1974 Fiat X1/9 w/1500 and 5-Speed!
By Midwest-Bayless Italian Auto
This car is tentatively sold
Up for sale is a solid, well running very early 1974 Fiat X1/9 with lots of upgrades and full maintenances. This is a two-owner car, with 40+ years of stewardship by the most recent family.
The Fiat X1/9 was introduced to North America in 1974. This first-year example is characterized by its hallmark "blade" style corner bumpers with rubber blocks, a slotted rear valence, contours pressed into each fender near the bumper mounting points, and other unique interior/exterior trims and that were redesigned in the following years.
If you're looking for a solid example of an X1/9 that is smog-exempt in all 50 states, with lots of maintenance records that you can daily drive, this one's for you!
This car is titled by a private owner and is an individual (not dealer) transaction. It is a 12/1973 build with very low serial number.
In 2010 Midwest-Bayless performed a complete mechanical refurbishment on this car, which included replacing the original 1300cc/4-Spd driveline with a rebuilt 1500cc carbureted motor, and 5-Spd transmission.
In 2025, Midwest-Bayless performed a follow-on refurbishment, including brake and clutch hydraulics, steering, suspension, fuel, cooling system, and electrical improvements.
The odometer shows 67,000K miles and the car has a clean bill of health from Midwest-Bayless.
The 1500cc carbureted engine runs great. It cold and hot starts just as expected with one try. The chassis rides comfortably.
Body and Exterior
The body is factory yellow with all original blade-style bumpers.
This car has been repainted at least twice in previous years, with a few dings, some mismatching areas and cosmetic bubbles in the doors and rear fender arches.
It had an antenna installed in the right front windshield cowl whose hole is now plugged.
It has a 70-75 point finish, but is a head-turning 10-footer.
This car has a few cosmetic flaws but does not have any deep corrosive rust to the unibody or suspension pick-ups. The main structural areas such as rear shock towers, rear cross members, and floor pans are solid.
It is the kind of car you can daily drive, and not worry too badly about an errant grocery cart or the occasional drive in the rain.
Floorpans are solid and original.
The chassis is solid and accurate enough to warrant the investment of professional repair to the minor cosmetic blemishes shown and repaint for a show level car.
The metal front air dam, front grille and all bumper items are intact.
It is missing its original rear valence stainless bright work, and rear trunk latch hook has been repaired.
Matching left and right "flag" style mirrors.
Original glass in all positions, with a dark tint.
Engine, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust and Cooling System
1500cc SOHC carbureted engine w/Bosch FI and Bosch electronic ignition
In 2011 Midwest-Bayless removed the original 1300 / 4-Spd driveline was removed from the vehicle and replaced with a freshly rebuilt stock-style 1500cc and 5-Spd transmission.
All necessary 5-Spd type components were swapped at that time, including carriers/uprights, axles, starter, flywheel shifter, etc...
A 34 DMTR manual choke carburetor with sport air filter was fitted and properly jetted. Manual choke controls work perfectly. Engine bay cooling blower was retained with an alternate thermo-switch to activate it.
Fuel tank was removed and inspected. In 2025, a new filler neck hose, electric pump, filter, fuel hoses were swapped.|
The engine bay is clean with original, uncut wiring.
Original 4-2 cast iron exhaust manifold with ANSA style sport muffler.
The cooling system has been serviced with new hoses and thermostat. System offers rock-solid temperatures. Stainless expansion tank. Cooling fan works correctly. Radiator fins are rust free. Under car pipes are solid. Heater and blower work great.
Electricals
System has good voltages, even with wipers, lights and heater fan on. All accessories and lights work. Replacement self-regulated alternator. Instrument cluster lens is crystal clear.
New distributor cap, rotor, plugs and wires.
Headlights have been replaced with L.E.D. H4-style bulbs for exceptional brightness and low current consumption.
Battery positive terminal and ground straps have been cleanly replaced.
Transmission / Clutch / Driveline
The 5-Spd manual transmission is in excellent condition, shifting correctly into all gears with no synchronizer issues, no grinding, reverse works as expected. Shifter linkage serviced.
All new clutch hydraulics including master cylinder, slave cylinder and fluid hoses.
New clutch pack (Cover / Disc / Release Bearing)
Axle boots and CVs are good.
Steering / Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes
KYB front struts front and rear.
Control arm bushings and ball joints are in good condition with no issues. All wheel bearings are solid with no hum or play.
Braking system has been recently serviced with new master cylinder, brake pads, flex hoses and rotors.
Front springs have been shortened approx 3/4" to eliminate the stock "nose-high" attitude. The car sits level and looks normal.
All steering items check out. The car tracks straight and handles nicely on the freeway and through curves.
Refurbished CD-16 "Iron Cross" wheels, with older 185/60-13 tires.
Factory spare tire and wheel in excellent condition.
Interior / Top
Black on black interior. Older black loop replacement carpet that is showing some wear in spots.
Dashboard, door cards, center console and firewall claddings are factory issue black. Dashboard has cracks but car includes a carpet dash-mat as shown in photo. The rear firewall claddings have some small repairs behind the seats.
The interior cushions are supple and bolsters are properly tied. The covers are untorn, but slightly sun faded. 1974 version cars had the slimmest seats fitted to the lineup. Overall they are very comfortable. Original FIAT logo 2-point seat belts are in good working condition.
Original 1974 pattern door cards are in very good condition. Doors have manual lifts and work correctly. Carpet has good color but is an older replacement, and is worn in spots.
Targa top is the natural gray fiberglass with good color, and no headliner, making it light and easy to manage. All weatherstrips are good with new door seals.
Front / Rear Trunk
A late style front trunk carpet has been fitted. The battery cover intact. Early style reservoirs are in good condition.
Rear trunk is presentable with original mat.
Repaired lower trunk pockets. Factory trunk jack and tool kit included.
This car is available for $12,900 USD
or highest offer
614-784-8870 or email to mad.matt@midwest-bayless.com
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Our knowledge, experience and reputation with Fiat and Lancia cars is unparalleled.
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Additional photos or details are available upon request. Buyer pays all shipping costs.
Midwest-Bayless Italian Auto is located in Columbus, Ohio, and are a continuation of Bayless Fiat Lancia World, founded in 1971. We specialize in Fiat and Lancia parts, restoration and racing. We support most Fiat and Lancia models sold in North America including the Fiat 124 Spider, Coupe and Wagon, Fiat X19, Fiat 850, Fiat 128, Fiat 131/Brava, Lancia Scorpion and Beta (Coupe, Sedan and Zagato) and Yugo.