1987 Bertone X1/9 Targa-top convertible: The Bertone X19 was designed for safety, performance, fun and beauty. It accomplishes all four goals. Bertone has designed, engineered and manufactured eighteen mid-engine cars including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, etc. Bertone took over manufacturing of the X1/9 from Fiat in 1982 and later models, like this car, have the benefit of improved rust protection, a better electrical system and more comfortable seating for taller passengers. This car is the most desirable version of the model. This beautiful example is branded Bertone ~
Engine/Drive line: • 75 bhp, 1,500 cc inline overhead cam four-cylinder mid-engine • Bosch-L-Jetronic Fuel Injection • Electronic Ignition • Five-speed All Syncromesh Overdrive manual transmission • Bertone Shifter • Thermo-electric cooling fan • Coolant recovery system • Acceleration: 0-60 / 12.4 seconds •
Suspension/Steering/Brakes: • Four-wheel independent MacPherson struts suspension • Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes • Radial tires • Phone-dial styled alloy rally wheels • Rack-and-pinion steering • Wheelbase: 86.7'' Overall Length: 156.3" Overall Height: 46.8" Front Track: 53 3" Rear Track: 53.6" Overall Width: 61.8" Trunk Volumes: (cu.ft.) 5.5 front 4.4 rear Curb Weight: 2210 lbs Fuel Capacity: 12.2 gallons •
Rim Size: • -4 Alloy: 5.5 x 13, 1-steel: (spare) 5.0 x 13 Tire Size: 4- 165/70 SR 13 Radial, 1- 145 SR x 13 •
Body/Chassis: • Custom styled and built by Bertone • Front-hinged trunk lid (front) Rear trunk, mid-engine hood lockable • Anti-burst door locks • P.V.C. under-coating • High luster baked enamel paint • Rubber covered impact bumpers, front and rear • Body side molding • Removable targa-top roof panel • Front air dam (spoiler) • Rear Spoiler • Hideaway head-lights •
Comfort/Convenience: • Tinted-glass all windows • Rear window defroster • Multi-level heating/ventilation system • 2-speed electric wiper/washers • Adjustable bucket leather Bertone logo seats with head restraints • Driver/Passenger vanity mirrors • Door activated courtesy lights • Full-length console • Cigarette lighter • Ashtray drawer • Locking glove compartment • Padded Bertone sports steering wheel • Color-keyed carpet door panels and seat trim • Resettable trip-odometer • Electronic tachometer • Fuel gauge with low- fuel warning light • Engine coolant temperature gauge • Volt meter • Systems warning lamps • LED quartz crystal digital clock • Day/night rearview mirror • Inside front trunk release • Inside rear trunk release • Inside engine compartment cover release • Color coordinated seat belts • Remote controlled left/right side mirrors (fold-in) • Bertone logo carpeted floor mats •
Optional Factory Equipment: • Air-conditioning • Special process metallic paint • Power windows • Power antenna •
~ Carrozzeria Bertone S.p.A. Torino Italy ~
I purchased the vehicle in 2018. Just prior to my purchase, under previous ownership the car was completely refurbished mechanically and cosmetically, including refinishing the intricate wheels at great expense. Total refurbishment was at least $6500 with an additional $2500 getting paint work done and clear coat added. This was all high quality work. Previous owner reworked the entire interior including new Bertone branded leather door panels, sun visors, shifter gait bag, new carpets and new branded shift knob. New factory Bertone branded steering. wheel. Dash and all other plastics are excellent. Zero splices in the completed wiring harness. All electronics work. Some of the technical work includes a complete new exhaust system with header, heat shield, muffler and tail pipe, complete braided hood, trunk, engine cover and throttle cables...aluminum trunk/engine cover lever housing...powder-coated sill rails, air filter box, rear muffler valance, and engine mount Factory "dial up" rims were sand-blasted, powder-coated, CNC machined, and clear-coated with very expensive center caps. New Bosch oxygen sensor, new Bosch cold start valve, new Bosch air meter, complete front and rear KYB "Black" struts, brand new Brembo rotors and pads, new brake and clutch master cylinders and clutch slave cylinder, new fuel lines and new tires.
Under my ownership, I had the following work done by a Fiat/Bertone mechanic with hands on experience working with the X1/9.
Added original in dash clock. Air conditioning serviced and converted from R12 to R134 and works beautifully now. Added a center console with storage. 3-M Tint 25% on side windows and rear window. Installed Kenwood JVC: AM/FM stereo CD player with: Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone, Android, IHeart radio, Pandora, Spotify, SiriusXM ready. Replaced strut tower caps. Repair and replace exhaust gasket and manifold. Replace speedometer cable. Replaced horn with working used original part. Replaced coolant expansion overflow tank with stainless steel from original plastic. In August 2022, $4900 rebuilt the cylinder head, adjusted the valves and replaced the seals, removed and installed the oil pan, adjusted the pistons and replaced the rings, replaced fuel-injectors, repair air conditioning hose and rewire fan relay. The air temperature slide selector on the dash became faulty and wasn't able to be switched from heat to cool. Since that part is nearly impossible to find (Midwest Bayless), a alternate selector was placed under the dash to allow for switching from heat to cool. The 5 in dash push buttons for: Stop, Max A/C, A/C, Heat, Defrost, function as normal and all vents are operational with full flow. Refer to pictures for this modification. In October, 2023 all weatherstripping was replaced around doors, top/roofline and including the entire targa top. Note there is no rust on this car. Included is the, original Owner's Manual, Owner's Warranty and Service Book and the KenwoodJVC Instruction Manual.
Personally I have owned 4 X1/9 models, 1980, 1982, 1984, and the 1987. Will definitely say the 1987 is the very best of the four, a blast to drive, the fastest of all of them, very reliable, and larger then any of them.
Unfortunately I will be moving, and only have a one car garage. I must sell my beloved Bertone X19. You will not find a better looking Bertone X19, or one more ready to drive coast to coast with the top off just enjoying..
One of approximately 1200 imported in the final years of the X1/9 in America. One of the very best left. Styled by the incomparable Marcello Gandini, the same man who designed the immortal Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari~