Fiat X1/9 - A Mid Engine Italian Spaceship (Mountain Loop Car Barn)

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A review of our Fiat X19. This little Italian mid engine car is a the precursor to the more popular MR2 and Fiero, coming out over 10 years prior. Though it is a lot less powerful, a lot slower, and a lot older, it deserves its own place as arguably the most stylish and has its own much more classic feel to it.

[@JSAFIXIT]

These things are just simply neat little cars.

[@brianharston7196]

I've owned my 1979 X1/9 for 22 years now. The only time it ever broke down on me was when the starter went out on it. I push started it, went to the junkyard to get a Bosch starter out of a junked X1/9 and it's been 100% reliable since. If you do basic maintenance on them, they run forever.

[@garyives1218]

I'm sold even more now!!!!

[@christopher4162]

What’s basic maintenance? I have a 128 with the same engine. Does it mean oil changes and belts or something more?

[@googleface5]

This channel ticks all my boxes. Vintage cars, tech, etc. but also a mix of modern style. Picked up a 944 this year, and your videos helped solidify my interest in getting into some vintage tech for fun. No apologies necessary for upload times, production of this caliber takes time.

[@annhanntz275]

Well Done! I just picked up an 86 with 29000 miles on it! 1500 FI.The bigger engine makes it much better in terms of power vs the 1300. My 124 spider with a 160 HP at the back wheels is far more fun to drive (big valve competition head with 10.4 to 1 pistons).The X needs pistons...8 to 1 smog pistons in both cars stock makes them both lethargic,hate the 70's attempt at emissions,heck a 78 corvette only has 190 hp.Up the compression and cam profiles and the cars go much better! Keep up the good work!

[@RetraCast]

Sorry I’ve been gone for a bit. Videos should be on schedule again now though. I have a VHS camcorder review about 50% done coming next week and Midship Retra has resumed filming (again).

[@fkxd88888]

I just discovered you today and i have to say, yout content, is far better than most of the "big youtubers".. If someone that doesnt live out of youtube can make videos like this, than those with 1m+ subs dont have an excuse for making really low quality pov style im-holding-a-gopro-all-the-time videos...Keep up with the videos I think that you are doing a great job...at least in my opinion!

[@WSS_the_OG]

Such a neat car. I had one, and didn't appreciate it at the time. Mind you, it was quite rusty, and that's what eventually did it in. What I do remember was how good the steering feel was, that was the standout, not to mention how it looked.

[@weets69]

Damn, this brings back memories. Had a 1974 in this exact color scheme in college in the 80’s. Sold a 1969 Chevelle SS 396 out of high school due to gas mileage to buy the old X1/9. Yes, looking back now, big bone head move. Young and dumb. As for the X1/9, under powered, cheap plastic, broken window cranks and two shredded time belts, she got me through college. Sold her for $500 after graduation. She was fun to drive with the targa top off. Wish I’d of keep both. Ugh!! Great vid👍

[@exoticargeo]

They were actually very reliable cars. Owned an 82, never really maintained it (not sure I even ever changed the oil in it, maybe spark plugs once) yet never had a single issue and never left stranded. Changed break pads once and tires (tyres) twice in over 4 years of ownership. (then I flipped it upside down (without the roof) and came out without a scratch). It was mostly daily driven. Was my go-to car for camping vacations where everything but the kitchen sink came along (huge tent, collapsible chairs and table, etc.) and I could still store the roof in front. In winter, great! Heat came fast, and never saw as many accidents happening from my rearview mirror (probably from idiots trying to keep up with me figuring their cars were better equipped to tackle the bad conditions, not knowing about my car's perfect balance, and Pirelli Winters with 101 stud per tire (tyre)). Great memories, always keeping my eyes out for another one (at an price) as I'd like to make it closer to a Dallara than stock if I ever got another one.

[@NoBucks777]

So good to see this video. I purchased a new red ‘77 right after I finished college. Had so much fun with that car! I laugh at modern car reviews when they talk down about cars that take 8 seconds to get to 60mph! They never owned a ‘69 Beetle, ‘74 Fiat 128 SL or a ‘77 Fiat X1/9! Lol!

[@hglimshire8356]

I had a 75 or 76 X 1/9. Most fun that I ever had in a car. When it wasn't in the shop. Drove like it had 250hp. Low to the ground and so much fun

[@zoomboy57]

I got mine in 1976 it had air conditioning, Blaupunkt AM radio. I changed out the radio for a AM/FM/ CB later. Before I left the dealership I bought the factory shop manual. A couple of years later I add a Bayless racing cam, high flow air filter and free flow exhaust and got rid of the smog pump and all the extra hoses. Before I sold it I pulled out the cam and still have it along with a valve tool for changing the valve shims and a Haynes and Chilton repair manuals. The CB was fun on the road and came in handy one day when I was driving on really dry fine pumice roads and the carb got plugged up and a trucker contacted the State Police for me. It was the most fun car I've ever owned

[@halnwheels]

Its always nice to come upon a revisit of one of my favorite cars. I owned two of then from brand new, a '78 and a '85. the '78 cost me $5,400 and was had a stunning burgundy paint scheme with hand painted pin striping and bright white interior seats and panels. The dash was brown. Overall the car was reliable, although there were recurring wheel bearing problems until the part was upgraded. The electrics never failed, never had a problem with the retractable headlights, and everything else was good. However, at 60,000 miles I did have to do a head gasket. I did the head gasket myself. The handling of the car was like a go-kart. I have a Pontiac Solstice which handles great and reminds me of my X1/9, but it's 800 pounds heavier and not mid-engine. The X1/9 was truly special. Now my '85 never gave ma the head gasket or wheel bearing problem, and the fuel injected 1500 5 speed was more sporting. It also sported larger good looking aluminum wheels, and a better looking bumper too. It had a redesigned dash, electric windows, and side mirrors that you could adjust from inside the cars. Thanks for a great review.

[@threeer02]

Briefly owned an X 1/9 back in the late 80s. Wish I would have had the opportunity to fully restore it. Such a neat ride!

[@hanskraaijeveld5409]

Nice Video, thanks for showing. I owned a green one with special striping back in the eghties. Never forgot this amazing car. Greetz from Holland, Hans

[@michaeloxman3820]

Loved it all until the braking down comment. Once you get this car dialed in you have a very reliable car. My 1986 has never let me down. Glad to see a "youngster" enjoying a classic.

[@TinLeadHammer]

it's "breaking down", pops.

[@michaeloxman3820]

@@TinLeadHammer you really took time out of your life to correct autocorrect and insult a stranger?

[@TinLeadHammer]

@@michaeloxman3820 you really did not take time to verify the autocorrected message before posting? You've chosen to get offended by a comment and still haven't corrected your mistake? You insulted a youngster by doubting his youth, or you just don't know how to use quotation marks?

[@markbowden7238]

Hello there... It's always fun watching new owners working out just what the hell they've gotten themselves into lol I wrote a reply to one of the messages here about stronger engines. Haha, I can tell you what's causing the eeh eeh sound when you shift. There's a white plastic bushing between the pedals and the pedal box chassis... these get worn out or the plastic just shrinks or gets brittle over time. As far as I know, these are impossible to find and even if you find one that's new old stock, it's still an old bit of plastic at the end of the day. There's an engineering drawing on X-web that can be used to copy the part and it's recommended to use phosphor bronze... it creates a self-lubricating bearing that doesn't wear the steel. Easiest thing is to get a junk pedal box and rebuild it, so you can use the car in the meantime. Get all the parts ready first, then change out the box, all the lines, and reservoirs and do the whole system in one go. I just did that on mine and the only part I reused was the clutch fluid reservoir, everything else was scrap. You can maybe do the throttle cable while you're at it and go through the steering. I'm building a fast road modified 1500 Bertone atm and I've been writing a blog @RMS Motoring Forum / Members Cars / The Ultimate X. btw, if you're using an Orange Book wkshp manual, it says you have to take the steering column out to get the pedal box out, but I managed to do mine with it moved to one side. Anyway, best of luck with your old Fiat and there's a small but very helpful community online.

[@damaxx7803]

I own one of these and I am currently restoring it.

[@FordSVTContour]

The x1/9 was one of my favorite cars. I had the same year in silver with the same interior colors. I changed the foam steering wheel to a leather Momo and added some Italian side mirrors and slightly fatter tires on the stock alloy rims (which were very 70s). My ownership was in 1984-5 ish. Well done vid and keep up the great work.

[@md95065]

Nice! A friend of mine had an X1/9 back in the early 1980's - I always wanted one but, at the time, had to make do with an MG Midget. Later, I went on to own all of the Toyota MR2 models ...

[@TrashLefties]

The later ones, 82 and newer where better built, quieter interiors, 5 speed, and more reliable Fuel injection. I found it easy to work on. They did have access panels in the trunk and behind the spare tire. I drove em for 16 years and never broke down. Sadly since i sold my collection of 5 15 years ago, only seen 1 on the road in L.A., and 1 tucked away in a garage in Fl.

[@javierportillo7054]

The good news is that I have one of these and is mine finally and I am forwarding to enjoy it up next summer saludos and thank you my friends

[@ablewood8269]

Should've bought the later 1.5l FI car for exactly the reasons you pointed out. A whole different drive, in my opinion. As for reliability, they're very reliable, provided you pay attention to preventative maintenance. Which lots of people do not.

[@ValentineC137]

This car really fascinated me when I found one for sale here a few years ago, I had never known Fiat had made a mid engined sportscar, let alone one with such an interesting name :D It's really neat

[@RetraCast]

Yeah they are pretty forgotten despite the MR2 and Fiero being basically the same thing. They’re about as cool as it gets though

[@jeffwolfe4058]

They are not really Fiat, they are Bertone. They dropped the Fiat name in 1985. Bertone is the design house of the countach and many other exotics. My 1987 is titled as Bertone.

[@StreetCarma]

The weird bumpers were actually a requirement for the US market back in the days. In europe it came with small split bumpers that change the look of the car dramatically. Kudos for pronouncing Porsche the right way :)

[@garthpetch4173]

But he pronounces Fiat as 2 distinct syllables...fee art?

[@JankyAF]

So nice to see some quality X1/9 content coming out recently, this was great and congrats on your X! I think these cars are finally getting their due, hoping more will start to pop up on the roads as younger people start to rediscover them. Janky do thanky

[@josephdonnelly3169]

Had a 1976 X1/9 same color scheme, absolutely loved it when it ran. Had problem of losing all power followed by a stall; which I never figured out. Wish I still had it!

[@GRAHAMAUS]

Overheating carburettor. Mine did the same -- terrible heat soak issues in the engine bay, would boil the fuel in the float chamber, causing vapour lock and no fuel. Later models had a cooling fan for the carb! (or Fuel Injection, which solved it for good). I wish I still had mine, but it would be a candidate for a major restomod.

[@josephdonnelly3169]

@@GRAHAMAUS I can recall the mechanic talking about vapor lock; however they way it was set up there was no solution. It makes sense they updated with a separate fan and later fuel injectors like all others were going to during that time. Thanks for the explanation.

[@UncleTravelingMatt2]

I love my MR2 also! What I want is a Datsun 2000 roadster though for a true classic. It has classic 60s roadster styling but with a 135hp ohc engine

[@dennisdose5697]

Gandini is my favorite designer and I think this car is one of his best efforts. Loved it when it first came out, just remove the bumpers from later models.

[@LittleshopofFredrik]

Awesome video! Nicely shot and the storytelling is top!

[@danreyes7491]

I had a 78 x19 man o man those plugs were a pain to change.

[@ianedmonds9191]

Flying buttresses to show off the mid engine creds are cool too. Luv and Peace.

[@gmoroder]

It'd be very hard for me to choose between a Fiat X/19 and an AW11. The Fiat edges out due to Italian styling and sound, but I'm not sure what the parts availability is like for it compared to the MR2, or the overall ownership experience. Overall, two cool cars!

[@samm928]

I had a '79 1500cc. but was not easy to control on wet roards because the front was too light. The metal was not treated and it would rust easily destroying the paint. Also a design flaw in the transmission where the reverse gear would wear down.

[@ShadBawskers]

Hey! Fellow Washingtonian! I'm located in Seatle and been working on my X1/9 😄 Would love to go on a cruise sometime!

[@farkinarkin5099]

Some very random thoughts... Had three of these. 1975, 1974 and a 1979 (which I kept for 12 years.) They are not as unreliable as people thought they were. Mind you, compared to anything that Toyota puts out, everything is unreliable. Rust was the what did in most of these cars. Water wells up in the sills, doors, etc... The engines are bullet proof. The electricals? Quality control in manufacturing was the issue. Once you sort it out, everything works fine. Power? LOL. What power? They had to be upgraded to at least a wilder cam and a bigger carb to just be adequate (something like about 110-120 hp). To get to what it should be needed dual carbs (about 140-150 hp). The 1988 and 1989 Supercharged MR2 was everything the X1/9 should have been. Test drove an 89, and probably the fastest 0-30mph stock car I had experienced at the time ---- yes, it was incredibly quick off the line... but kind of gets "winded" as you speed up. Still, Toyota reliability, with ultra-80's styling. 😘 If you own a 124 Spider, you own one of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion (especially in the metallic light blue). Ah... to be in my 20's with the Targa top down again...

[@garyives1218]

Damn! Good stuff! Don't recall watching any of your vids before? I'll push for a vintage HiFi of: Baby Advent speakers, NAD integrated amp, Nakamichi cassette deck, and ummmm perhaps a Technics turntable. Make mix tapes to play on a vintage ALPINE deck in the MR2 while on your way to a photo outing with a Pentax Spotmatic with 50mm f1.4 Super Takumar lens :)

[@GForceVRX]

I would love one of these cool classics

[@FroggyGamingV]

I own one of these cars! I love it

[@ddshelburne]

I bought one in January 1978 Loved it. One day I slowed down from 120 mph to get a ticket for doing 110 mph. I was 23 & single. Fixed the head lights so I could raise one at a time & wink at girls. I put 20 thousand miles on it in 9 months. But I need a pickup so I sold it...... SAD......

[@Kstxrd]

I sold Fiats from April 1972 until their pull out in 1983. I still own a 1976 Lancia Scorpion which I bought new and a 2019 Abarth 124 Spider.

[@richardhcarter]

Lots of Fiats had similar codes but the X1/9 just never got a real name. Originally it was called the Runabout, glad that name failed. Fiat was the first to put a front drivetrain midship. The Mr2 was actually a ripoff of the X1/9. Toyota actually bought an X and cut it up copying the suspension but adding space between and raising the rear roll center in the early model which was a mistake.

[@larryjex6485]

I've had a few of these, and even raced them in SCCA events. They're really fun to modify, but unfortunately they're not cheap anymore. A decent one can easily set you back 5 figures, and I would totally avoid a fixer upper

[@kerc]

Had a friend in the 80s who plopped a Lancia Beta engine and transmission in one of these. Direct fit, from what I recall. There's a project for you. 😁

[@SomeRandomHuman717]

"Direct fit, from what I recall." Ah, no.

[@kerc]

@@SomeRandomHuman717 I mean, it was quite a long time ago. :)

[@philbrick5]

I have a 73 mgt but I’ve always wanted an x19

[@peskyninja7522]

It has a beyond badge? Sweet

[@douglasnichols6116]

It’s a. Crazy road hugging go cart. I had two of them

[@adictedpunk14]

Reach out to Midwest Bayless in Columbus, Ohio and ask if you can drive one of their X1/9s with a Honda K20 engine. It's a rocket.

[@King-Ghidora]

Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Turin. That's what FIAT means. If I had ever paid attention to all those naysayers of FIAT cars, I would have never had the pleasure of owning two X 1/9's and a '78 128 station wagon. The only problems that I ever had with the X 1/9, were overheating problems. Even though the 128 wagon had the same engine as the X 1/9, I never had any overheating problems with it. Probably the mid engine setup had something to do with that. To be honest, almost any car can be reliable if one does regular recommended maintenance and the car is not abused. Not that hard to work on the engine of an X. I learned how to set the timing of an engine on an X 1/9.

[@Marie579]

That Italian “POP” is actually the sound of the rust bursting through the paint! thanks to the crap Russian steel.

[@harizotoh7]

Now I'm curious what putting a stronger engine in there would be like.

[@RetraCast]

LS swap series coming soon

[@TheMarcball]

@@RetraCast yoogaddabeekeeding!

[@mrfurzzy8867]

Midwest bayless makes a honda k20/k24 swap kit for it! It turns it into a rocket. That is the plan for my x1/9 in the future

[@markbowden7238]

I write a blog about my X19 project @RMS Motoring Forum / Members Cars / The Ultimate X. Personally I think Italian 4-cylinder motors and 13" rims are an essential part of the X19 formula. The rest is just down to time, money, and enthusiasm. The Acura Type-R is superb in its own right on account of the gearbox, suspension, and of course the K20 motor. But the Lancia Delta Integrale is a legend. Aurelio Lampredi designed two production engines for Fiat - small block sohc 8v and big block dohc 8v or 16v. Naturally aspirated, the small block can be stroked to approx 1800 and make 180 bhp on throttle bodies, tuned for fast road and dead reliable. Strong motor, goes to 8500 rpm no issues. It's never going to be as quick as a n/a K20 because the valve timing is fixed, but it sounds gorgeous. Plus if you get down to 725 kg which is pretty easy, 180 bhp is all you'll need in one of these. But if you have more money (and balls of steel) and want to explore the ultimate potential of the X19 as a platform, then the fastest driver I know of would be Manuel Dondi. His Dallara-based X19 has a competition weight of 625 kg, a X-Trac 6-speed manual sequential, and the final evolution of the Integrale motor, the famous Alfa Romeo D2 which makes getting on for 400 bhp off 2 litres, naturally aspirated and in full race trim. So you can see the potential I hope. Just great fun at every level from a tatty banger to a competitive legend, you have chosen the best. Imho.

[@deletemii3312]

Hey man, I'm in the Washington area, got any roads you'd recommend for a drive?

[@dylank4353]

I have a 86 pontiac fiero, and we have a 78 x19 on our property that im looking to get here pretty soon, so then all Id have left would be a MR2 and a 914! The fiero is pretty slow, so im wondering how slow the x19 will be lol.

[@johnsalley1081]

Fiat reliability issues can mostly be traced to idiot American mechanics and owners who knew nothing about the cars. A properly sorted car is reliable. Also, a tuned car with hot cam, twin carbs, and header/exhaust is a BLAST! I've owned Ferraris, and the X1/9 is VERY MUCH a poor man's Ferrari.

[@CarlosMelgar-x1w]

🎉 beautiful car 🎉💯😎

[@MrHiBeta]

Late stage boomer here. I experienced this car through a good friend’s ownership of one in 1975. The term “cheap junk” best describes the car. The car was unreliable, dangerously underpowered, cramped, and noisy. Parts availability, other than oil filters and wiper blades, presented a major problem when the car broke. Fiat soon left the US market after this car. Thanks for the review, but don’t lavish praise on this car.

[@manodfergus]

Mid 20s and struggling to change the spark plugs? You need to get out more. Loads of space in the engine bay compared to modern vehicles, even on my larger engined 1500 model. Fiat's are noted for their mechanical reliability, just need to look after them properly.

[@cubdukat]

Maybe Fiat should have rebooted this one instead of the 124 Spider. I mean, it's a beautiful car, but they had to know that basing it on the Miata was going to doom it. Surely they can't be that out of touch with building sporting models themselves...

[@yves2348]

Those usa bumpers are just about as ugly as can be. I converted mine to early type ones, then got rid of them all together 😄

[@paulledaire8967]

You forgot to mention that the Fiero handled like a brick on casters.

[@bradshawcowan9621]

Fun review. Here is the one my daughter did. Iti is a cool little car for sure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXPYoWSfedKkmtE

[@danielboguse4249]

75 hp still gets you 110 mph.

[@jassab8012]

Your Toyota is a knock off of a scirocco!

[@viarnay]

What happened to this channel?

[@jla1875]

terrible italian reliability! let me laugh! I have many fiat and alfa and they are great and if something go wrong on them you can be sure it was made in germany!

[@kevinwilson8039]

Why do Americans over pronounce everything it’s a Fiat pronounce feeat not fee-yat

[@glassmanorangjitra]

The fender/bumper is ugly

[@Marie579]

God those bumpers absolutely kill the looks.

[@divergentone]

the fact that you own a fiat and think they have horrible reliability tells me you know nothing about cars. every fiat that I have owned have gone well over 100K or 200k with no issues other than on second hand cars that I had to repair previous owners bad "repairs" The car you are driving sounds like it has serious issues and the fact that you obvioulsy dont understand the difference between a engine tuned for high rpm horsepower compared to an engine tuned for torque. Also for a underpowered car you should check out the race history of the x1/9 inculding current scca racing. I have also personally seen at least 400 x1/9's in my liffe. I see you are in the seattle area so it is very easy for you to contact your local fiat club and see dozens . Pllease, if you are going to review cars and make opinions do more than a wikipedia review for research.

[@RetraCast]

For the record I love fiats and daily drive a 1979 fiat spider as my only car

[@SmellySumtom]

*Got the Rubber Timing Belt Blues?* It expands, it contracts and everything gets a bit out of place, and back in place as it cools. It's slight, but slight matters when chasing ghosts in your X19s performance. The X19 was the most fun car to drive I ever had