1988 Fiat X1/9 1500 Bertone -Excellent low mileage example of the ‘Baby Ferrari’

Just arrived, more photos coming soon…

Designed by Marcello Gandini for Berton, armed with a revvy, lightweight, transverse 1500cc engine created by a former Ferrari engine wizard, a sporty & responsive 5-speed gearbox and a pretty flawless suspension system its no wonder these mid-engined Targa Top’d pocket rockets are affectionately known as the Baby Ferrari. They offer an incredible nimble, immersive and exciting driving experience that’s hard to beat; OK, so you won’t be going crazy fast, but who needs to when you’re having this much fun!
Built by Fiat until 1982, later cars such as this one were produced by Bertone until 1989; making this a rare late Bertone built & badged UK RHD car. With only 36 1988 cars currently registered on the road its not surprising they are becoming harder to find, particularly in this condition. The exterior and underneath are unusually good without signs of the dreaded rot that these cars traditionally suffer with (UK salty roads and Italian sports cars tend not to get on well) and the charming original interior is in superb condition.
Running, driving & stopping superbly thanks to considerable and well documented expenditure over the last couple of years; we challenge anyone to drive this without a huge smile on their face!
• Powered by the 138.A2/A4 1,498 cc overhead-cam four-cylinder engine
• Gearbox & clutch in excellent condition allowing for precise and accurate changes.
• The engine bay is in excellent condition
• We are advised that the carburettor was rebuilt by a specialist (at considerable additional cost) and returned to Autolusso for fitting
• The engine revs smoothly and has the exhaust note of a proper sports car
• A joy to drive with smooth and reliable performance

History
• UK RHD vehicle, delivered to the first lady keeper in July 1988.
• The second lady keeper bought the car when it was a year old with no record of another change of keeper with DVLA for the next 26 years.
• The car was kept on the Isle of Man between 1994 – 2015.
• Displayed circa 36,000 miles in 1994 and 52,945 miles when the car came back to the mainland in 2015.
• Six registered keepers.
• Current Mileage of justunder 54,000
• Original service booklet present, within original Fiat Assurance wallet.
• Many written entries in the booklet, five with official service stamps (1988 – 1997).
• Additional original Bertone wallet present, housing technical data handbook, servicing guide and owner’s handbook.
• New clutch slave cylinder receipt, August 2020
• Supply & Fit Timing Belt receipt dated May 2021 (53,059 miles)
• Maintenance receipt for £1,257.55 at specialists Autolusso dated August 2022 (53,232 miles)
• Maintenance receipt for £670.70 at specialists Autolusso dated September 2022 (53,455 miles)
• MOT & Maintenance receipt for £1,628.10 at specialists ‘Autolusso’ dated July 2023 (53,427 miles)
• Wheel alignment report from Autolusso dated August 2023
• A quantity of old V5c’s and MOT’s
• The current MOT expires 17/08/2024 with no advisories – (just 102 miles covered since)
• Supplied with two sets of keys

General Condition
• Bright paintwork was refreshed in 2020
• Some blemishes and imperfections such as minor bubbles on window frame surrounds and n/s door bottom
• The interior switchgear is in very good order
• The two-tone grey cloth seats are smart, comfortable, supportive and in excellent original condition
• The vinyl coverings and plastics remain a healthy shade of black with no obvious flaws
• The targa roof is in good condition, clips in and out with ease and stows snuggly into front compartment
• Electric windows in good working order
• X1/9 Speedline ‘Phone Dial’ wheels fitted and in excellent condition, with correct Bertone logo centre-caps
• Recent matching tyres – all with excellent, even tread remaining
• Original jack still present
• WaxOyl protected underneath

Please call 07851 694637 to discuss, arrange a viewing or request a video walkaround