1986 Bertone X1/9 

A well sorted Bertone X1/9 with customizations, performance adds and all recent maintenances.

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You can spend an enormous amount of time, effort and money restoring a lesser, worn-out example to this level.

If you're looking for an excellent condition, structurally rust free X1/9 with lots of custom touches and an amazing look that is ready for the show circuit, this one's for you!  

 

This is in possession of Midwest-Bayless and has a clean / clear title for transfer. 

This car originated in Texas and spent the early part of its life in California, where it was customized as shown in the late 1990s.   It was placed into a private collection in 2003.   It has less than 1500 miles added since 2011.

The current owner has recently performed all significant preventative maintenances as described in the listing below.   The car is ready for use with no additional efforts required by the buyer. 

This car's odometer shows 95K miles, but drives like a car with a fraction of that due to extensive refurbishment.   It has a clean bill of health from Midwest-Bayless.

The 1500cc fuel injected engine runs great.   The chassis has a lot of sport options and the vehicle rides and drives better than new. 

Body and Exterior
The body is monochrome red, after a repaint of what was originally Rosso / Grigio Metallico from the factory in a Bertone "high-waistband" two-tone arrangement for 1985-on models.   



The refinish and custom bumper mods were performed in the late 90s and all work was done correctly with trims removed.   

Deliberate efforts were made to highlight a "red and chrome" motif, including the replacement of blue Bertone badges with red FIAT ones.

The vehicle's overall exterior presentation is very good to excellent, above 90 points. 

This cars body is razor straight without a single ding or crease.

Paint has high gloss with minor rock chip touch-ups that are difficult to see from eye level.



This car has no structural rust, rust repair or collision repair of any sort.   

One look at the front trunk shock towers, rear drains, rear trunk floor and floorpans tell the whole story of this unusually rust-free, perfectly-cared-for car.

This car features custom chrome metal bumpers, a Series 1 metal front air dam, Series 1 front grille and turn signals, shaved side marker lights and minimized rear license plate lights.

Previous owner installed OEM red enamel FIAT badges in place of original BERTONE emblems to further the red motif.





The floorpans are perfect without any rust, corrosion or repairs. 



It has a clean OEM replacement windshield, and OEM glass in all other positions. Windshield frame has very light paint lifting in spots as shown. 

           

The car features monochrome, color-matched engine cover, engine cover bezels and side scoops.   

Engine, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust and Cooling System

 1500cc SOHC engine w/Bosch FI and Bosch electronic ignition

 

The motor features factory Bosch L-Jet fuel injection and runs great.  It starts nicely and runs without blow-by, worn rings, or leaking valve stem seals.    It has been freshly serviced with valve lash adjustment, new timing belt, and tensioner.



Fuel filter, and injection system fuel hoses have also been replaced with correct, ethanol-compliant high-pressure lines. 

The original engine bay firewall insulation is clean and undamaged.

This car features a Bayless performance exhaust system with long tube header and Borla stainless exhaust for great low-end torque and awesome sport sound without drone at freeway speed.

The cooling system offers rock-solid temperatures a tick under 190, and features a factory OE stainless expansion tank for a lifetime of troublefree use.   

Cooling fan cycles correctly.  Radiator fins are rust free.  Under car pipes are solid.   

Heater and blower work great.



This is a non-AC car with simple levers for the dash controls.   Heater valve works smoothly, and heater core transfers nicely.

Electricals

All system grounds have been cleaned and serviced.  Brown wire mod has been performed and the car shows good switched accessory voltages.

All accessories and lights work.  All cabin switches including headlights work as expected.

New distributor cap, rotor, plugs and wires.

Headlight bulbs have been replaced with L.E.D. H4-style bulbs for exceptional brightness and low current consumption.

New gear reduction starter.

Notice the additional subtle customization of chromed metal trim rings in the headlight buckets.

 

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 has been replaced.

 Clutch  master cylinder, slave cylinder and fluid hoses are in fine working condition.

Clutch action is normal, axle boots and CVs are good.


Steering / Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes

This car features KYB front struts front and rear, with the front units being converted to coil over springs for adjustable ride height and allow additional tire/wheel clearance.

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 master cylinder, new brake pads, flex hoses, and rotors.


Steering is tight, and alignment recently performed.    The car tracks straight and handles nicely on the freeway and through curves.

New Panasport forged "Z-Lite" wheels, 15x7 rear / 15x6 front for an aggressive look.  Toyo R1R 205/50/15 Rear and 195-50-15 front tires, with stud and nut fasteners, instead of lug bolts.

  

Factory spare tire and wheel in excellent condition

Interior / Top

This car features a super clean black interior with a factory issue carpet.  



Dashboard, center console and firewall claddings are factory issue black.  Dashboard is in excellent, un-cracked condition.  The glove box door is unbroken and works correctly!    Center console is undamaged and features a shortened, chromed shifter lever.

Bertone cars had a lower seating arrangement than earlier FIAT vehicles, for improved headroom.   



The seats have been fitted with Series 1 cushions and re-covered in a Series 1 ladder style appearance.  This gives the maximum headroom possible in an X1/9.    The cushions and seats are supple and all bolsters are properly tied.  
  

Door cards are matching the seats, in very good condition.  Doors have the Bosch style power window lifts and work correctly.   Carpet has good color and is untorn.



Targa top was smoothed and painted body color.  All weatherstrips are very good condition OEM type.  Dual "thru-glass" side view mirrors with body matched red finish.



Front  /Rear Trunk

Factory front trunk carpet and battery cover intact.  Fluid reservoirs in excellent condition.   

 

 Rear trunk is excellent with original carpets, insulation, mats and functioning engine bay blower with lower-temp activation switch.  

This car is available at $19,200 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. 

If you want the best, buy from the best.

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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. 

www.midwest-bayless.com