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Fiat X/19
Fiat X1/9 was the earliest lightweight mid-engined sports car made - the biggest challenge at the time being how to locate all the mechanicals without…
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Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2006-08-23.
Fiat X1/9 was the earliest lightweight mid-engined sports car made - the biggest challenge at the time being how to locate all the mechanicals without compromising useable space.
The X1/9 succeeded because of its clever packaging. Adopting a transverse engine and transmission unit from the front-engined/front-wheel drive Fiat 128 Coupe.
The 128 was already compact, but with additional modifications Fiat were able to make the car even shorter and employ the most space-efficient suspension, MacPherson struts, in all corners.
Behind the engine (and also the front of the car), there was enough space forreasonably sized luggage. Clever use was made in positioning the spare tyre and fuel tank - the former was located behind the right seat and the latter was behind the left seat, just in front of the engine compartment.
The space saving ideas were from Bertone, as was the exterior styling. Originally designed as a convertible, due to the strict safety regulations in America Bertone switched to targa arrangement, utilizing a removable roof panel which could be stored in the front boot.
The Targa design also enhanced the car’s beauty, without sacrificing the airy feel. As a whole, the exterior design was among the very best.
Between 1972 and 1978, the X1/9 was powered by a 75 hp 1300 c.c. engine however this was replace in 1978 by a 85 hp 1500 c.c. unit.
Also see: Fiat Heritage
