1986 Fiat X1/9 Bertone review from North America

Coolant transfer tubes rotten out. This wouldn't be so bad, but the floor ahd to be cut to facilitate replacement tubes. When they rotten out, it didn't take long for the engine damage to occur.

There was only one cooling fan on some models. I fixed this by going the local boneyard and getting another fan. Fiat did provide wires and mounts, so this was an easy fix.

As with all X's, rust is an issue, but on my 4th X. I figured out to strip the body of all paint, repair what needed and the I used cold galvanizing compound, primed and paint. Problem solved.

The electrical system is weak, particularly, the ground points. Keep them clean and there will be no problems.

As with all point type vehicles, there was always a need to adjust, clean, etc.

Parts availabity. Items like hoses, belts, points, brakes... not a problem. But, brake hoses and other oddities like that have to be custom made.

I entered the 90000 miles as I have had seven of these forgotten gems and I couldn't even guess the mileage, coming or going.

Overall, I would say this the best bang for buck sports car.

Handling is outrageous. Even roller-coaters are no match for this little car. Turn the steering wheel, and the car is right there responding to your every input. This comes from a very simple rack and pinion steering system. It has very few moving aprts and those that do move, you can depend on.

Once you got a few bugs worked out, you will not find a more reliable car that is so much fun to drive. The car is old, yes, but the design is very modern. The first car to try duplicating the X is Pontiac's Fiero. This was a P.O.S. right from the start and destined to fail. The Toyota came out with the MR2. A very good good, but still it is not an "X".

Many parts are available for the X to boost performance. The car needs a bit of a boost, but otherwise, is a GREAT car.