Fiat X1/9 - First Classic?
Discussion
Hello all
i've been wanted a first classic for a while now.
The usual stuff has crossed my mind, Midgets, MGBs, MX5s but with a budget of just 3k tops and the want for something a bit unsual i was stumped.
Til i saw a Fiat X1/9 racing last night on TV and a lightbulb went off.
I've found a few for sale for various amounts of ££, has anyone here any experience of them, good, bad, indifferent? Any comments? Or other ideas!
Thanks
Simon
i've been wanted a first classic for a while now.
The usual stuff has crossed my mind, Midgets, MGBs, MX5s but with a budget of just 3k tops and the want for something a bit unsual i was stumped.
Til i saw a Fiat X1/9 racing last night on TV and a lightbulb went off.
I've found a few for sale for various amounts of ££, has anyone here any experience of them, good, bad, indifferent? Any comments? Or other ideas!
Thanks
Simon
mate had one, he restored it too, he use to drive it about without the plate from the engine to cabin. In all honesty as a passenger I truly despised it... slow and noisy, even 127 sports left it for dead..couldn't even pull the skin off a rice pudding.. wine red with a white interior, not my cuppa..
Bad points
Rust - slow - parts supply - rust - and more rust
Good points
Thankfully hard to find now - checkout local scrappy.
For £3K
If you're looking at sporty cars - Not really much choice unless you'll accept a moggy minor or similar other slow saloon - Why not look at a kit car, same cheap classic insurance, much rarer than any tin box/top, all classic shows have a KC section, and many very active uk KC clubs.
Just my thoughts on this, others will dis-agree.
Rust - slow - parts supply - rust - and more rust
Good points
Thankfully hard to find now - checkout local scrappy.
For £3K
If you're looking at sporty cars - Not really much choice unless you'll accept a moggy minor or similar other slow saloon - Why not look at a kit car, same cheap classic insurance, much rarer than any tin box/top, all classic shows have a KC section, and many very active uk KC clubs.
Just my thoughts on this, others will dis-agree.
Thanks for the tips guys.
I did imagine them to be slow, but i had heard they handled well at least!
Rust i did er, imagine was an issue.
A kit car is an option, but the lure for me is owning a classic if that makes sense? But it does have to be sportyish at least! While i've nothing against a Morris Minor, it just doesn't cut it for me...
Thanks though, all opinions listened too
Simon
I did imagine them to be slow, but i had heard they handled well at least!
Rust i did er, imagine was an issue.
A kit car is an option, but the lure for me is owning a classic if that makes sense? But it does have to be sportyish at least! While i've nothing against a Morris Minor, it just doesn't cut it for me...
Thanks though, all opinions listened too
Simon
A very good choice. Rust is rust, and happens to all old cars, unless made of plastic on a galvanised chassis. Not super fast, but handly and cool and fun. Go for it.
Failing that, buy my non rusty Lancia Beta Spider 2000, which is fast and handly, although might be above your planned budget.
Failing that, buy my non rusty Lancia Beta Spider 2000, which is fast and handly, although might be above your planned budget.
Also, check you fit before you buy 
Rescued one from a scrappy. Lovely and I normally fit 'italian' driving positions but at 6ft and the standard steering wheel my legs were up against the wheel and it was best driven with the roof off.
Cheap to run and easy to fix (mechanically at least).
Rescued one from a scrappy. Lovely and I normally fit 'italian' driving positions but at 6ft and the standard steering wheel my legs were up against the wheel and it was best driven with the roof off.Cheap to run and easy to fix (mechanically at least).
Slow is relative - it will be (and feel) miles quicker than an MGB for instance. Think modern 1.6 Focus-ish speed with a more engaging soundtrack.
They feel surprisingly special from the inside with the engine noise behind your head, pop up lights etc.
The engine likes revs, the gearbox doesn't like to be rushed and as said above they rust everywhere.
Plus the electrics can go a bit funny, such as headlights that don't pop up together so you keep flicking the switch as the car winks at onlookers ntil you get them in synch - call it character...
From memory the Uno Turbo lump drops straight in, and people have put 2 litre Twinks in so more speed is available :-)
Like any old car check it out thoroughly. A well looked after on would be a lovely car. Oh, and the 1.3 is ought after due to its prettier looks (slim bumpers) and funkier interior.
They feel surprisingly special from the inside with the engine noise behind your head, pop up lights etc.
The engine likes revs, the gearbox doesn't like to be rushed and as said above they rust everywhere.
Plus the electrics can go a bit funny, such as headlights that don't pop up together so you keep flicking the switch as the car winks at onlookers ntil you get them in synch - call it character...
From memory the Uno Turbo lump drops straight in, and people have put 2 litre Twinks in so more speed is available :-)
Like any old car check it out thoroughly. A well looked after on would be a lovely car. Oh, and the 1.3 is ought after due to its prettier looks (slim bumpers) and funkier interior.
I've had two and still have a soft spot for them. The Lido is the special one.
My advice is... buy an MR2 Mk1. It was engineered to tackle almost all the faults of the X1/9. Faster and faster still if you get the supercharged (JDM) version and swap the conservative pulleys that Mr Toyota gave it.
Downside: it's chunky-looking, whereas the X1/9 is just soooo pretty (especially in 1300 spec). There's a PHer with one repainted in Rosso Corsa with nice alloys and it really does look like a Jr Ferrari.
My advice is... buy an MR2 Mk1. It was engineered to tackle almost all the faults of the X1/9. Faster and faster still if you get the supercharged (JDM) version and swap the conservative pulleys that Mr Toyota gave it.
Downside: it's chunky-looking, whereas the X1/9 is just soooo pretty (especially in 1300 spec). There's a PHer with one repainted in Rosso Corsa with nice alloys and it really does look like a Jr Ferrari.
Have had one for 17 years now and have not found it too expensive to run and performance for a car originally designed in the early 70s is good for 1500cc. Handling is excellent being mid engined better than standard MGs of the era,
Unfortunately had a fall this month damaged the Achilles' tendon so unable to drive it this summer or maybe longer so have decided now is the right time for me to move it on.
Advice is buy the best you can find for your budget body and electrics the main things to look out for mechanics usually good if well maintained and most parts can be sourced through specialists.
Good luck with your search
Rob.
Unfortunately had a fall this month damaged the Achilles' tendon so unable to drive it this summer or maybe longer so have decided now is the right time for me to move it on.
Advice is buy the best you can find for your budget body and electrics the main things to look out for mechanics usually good if well maintained and most parts can be sourced through specialists.
Good luck with your search
Rob.
They are a great little car, not particularly quick but they handle nicely and are an engaging drive. The best plan of attatck is, like any classic, buy the best you can. I wouldn't wory too much about mechanical condition and would aim for a car with the best bodywork possible as they are complicated bodyshells and difficult to repair without removing the outer panels which are all rare and very expensive now. Other than rear wishbones, all mechanical bits are cheap and in plentiful supply. With a bit of head scratching your average DIYer can do most jobs easily with access to the odd engine bay component being a bit tricky. Heater valves and clutch / brake master cylinders will make you wish you'd bought something a little more conventional when repair time comes. I've had mine for 8 years now and the rarity means everyone wants to talk about it wherever you go. I would go for it just to be a bit different from the endless lines of MGs, Fords and Triumphs that you get at most events. The owners club is not great, you don't get a great deal for your membership fee.
Edited by X1/9 on Thursday 25th July 21:59
Edited by X1/9 on Thursday 25th July 22:00
I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole unless your skilled at panel beating / Spraying/ Welding, plus any engine work and the engine will have to be dropped out as things such as the alternator etc must be in hard to reach locations.
If you want Rear/Mid engined rear wheel drive fun it may be worth getting something a bit more modern for parts availability such as a smart roadster or MGF.
If you want Rear/Mid engined rear wheel drive fun it may be worth getting something a bit more modern for parts availability such as a smart roadster or MGF.
Vince70 said:
I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole unless your skilled at panel beating / Spraying/ Welding, plus any engine work and the engine will have to be dropped out as things such as the alternator etc must be in hard to reach locations.
If you want Rear/Mid engined rear wheel drive fun it may be worth getting something a bit more modern for parts availability such as a smart roadster or MGF.
Not the case my friend, there are removable panels at both ends of the engine bay to help access but other than the oil filter, it's all quite easy to get to from the top. Buy one like Rob's or mine and there's no rust to worry about anywhere. There are a lot of very low mileage,little used 1500s out there hidden away in older folks garages. You've just got to wait for one of those to come up. I would certainely avoid the sub £2k stuff on ebay, they will make you very familiar with the AA and your local bodyshop.If you want Rear/Mid engined rear wheel drive fun it may be worth getting something a bit more modern for parts availability such as a smart roadster or MGF.
long long time ago I had at least 5 of those in the long ago past, lovely cars and even then lots of rust if the first owner did nothing about it because after say a few years they buy something new.
maybe not so fast but there are many options, i believe there is a thread about this car were also those special wide body's are mentioned and or 2.0L engine's came in etc.
maybe not so fast but there are many options, i believe there is a thread about this car were also those special wide body's are mentioned and or 2.0L engine's came in etc.
If you can find one which isn't too rusty then buy it. I had a couple in the mid 90's and loved them. Fantastic handling, interesting looks and a generally engaging ownership proposition. They're light years ahead of the contemporary British staples of B's Midgets and Spitfires (and I say that as the owner of one).
I'd have another (good) one in a flash.
I'd have another (good) one in a flash.
Disregard all bloke in pub statements about Italian classic cars. They are generally no more or less prone to rust than any car of that era. Any car that hasn't been looked after or restored will be prone to rust, but good ones can be found. As always, buy the best one available and avoid apparent bargains.
Once you've had a mid engined sports car, you're spoiled for life.
Once you've had a mid engined sports car, you're spoiled for life.
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