The "underpowered" Fiat X/19 - Owner Interview

Brian has kept his Fiat X1/9 looking like it rolled off the showroom floor in 1981, except for under the hood. Any extra booth of horsepower makes this little Fiat a beast.

[@CylinderScene]

Check out this ultra-rare Fiat too kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5vNipWAntekqrs

[@chrisstannard1415]

Many years ago I worked at a VW Fiat dealership when the X19 came in we had a blast in these, they handled incredibly. Not a bunch of HP but you have a blast using every bit of it.

[@rosskramer5296]

I have had 4 of these over the years, and every time I let one go I always want another. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, these are one of the best cars ever made. Cheap, fast & fun on a budget! Plus they look awesome, with a hint of Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Jalpa. The X1/9 is an every day exotic that is cheap to run and a blast to drive!

[@lbindert]

Great car! I had 2 of them and a super fun car to drive. Wasn't fast but when your butt is 3" from the asphalt it's like going 230! Have fun!

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

They will do 100 mph. I know, I've owned one.

[@DucatiPaso750]

What were the biggest issues you two had in the time you owned them. The one thing I always heard was that the timing belts would only last 30K.

[@lbindert]

@@DucatiPaso750 that goes with any older OHC engines. If you don't know the history go ahead and change it. It is a interface head

[@mkshffr4936]

Dad had one back in the day. Great fun to drive. Small world alert. Mom and dad were from Beaver Falls.

[@ufozencom]

Whoa. I bought one for my 2nd car on Oahu. Someone in the Air Force had one. I paid $3,000 in 1985. I remember straddling the mid-engine compartment trying to replace a belt for about 3 hours. Not much room in there. Was great fun with the top off. Seeing the interior, the flip-up lights, the trunk and engine compartment release on the side of the door, the automatic antenna... wow. Brings it all back! Thanks for this. Mine was blue too and in much worse condition than this one.

[@tamih8413]

Had a 1978 X19 Bertone, silver/blue, custom pinstripe, chrome luggage rack. Drove it from MI to AZ. I’d love to have that one back. What a fun car to drive.

[@DucatiPaso750]

I always likes these cars when I was a kid. When I was a junior in high school in 1985, a fellow classmate, that I didn't know too well, had one. By then I was into Mustangs. My 68 Mustang could smoke almost all the cars in the high school parking lot, but that Fiat X1/9 and a daily driven DeLorean always caught my attention.

[@franklinshriver8441]

I always listened to Thompson Twins and Tubes...hello this was just cheap fun!

[@chuckb6989]

Had a '75. Lost the smog equipment inc. air injection and catalytic converter in favor of headers and cystom dual exhaust. Rejected carb and installed different air filter and drove from Pittsburgh to LA to see Long Beach Grand Prix. While there bought dual Weber set up, but was for a big cam so had to reset it. Easy fix with the Webers and throttle response was like a motorcycle! Got a nice rear spoiler from Faza, beat the fender lips in, added spats to wheel wheel and with help of buddies custom two tone metallic black and bronze. Had Corvettes and Mustangs, but this was lots of fun. Had box of autocross trophies and transaxle ( with special gears) I tossed in the front truck when I sold it. I drive everything like it's stolen and wish I had my old '69 small block Mustang fastback, an X1/9, & a Karman Gia. Very nice ride!

[@grimson]

Now this is a guy who understands and appreciates the car he's driving. An X1/9 was my first car and I loved it. MAN would I love to find an X1/9 in a barn somewhere and spend a summer restoring it. Great video!

[@andrewdischer8852]

Brian. The springs are stock cut. The shocks are very rare koni adjustable. The flywheel is a stock but lightend.(that is why there is quick throttle response) The muffler is a very rare ansa. The cat. is hollow. A/C was optional for '82'(FIAT did not offer a/c for the car you have, build date 10/80)I added the right door mirror. Also take care of the bosch yellow fog lights. Thay are allso very rare. Have fun!

[@DucatiPaso750]

I take it that you were one of the owners of this particular car?

[@ggolds5]

Our next door neighbor was a Fiat salesman. The X1/9 came out in 72 not 74 and he brought one home the first day the dealership got their first one. When he pulled in the driveway there was smoke coming out of the trunk area. When he opened the trunk he found that the rubber mat that was placed on the floor of the trunk was a puddle of melted rubber. The exhaust heated up the trunk floor so much that it melted the mat. Fiat apparently shipped the cars with the mats rolled up and never actually tested the car with the rubber mat in place. SO, people who bought them got that melted rubber experience themselves. LOVED these cars but the newer ones like many Fiats were far from reliable.

[@randylondon9728]

74 was the first year I had a brown one

[@murrayfurze]

Just love all the positive comments from previous and existing owners. Great car and huge fun. Have owned my 1976 model since 1990, though now it includes no bumpers, lowered suspension, Uno Turbo 1300cc and 5 speed box. Smokin'.

[@mikeripper4676]

Nice car. I still have the ‘79 I bought new. It’s far from stock, still not fast, but pure joy to drive. Mine has a lot of stuff removed to lighten it, including those bumpers you mentioned. If you were to remove them you would be amazed at how much more lively it is upon turn in without all that pendulous weight hanging off both ends. Bayless has a cosmetic filler for the exposed bumper mounting rails. I’ve done a number of suspension and performance mods and I won many cheap little trophies auto crossing back in the day and they still hold a place of honor in my garage.

[@nagaraworkshop]

I've worked on a few of these over the years and I love the way they handle; real-world A to B driving is thus a lot faster than one might expect on twisty roads.

[@stitchergary]

I bought a new X1/9 as a senior in high school, 1974... $4,400....thanks for the video

[@hglimshire8356]

I had one (75 or 76) When it wasn't in the shop it was a blast to drive. I never had a clue it only had 60-70hp. Drove like it had 250hp.

[@x19fan1]

Looks great, Brian.

[@JJHurst]

Lovely cars , had several Alfa 916’s 2.0 , 3.0 and both GTV and spider....would love an X19 , it’s on my hit list , currently have a Brera “S” as my daily and another GTV as a project...next year it’s an X19 if I can find one, if not a Fiat Barchetta will do very nicely as an alternative project.

[@ChrisB...]

I had an X1/9 in the 80's and my friend's dad had a Lambo Countach for some reason (he wasn't rich), I noticed the duplicate door jam handles right away when I was checking it out. Discoveries like that were mind-blowing pre-Internet.

[@markbowden7238]

Thanks for uploading... the side stripes are really cool, not seen those before. These little Fiats have so much potential. 150bhp is possible from the 1500 if you splash out. Close ratios and lsd can be fitted inside the original casing, from Bacci Romano, as used in the Ritmo Abarth 130TC. Saint Gobain partnered with Pilkington UK, who make new windscreens, very good and much cheaper than the originals. Tillett make carbon shell seats for the Lotus Elise, that fit the X and put your ass literally 10mm above the floor and create tons of extra cabin room and headroom.

[@someguitarguy.]

I had a blue 1975 model in college and loved it. Thanks for the memories.

[@MichaelSellers5691]

I owned a 1984 Fiat X-19 when I was much smaller. Never had any problems out of it. Great little car. I also owned a 1979 Fiat Spyder convertible back in the day.

[@toddgiambruno]

Awesome x/19!!! My Dad bought a used 74 years ago. bright smurf blue! loved the pop up headlights!

[@engineered_images]

If you were to "upgrade" to a later model that has the bolt-on seat runners (rather than yours that are welded on as part of the floorpan) you get about 2"-3" more headroom as the seat is lower. I've had several X1/9s, and at 6' tall, I share your issue with being too high in the car. The early models I cannot drive, but the later ones I can. Worth looking at, as the difference is more than I can explain.

[@davedovala2700]

I bought a new 78 X/19 special edition (#1849) - which I loved!! Modern equivalent for someone who appreciates the feel of an affordable mid-engine layout is Boxster/Cayman.

[@monica93304]

I had a 76 Fiat 124 Spider and it had THOSE wheels. This X1/9 is awesome.

[@b.s.adventures9421]

I had one in late 90s. Such a fun car.

[@mckengineer5727]

More importantly, Bertone we’re always the manufacturer of the X1-9

[@milesdust3465]

Very nice! Greetings from Italy.

[@recyclespinning9839]

Awesome car, takes some guts to drive it , with all the huge SUVs, now..

[@GForceVRX]

What a great example of a beautiful car. My ideal 10 car garage would definitely have one of these in it.

[@toddgiambruno]

I even remember a local Fiat dealer that was selling the1980 Brava and Strada also. That same dealer sold Peugeot t if I recall!

[@frankhoward7645]

I sold them new from 1976 to 1978. 1,290cc engine putting out 61h.p. through a 4-speed transaxle. None of them came with radios as they were dealer installed unless you wanted to install your own. Other than A/C (around $450), there was one other option and that was metallic paint. I think that was around $75. They came with 145/13 Michelin or Pirelli radials. We sold the the 1976 models for $4,850 plus tax and license. They probably stickered for around $5,300. They all met emissions requirements running on regular gas WITHOUT a catalytic converter. The Fiat slogan was spot on. "A lot of car. Not a lot of money." Triumph attempted to compete against it with their TR-7 but there was really no comparison.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Hey I didn’t even know that were imported into USA… I had one in U.K. and it was my first “sports” car …. Never exactly fast, but at 19 years old I still thought I was Magnum PI…. 👍

[@RodMidkiff]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZqrdnZrgdKnn7M

[@karlos543]

Hi from the UK. I had two of these, the last one had a two litre Fiat 132 block and a Lancie head...if I remember, the engine was on a slant ? It took the previous owner lots of time and money to do it, but was a beast! Shame getting old, value going up now and I would appreciate it more now also. I remember the gear linkage being a work of art! Got a brand new door handle somewhere and I think it fits a Lamborghini. Good memories.

[@thefrontporch8594]

What a beautiful car. I am 6'2" and never had trouble fitting in mine, or fitting in my MR2.

[@briansigel2822]

Andrew, Thanks for the Post. As you can tell your old car is in good hands. I couldn't remember when he was asking me about the suspension, I knew the shocks were Koni. I couldn't remember what Bill told me the springs were there, but now that you mentioned it I'm pretty sure he told me that they were cut stock springs. When I did the upgrades last fall with the big valve head, cam and header, I also had the cat completely removed. But like I said in the video I wanted to keep the Anza exhaust because it is so retro and I know how rare it is too. I'm sure one of the other current exhaust would give it a little bit more power but I just love the look of the Anza exhaust More than likely it's probably going to get resprayed next year. I got to fix the hole in the trunk on the bottom that's getting a little worse. But the car is so much fun!!! Hopefully I'll get some time to Autocross it this year, I did a couple years ago. So much fun. I'm wondering how much the mods will do Autocrossing??

[@tomlewis3658]

It's a beauty, and it's so good that you are driving and enjoying it. I had a similar set of Bosch Pilot fog lamps on my 1975 Opel back in the 70's-80's, and you definitely need to keep the covers on when they are not in use. I had at least 1 lens crack before I learned my lesson.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I always loved that little bugger! Definitely one of fiat’s best looking car! And I always thought it was way ahead of its time. It even looks modern and beautiful by today’s standards! I don’t own one! But I love them! Maybe one of this day’s I would like to find a great example like yours!👌🥰👍very cool! Enjoy it!

[@eckobot_d-.-b]

Yoooo! Loved this! Off camera asking questions while B role is on point. BIG car guy and was told to come here. Picked this particular episode as these are the most underrated platform like a Henry J….these things absolutely SCREAM (when having a GOOD tech) out smiles the beloved CRX when it comes to performance. Just does what it can but this does what I wish the rexy/del slow did. Loved the owner and his humbleness, also the protruding head 😅 🕊️&🍻 well done 👍

[@george4u1960]

I got one of these x19 in 1981 in Black. I love to call but as it got older it became more complicated people with steal the top off. When it got cold and icy the locks would freeze.

[@frankbalazs8816]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these cars!!!❤

[@sotirisbakaimis3276]

Great interview in HD !!! Excellent color combination!!! Bravo!!!

[@billpizzaman4700]

Was a nightmare in 1985. Hard to work on

[@yourgay3226]

Eh? Couldn't be easier to work on i took the engine out with a trolley jack and a toilet seat once

[@hector69ize]

🤔🤔🤔 Looking good I’ve always loved the unmistakable Italian good looks of the X 1/9 NOW !!!! I really really would like to know where did you get that lovely exhaust system. It looks mighty good on your little exotic. 🙄🙄😳🥴

[@brendouste8140]

One point that need be mentioned regarding these 1.5L F/I or carbureted 1979-80 x1/9 cars with the 5spd is that if the valves are not shimmed loosely enough(that is if the valves are not able to close fully because of wear at the seat) their power can be reduced by as much as 35%. Timing advance must also be right. Earlier 5spd cars (from 1979 to 1981) had numerically different primary shafts in their transmissions than the later cars that did a significantly better job at delivering torque which contributed to a better performance experience.With these factors observed the power to weight ratio performance was quite exhilarating for a 2 valve 1.5L 2000 lb car.

[@leeengelsman1855]

The issues you mention of timing advance and tappet clearance are universal nothing unique about it.

[@theephemeralglade1935]

There is NO way you are getting 25 more hp from adding an exhaust. That almost 32% more horse power!

[@mrfurzzy8867]

He said that he got a high flow head and cam as well as the exhaust. 25 HP from all of that is possible

[@theephemeralglade1935]

@@mrfurzzy8867 You should have emailed me, or sent me a text.

[@danielboguse4249]

Bricklan did not take over production but took over importing them. Bertone took over production of the entire car where as Bertone made the body and Fiat did the drivetrain. These were built up the 1989.

[@bertone6996]

Got 2 one 74 second one 81 bertone signature ..lots of fun for little money

[@danielboguse4249]

They actually started building them in 1972 but started exporting them to the US in 1974.

[@alexandermathar7780]

The good Thing is that can handle much more than the Stock 75 HP.

[@PRTEVYBMW]

Fantastic ride! FIAT on,Cheers;)

[@domenicozagari2443]

If you put a glass of gas in the oil every time you fill up, you get more power.

[@antmon123]

wanted one of these forever.... maybe I get lucky on eBay!

[@robertoorsi5771]

Ther's another car similar made by Fiat in Italy that is a 2 litres car. Its name is Lancia Beta Montecarlo. The engine is different a emy twin camme named Lampredi.

[@dphitch]

So cool.

[@Noukz37]

Those (horrid) US spec over-bumpers, aren't they for low speed collisions? I mean, I think they won't help with driver's safety like he said. They might even make it worse, since more mass equals more inertia in a crash.

[@DL30Creations]

I have a 2006 Porsche Cayenne S Titanium all original and updated in red, will trade for a 1980-89 X 1/9.

[@allenchilaxin4322]

My cousin has about 4 of them laying around, too lazy to restore them.

[@hglimshire8356]

Oh how I wish I had the money to buy another one

[@daniellatimer1876]

Fix It Again Tony!

[@DL30Creations]

Only big difference between the Fiero and the X was .... The Fiero only lived 4 years and had way more flaws and problems than the Fiat ever had. 😆😂

[@peterlewellyn2389]

Music played backward disturbs me

[@CylinderScene]

If you listen closely the backwards masking says "You must buy an old Fiat"...

[@mathewross3398]

im 6 3 and still fit in mine... sorta

[@ReneChewbaka]

You look so big in that car lol

[@danielboguse4249]

The car weighs 2350lbs.

[@simondavies8969]

You can get a fiat 2 litre in this car

[@RodMidkiff]

Yes, many people are putting the honda motors in them the k20 is a very strong motor and makes a LOT of hp's

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Every car is 'underpowered' to those who always want more power. Every car on the road has sufficient power to get a speeding ticket, so no-one needs more power.

[@peterhirt991]

Nice car. But you are playing with your life with your size. If somebody hits you from behind, you are very very exposed!!!

[@ggolds5]

There was a crash test by a TV show years ago that tested things that were hear say from past products to see if they were accurate. It was a popular show, can't remember the name now. Red headed guy and a few others, very cool reality type show. Fiat was tested with a tractor trailer hitting it at a standstill and the truck going 65. The car crushed just up to the rear roof pillar but the passenger compartment was fully intact and undamaged. This car had a very stiff cage and Fiat often bragged about how safe it was. So your data is not quite correct.

[@Aj-dq6fe]

Think the problem that the roof bar lower than your head, a shunt from behind and your head hits a metal edge , terrifying.

[@peterhirt991]

@@Aj-dq6fe yeah. I had 2 X1/9s and I am 6.2 tall. Needed to have seats rearranged that the roof bar is not killing me

[@johnstuchlik5828]

I'm 5ft 10.my 75 x was rear ended by a 85 delta 88 olds.no neck injury, back of my head was sore from being slammed into the seat cushion.

[@peterhirt991]

@@johnstuchlik5828 Sorry to hear that.

[@ablewood8269]

Has no idea what he's talking about. It's got 75hp not 25hp Do some research!

[@robertritchie2860]

He fitted a big valve head, faster camshaft and tuned the exhaust resulting in a 25hp increase over the 75hp in the standard engine.

[@dusankocisevic6823]

SO AWESOME. 💚🤍❤️

[@nkhalmizahar]

When you want to become tom selleck @ magnum P.I but cant afford a ferrari.

[@yourgay3226]

Get the 1300 bumpers on matey, and if you can get them chromed all the better. These ugly 1500 ones won't make any difference at all in a crash. For the rear you will also need two number plate lights either side of a new square number plate but difference is chalk and cheese in appearance.