass was a great shot. It's like you're sitting on the hump in the back of the car with the boys(even if this doesn't have a backseat).
As am a 30 yo Italian Alfa Romeo Mito driver, living abroad (Netherlands). I LOVE seeing people falling in love again and again with Italian cars. They just HAVE something special, don't they. Keep up the amazing work!
As an Italian, I believe you understand this better than most. I'm English (with some German in my blood). I fell in love with the 128 when I inherited my mother's second 128 when I got my driving licence. I learned the amazing details of the 9,000rpm engine, and it really "got under my skin". I'd say that Italy has a passion not just for cars in general, but also for the engineering of the driving experience. Not always built to the best standards, hence reputations can be "iffy", but there is certainly something special about Italian cars that nobody else has. Somewhat like a bella donna (prima donna?), they can be high maintenance, with quirky demands, but oh-so-rewarding and reliable when cared for properly.
God I never want these episodes to end. You guys always seem like you're just having so much fun
My dad had one and I loved driving it! A sunny day with the roof off, weaving through traffic on the 401 with a big smile!
That is a brilliant little resto mod. I enjoyed the drive by watching it.
As an MR2 owner I really appreciate these as OG affordable mid-engine things
The MR2 is probably better value for money
The X1/9 is so underrated. We race a VR6 swapped one in lemons. The way it drives is so nice. It's really forgiving at and over the limit, which is weird for a tiny mid engine car, but it's just really well balanced. It's also been a reliable car in the races.
Absolutely love mine. It's funny that they were forgotten. But it means they're pretty cheap.
"sometimes I like my job" CLASSIC!
Love it, love it, love it. As an Alfa man but have had many Fiats too. Good, quick engines can be built almost off the shelf. To find a none rusty X1/9 would be heaven.
I've been looking for an X19 and they're all either rusty or distastefully modded (not this one though)
@@elnyoutube123
All cars rust. This is proven and hard fact for all cars from that era, From Alfa Romeo to Porsche and many more. Lesser know is how Bertone altered the construction and rust and corrosion protection over the decades of x1/9 production (body was never built by Fiat, they were built by Bertone from day one). Last production version from the 80's has the same galvanic coating, bare body dipped, wax sealed and all as any high quality production car from that era. Keep in mind Bertone was a small volume speciality producer that built special for many including Volvo, BMW and others... to their specifications. There was zero reason for Bertone to skimp on the x1/9 as this was their production car that paid the bills and more.
@@rupunzel6299 Were all of them built by Bertone or just the later models?
I had one for several years in the late 80s. I lived at the top of page mill road and worked at the bottom. 134 turns on a California mountain road each way, each day. Would maybe get 2500 miles out of a set of tires. I loved that car. Targa is awesome, lots of room for groceries. Sold it to an auto crosser friend of mine.
My favorite reply on an ETH video, ever. You enjoyed your car the way they were meant to be, and then passed it on to someone else to enjoy too.
I'm seeing that Thomas is becoming a total watch nerd and I'm here for it.
Looks like an FXD.
I will never forget a
road trip from Toronto
to Ottawa back in '74
(with my big brother)
when I was 15 years
old. 8track tapes blaring
War, Barry White, Led
Zeppelin, Yes, and
Herbie Hancock...
...T top off, smoking
3 finger spliffs of
Colombian gold...
...taking the side
roads so he could
demonstrate the
advantages of a
mid engine layout
on the curves.
I'm 65 years old
as I write this today.
(with a big dumb
smile on my face
as I remember 😊)
I had a '76. Absolutely loved it. Handled like a slot car and rode well to boot! Most fun car I ever owned.
X1/9 was my first "favorite car" when I was a kid. I still have my matchbox from back then, 40+ years ago. Love this thing. Nice work by the owner.
I am on my 3rd Fiat X1/9. I had a 1974, 1976 and now a 1982 with fuel injection. Best handling car ever. Not the fastest car on the road but like they say, "It is more fun to drive a slow car fast then a fast car slow"!
I’m resto-modding my X1/9 as well. It’s completely rust-free, it will have a new interior, a Fiat Uno Turbo 1.3 engine with a custom ECU, water-cooled intercooler and a bit more boost and after having seen this, I can’t wait for it to be finished! Total cost: 1000 for the car (10 years ago), 3500 for the engine rebuild, 1000 for the transmission, 1000 for upgraded brakes, 8000 for paint (and prep), and 1000 for the seats and then maybe another 3-5000 for the rest.
ua-cam.com/video/1gZie2wjrEs/v-deo.htmlsi=jb06lhMAkPbksex1
My dad had one of these and young me thought it was the coolest thing ever. Except I hardly ever got to drive in it, not because my dad wouldn't have taken me for a ride, but because the car spent the overwhelming majority of its life in the shop until dad got fed up and sold it. It was a lovely metallic green and it looked incredible in the Miami sun.
Same experience but with the 124. So fragile. More time in the shop than at home
I had a '74. Lime green. Drove it brand new and was hooked. I've had a lot of cars, and some fast cars, but these guys smiles say it all! MOST FUN CAR I EVER HAD. (and by far the least dependable) Has nobody but me noticed the front trunk isn't latched down? Easy to do. It lifts a little at higher speeds. I REMEMBER!
This is truly a great video! You dont need hundreds of hp to have fun in a car. The first one I drove was the 2000 GTV from my father. Brilliant design, motor and driving experience. I still remember (50 years later) all the emotions and the seaside road. I friend of mine had a VW-Porsche 914 and I remember the front zig zag at high speeds on the highway ;)
My first car was a 76 red X1/9 in 82.. I had a LTD hit me in the back and shove me in front of a huge Dump Truck coming towards me. The truck ran up on the front over my legs then flipped the car through the air. I had the top off. I survived with hardly no damage. It was so safe. They said if the engine was in the front my legs would have been crushed. I got a 79 X1/9 next because it's a great car. Your video brought back memories.
04:22 And what a beautiful road to be taking this little stunner down. I dig that POV-esk camera angle where we can see both of you guys talking to each other, but it's like we're coming along for the ride, sitting in a ficticious middle back seat. I can actually FEEL how fun it would be zooming along in the open air under this awesome tree canopy. 🤩
Beautiful car! 😮❤ Bertone and Pininfarina were killing it back in those days.
Could not get enough of that GoPro footage facing forward from the back of the cabin. Was so immersive.
I really enjoyed that. I bought a 77 in 1977 when I was 17. When everything was sorted, I loved driving it. I did my own brake pads. I put in a Clarion 8 track system with an EQ Booster and had the top off blasting Van Halen's first album in the school parking lot and driving around town. I had Clarion Component speakers that had both a woofer and a tweeter. I drove it to California when I graduated in April 1978. That was a great experience.
And now the fiat x1/9 market is gonna sky rocket.
The noises this one makes are delightful.
I had my first X when I was 20 years old. An unfortunate incident (that involved the car being completely airborne for a brief moment) brought an abrupt end to that experience. I've owned 18 cars in my life and none of them ever came close to matching the fun factor of driving an X. So much so, that I pined for another X for years. I searched for literally 10 years before I found a rust free example that I could afford. I snatched it up and began the restoration. I joined the X Web forum, which is an invaluable resource maintained by devoted X owners. Kent's car was a well known and well documented build, and the envy of many. He offered it to me, but having already made my purchase, I didn't have the finances to make that happen. Glad to see it made it's way to someone who really appreciates how special a car this is. I especially love videos of people (car enthusiasts in particular) who discover for the first time how unique and capable these cars really are. It's great to see their genuine surprise when they realize what a well sorted X can do. Especially one with the grunt to match it's amazing handling! And make no mistake... this particular car is a rocket ship! I giggle like a 12 year old, every time I drive mine!
Thanks guy’s, you have put such a smile on my face.
First introduced to one of these down here in New Zealand back in 1989.
Such a fun ride.
How can you not love a restomod? You take a car that you love and make it better in every way without making it into something else. We called them sleepers back in the day - totally stock in appearance (with maybe a nicer paintjob and interior, nicer wheels and tires and improved brakes and suspension) but at the redlight will stand up and disappear and be impossible to catch. What's not to like? I've always loved these cars from the very beginning but they were begging for more power, better brakes and a chassis to keep it all together. This one is drool worthy for sure - absolutely gorgeous!
In EU this is illegal
@@Haffschlappe a lot of things in EU are illegal
My best friend in high school owned one in that same color. Driving on autumn nights with the top off, the windows up and the heat cranking was an absolute dream.
I love the giggling from the sheer joy of driving this wee car. I was lucky enough to drive one or two in the 80s and they were fun even before the mods! Second gear acceleration of the Fiats in that day was a thing of wonder, excitement and joy. I had a Fiat 132GL 1600 and a Fiat 131R 2.0l twin cam engines and they both had the carburettor burr at about 3500rpm, which was highly addictive.
I got a brand new 1975 right off the truck. I bought it from my dad. I’m now 71 but that was the most fun car for the money. It was $4500 out the door in 75. I’m 6 foot three I hit a freeway abutment head on at 55 miles an hour, and got out of the car unhurt I cut the car in half went to the wrecking yard and bought one that was wrecked in the rear cut it in half put my car back together. I drove it for a while after that and sold it to some guy for $1500, and about two years later, I saw it in a used car lot. I could not believe it 😊
This hits all the right notes. Thank you so much for sharing - it continues to be fun to live vicariously through your videos.
For a couple of years, I drove a 1976 yellow x1/9 that my Dad bought brand new from a SAAB/FIAT dealer in Billings MT. Price brand new was less than $5000. I put a ski rack on it and would take it anywhere, any weather, and it handled great in the snow as long as it wasn't more than 6" deep. With less than 100 hp, its straight line performance wasn't spectacular, but it handled like a go-cart in the bends. Its 4-speed manual was like butter and the steering and brakes were hard wired to my brain. So much fun. Sadly its timing belt broke at about 45K miles and it needed a complete overhaul, cost more than the car was worth so I ended up selling it. I regret selling it now. Wonderful car.
Damn….nothing like old school noises, smells and just driving pleasure. Love it
I've always loved how these things look, such a funky little car.
Kudos to the owner of this one, it's a really beautiful specimen with some super tasteful mods.
Looking forward to seeing what else you have on the cards, hoping to see a Smart Roadster at some point if possible just because they're so odd.
One of few channels trying cool old cars
I grew up with these x1.9’s floating about , sad that I haven’t seen one in quite a while , but I agree as a former GT Junior owner ( biggest mistake of my life selling that one ) it’s awesome seeing some 70’s nostalgia again and it sounded like the 70’s , it put a nice smile on my face , thanks guys !
As odd as it may sound, as an Alaskan resident I've had 5 of these, most of them blue, they didn't last, rust being the main enemy. But with the engine in the rear the balance of the car on snowy & icy roads was incredible. I finally out grew the tiny little things & decided to move up to a big car so I bought a Honda Civic Del Sol... In the right hands another incredible car on winter roads. (& Love those targa tops)
I'm so glad to see your not just another car channel that writes off brands or cars because they're Italian. I just sold a Fiat Punto with a fairly worked T-Jet motor and it was so engaging and fun to drive, 6 years of pretty trouble free driving. I got rid of it as cars in general are getting so big I started to get concerned as to what would happen if I had an accident with a modern SUV or heaven forbid a dual cab ute. That is one hell of a Fiat! I can't wait to see the junior too.
My dream car when I was 18. It still is 50 years later. Still on my bucket list.
Along with VW Passat, Buick GNX and Ginetta G4.
I've owned two back in the 1980s. So much fun. In the red one I had the seats reupholstered - and sat on newspapers with no problem. (Should add I am 6 foot 4). In snow the little car could throw a fishtail 10 feet high!
My dad has a fuel injected model from the 80’s that he’s recently started restomodding. We got the opportunity to take it on a couple Italian classic car rallies before he started the project and it was the more fun experience I’ve ever had in my life.
Thomas's joy makes this video special.
My buddy had one of these in high school in the late 80’s. And man did we have fun zipping around in that thing blasting Whitesnake and AC/DC.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Proud owner of an 82vs x 1/9 my is a survivor and still in stock form. These are little gems that are often overlooked looked because of is power. I tell people it like a boat you always feel faster in a boat and the “X” is the same. I can drive it at 9 all the time and never worry about speeding or violation and I’m smiling the whole time. At C&C the tuning crowd comes up and so do the guys like you dad. You touched on it’s story a little and it only get deeper and more interesting (look up its concept car the runabout) love to see Jason Camisa or DTm do a pice on these. THANKS AGAN!
So the engine in the x1.9 was designed by Aurelio Lampredi who also designed a few Ferrari v12s before this engine. This exact same engine was also used in the Yugo.
No way! I know a lot of fun facts, but not this!
Yep. Lampredi was a main designer of Ferrari race engines in the 1960's. When he left ferrari (no idea if he jumped or was pushed) this transverse mounted, rubber cambelt driven, overhead cam, highly oversquare screamer of an engine (9,000rpm in stock factory trim) was his first effort for his new employer, Fiat. First used in the Fiat 128 (1969 European car of the year) as an 1100cc, it quickly enlarged to 1300cc (by 1972, for both 128s and X1/9s). It grew to 1500cc for the X1/9 in 1982. Was used as a 1.4 in Fiat Uno and Tipo, and as both 1.3 and 1.4 turbocharged versions in the Uno Turbo. Grew to a 1.6 and 1.9 in Brazil (Fiat Linea) in the noughties. Still fitted to new Peugeot vans as recently as 2010.
Fiat sold the 124 design to Russia (Lada). And the 128 ended up with Zastava and Yugo in Soviet Slovakia. Which is why those cheap and badly thought of little Yugos have this exact same engine, gearbox and powertrain, and share most of the Fiat 128 parts (doorhandles, headlights, etc), even though they did their own hatchback body.
While Fiat trialled a transverse engine and gearbox in the mid-60's Autobianchi Primula, the design was tweaked and "launched to the world" in the pioneering Fiat 128 in 1969.
It was the first to fully sort out transverse engines and gearboxes, using an electric cooling fan, rubber cambelt to drive the overhead cam, CV joints at the end of unequal driveshafts, and the differential carried near clutch the bellhousing.
In an effort to combat "torque-steer" - a common affliction of front wheel drive cars mostly attributed to the difference in angle between diff and wheel hub, the Fiat 128 used driveshafts of different diameters. The short driveshaft remained slim, but the long shaft had a much larger diameter. This made it extremely heavy, but the idea was that when equal torque was applied at the diff, the different shafts would "elastically wind up" the SAME - the bigger diameter shaft being much stiffer in torsion per unit length, but cumulatively the same torsion over the longer length.
I never noticed any torque steer in my old 128 - but I'd also say the 128 engines were not powerful enough for torque steer to be a problem.
However, the fact that these cars had such cleverly engineered driveshafts shows the depth of thinking that went into what became the blueprint for ALL modern front wheel drive powertrains. Yes, BLUEPRINT.
VW bought a 128, stripped it to the last nut and bolt, then COPIED the powertain and front suspension verbatim (using their own engine and gearbox design of course, but blatantly copied the concept). And then 5 years later, gave the world the VW Golf / Rabbit - a hatchback version of the 128. So, yeah, the 128 was the blueprint that everyone else has now copied ever since. So when you laugh at Italian cars as a joke, bear in mind that in their heyday, they were far ahead of the Germans in engineering cleverness.
Issigonis might have been ten years ahead with the Mini in 1959. But - transverse layout with the radiator and fan mounted in a wheelarch? Distributor and electricals carried on the exposed front, ready to die in the first hint of rain? Gearbox in the engine sump, forcing the sharing of oil and a variety of engineering problems because of that. While Mini showed the way in terms of how efficient the packaging of the powertrain could be, it was Fiat that sorted it all out and made it so feasible that before long, (almost) everybody would be copying them. BMW and (for a long while) Volvo excepted.
@@bythelee Yes, this is a true but with a few mistakes:
1. The lampredi block was used all the way up to the mid 2000s in europe as well and in the mid 90s it recieved a 16v dohc crossflow head as well which is a common swap for yugos and 128s in europe.
2. It was soviet yugoslavia not slovakia
I had a '75 in '80, cut and sold firewood in high school to buy it. Never ran more than 15 minutes, but man, what a good looking car for the era.
Ouch! At least you had a great looking car. Somewhat similar experience: I bought a ‘72 Spitfire back in ‘79 (my first car). I worked in the local grocery store to earn the money for it. British sports cars were about as rare as things got in rural Illinois - never saw a X1/9. But while the Spitfire was far from perfect, at least it usually ran.
@@VirtualGuth I considered a Spitfire in 1974, but bought an X 1/9 instead. The little Fiat was worlds ahead of the British cars at the time.
I had two X1/9's (77 and 79) and a Spider (79) before I was 30, I miss each of them more than most can understand. They were amazing machines.
Happy to see more folks are appreciating the x1/9 now.. I restored one in the early 90’s. It was fun, a real stunt car that fit under docked trailers, under railroad crossings and more. It really wanted to be driven. Reliability was pure fiat.
Fiat are absolutely reliable.. Use more than one x1/9 as a daily driver/commuter for decades. Zero issues, all had well over 150,000 HARD miles on them. Anyone that claims the x1/9 and other Fiats are not reliable has never owned or driven one daly. If there were problems, the roots are due to Previous Owner Syndrome.
The X1/9 passed the crash tests from the late 1980's. It is small but very stoutly built. I've had three. All modified. Now you understand about the X.. Fabulous chassis.
I grew up in South Africa as a teenager, this car was driven almost exclusively by women of means. A few years later my 1st car (2nd hand) was a Alfa Sud Sprint 1.3 (2 door version of Jame's dad's car).
These are the pure fun videos I just love as an enthusiast. The joy you guys had emanated through the screen.
More of these reviews! Would love to see you guys in more older cars to broaden our horizons.
Just bought a 2001 Toyota MR2. When I was younger I thought they were too slow. Now it feels just about right. I have about 150 HP in mine, and it weighs 2,195 pounds. Lots of fun.
Small cars can be soooo much fun! Without having to go dangerously fast.
Boy does this bring back memories. I had the Fiat 128 hatchback modded with some racing parts from a guy out in Florida back in the '70s (Forza?) He was a local legend who was continually banned for beating all the Mustangs, Camaros and Trans Ams of the day racing a Fiat 500. I had a 1/4 cam, big 40mm Webber downdrafts (so easy to tune) and a racing exhaust, taking my meager 70ish HP to up around 110Hp and loved panicking all the Triumphs, MGs and smaller unsuspecting Porsches around Mulhollond Dr. 8,000 RPM shifts were the norm. I got 2 people to buy a Fiat based on how much abuse I put mine thru and they loved theirs as well. I should have gotten the X-1/9 when I had the chance.
I had one of these. So much fun. So close to the ground. My husky liked riding around with the top down, grinning back at the people staring at him.
I had one of these in 1995-1600cc, Janspeed sports exhaust, interior recovered in bone ivory `leatherette` (in Italy,and photographed with Alberto Bertone,no less) And it was absolutely the one car I loved!
An x1:9 was my first car purchased at age 16 in 1988. My mother was horrified when she saw there was no engine in front. I had many miles of fun terrorizing the neighborhood. Thanks for the flashback.
My first car was a 1976 X1/9. I’ve had exotic taste on a budget ever since, but this is still the best-sorted X1/9 I’ve ever seen.
I got to ride in one of these in high school. I was a sophomore and senior took me to an event in his. I was not only excited to hang out with an upper classmate, but I was fascinated by the car.
what a cool little car, didnt know the existed!. would love to see more of these.
well done to the owner!
I had a new 1980 X1/9 with fuel injection and the 5-speed. I loved it! (So much so, I’ve owned a few MX-5’s since, including the 30AE I drive today.) Incidentally, your video reminds me how this car, like the MX-5 RF, is every bit a true convertible. With the top stowed, you get 100% of the convertible experience, as you can clearly see here.😊
That looks phenomenal... WAYYYY more interesting and charismatic than modern cars, a soulful buy...
It sounds wonderful - what a labor of love.
The first car I ever owned was a '78 X1/9 (when I was 17) which I begged an old man, who shopped at the grocery store where I worked, to sell it to me. I LOVED that car, but it was such a bucket of bolts. I had to have the clutch replaced eventually and the Italian mechanic told me afterword that he would never do that repair again because it was so difficult. After I sold it, the next car I purchased was an MR2, for obvious reliability reasons. Great memories.
Cool show! I notice more references to technical aspects, not often heard on TH. I also notice that hardly any car makes James and Thomas smile from ear-to-ear! Instead of the typical tension and concern associated with driving supercars and multi-million dollar hypercars, it's truly a great sportscar that can make the driver actually smile! The word for today is "Fun"!
I've been watching Hill Climbs featuring one of these X1/9's and they took the engine out worked the frame and suspension to make it even stiffer then dropped a Hyabusa from the motor bike into it. Watching it do the climb with extra cones placed around the course to make it much more difficult to navigate and for handling prowess it's INSANE!! It was either the constant winner or very close to winning all the time. (I just can't remember for sure off the top of my head). Go and have a look at some of the videos on it. Seriously AMAZING! It's like a whipping go cart with all the power PLUS PLUS!
I had one of these (stock) in the UK in the mid 80’s. Woefully underpowered, a rust box with steel the thickness of a human hair but a lot of fun to drive. To your point about the strength of the chassis I managed to run mine into the front of a truck coming the other way (a story which involved me answering the question ‘Can I get around this corner in 3rd without braking’). Any other car of the time I might not be here typing this - it was a write off but I walked away without a scratch!
This video made me remember that this was Richard Hammond's choice in The Grand Tour when he had to chose a rare classic car which was cheap, he went for the popular one! Great episode that was! You guys keep up the good work! ✌️
I had a choice to make back in the day. My parents gave me a budget to buy a car and I was torn between the X19 and a TR8. I chose the TR8. It died after 2 years of ownership and 30,000 miles. 😂
What made u choose the TR8
@@TheBasher-_- I was 16 at the time and was 6 feet tall. I was really cramped in the X19 and the TR8 had a V8.
@DJL78 oh ok makes sense.
Sorry to hear the TR8 crapped out. But I highly doubt the X1/9 could be counted on to be any more reliable.
In 1978 I was in high school and working at a car dealership that sold Fiat among other brands. I came into work one afternoon and the lot was full of new Fiats including X1/9 and Spyders. Until then the dealership had only had used models.
I drove a new Spyder into the workshop to do the PDI. I braked hard like a typical teenager and hit my head on the windshield.
I got out and asked the mechanic when Spyders got power brakes. He replied they all had power brakes. I retorted that none of the ones I had driven had power brakes. He said, “they only have power brakes when they’re brand new They stop working within a year.”
Many of the new Fiats already had surface rust on them. They had to be repaired and painted before being sold.
@@morstyrannis1951 I bought a first-year X 1/9 (1974) and put 50k miles on it. Interesting car. The small steel bumpers starting rusting after the first year and the car wouldn't start if left outside overnight during a rainstorm (I had to dry the inside of the distributor cap). On the other hand, the suspension felt as good as new after 50k and the car was a blast to drive. The steering was so sensitive you could feel any gravel on the inside of turns. We bought a new 1979 as well, which had more power, a 5-speed, electronic ignition and large aluminum bumpers.
X1/9 is a gem!!!
Lusted after this car for years. By the time I was old enough to buy one Fiat had stopped selling them here. Thanks for the memories.
OMGawd, I had an X1/9 and I think it was a 1978 in the same colour. I loved it, bit funny in the snow, didn’t really steer but I was good a rally (I was 18 then). It was so much fun then, this resto mod must be insane. I do remember it being stiff for sure and was sure I’d die in any accident. What memories, thank you!
Love it and love the X1/9. I think you’d be surprised how much of the fun is still present in a more stock version! My neighbor bought one and wow! Could that thing handle!
This really makes me want to finish and drive my 1974 x1/9. Ive been restoring it for the last 7 years back to OEM spec (which is not easy, as 74 cars have 95% different parts compared to other years). I cant wait to hear it on the road 🥳❤🏎🏁
My mom had an x/19 when I was a kid, I loved that little car
My dad owns a Fiat 128 sport coupe which originaly had the 1300cc engine, but someone in germany decided that it is a good idea to put a 1.5 engide from the Lancia Beta I believe. It has been paintet white and hase a red interior, both the paint and the leather are showing its age. It now wont get its MOT due to emission issues. Now its parked by my granddad to rebuild its carburetor. Just few weeks prior to it not passing I drove it for the second time in my life. First one was when I was younger and he decided that I should know how to drive. It is a fun car, although I find it hard to find 5th gear and also I was obviously scared to rev it high so I did not get anywhere near the top "power" it has. Still a car I hope we never have to sell and i hope to one day get to drive it more.
I had one of these in the 80's, and I had a lot of fun with it. it was like a street legal gocart. I was actually able to stand up while driving it on the freeway. I had decent grip, except when I hit the railroad tracks at an angle, and it would slide around the block. Top speed wasnt very high, like maybe 90mph, but around town it was a rocket.
Wheel twirling slightly scary drive. Love it.
I had four of these…. LOVED them