This car has been standing in a fenced, vacant lot near where I live for many years. When I went by recently, I noticed that the gate was open, so I went over to take a look. I imagine it was once quite an attractive vehicle. I didn’t know what it was, so I asked my Facebook friends.
A former colleague replied:
“The Google says this: Based on the image, the car appears to be a Fiat X1/9. It’s a mid-engined, two-seater sports car designed by Bertone and produced by Fiat from 1972 to 1982, and later by Bertone from 1982 to 1989 (where it was often branded simply as a Bertone).
The distinctive wedge shape, pop-up headlights, and targa roof are characteristic features of the X1/9. The vehicle in the photo looks like an older, possibly neglected, example.”
And a friend (and former owner of such a vehicle) in Geneva, Switzerland told me:
“Wow this brings back memories. It is a Fiat X1/9. I owned one circa 1979. It was the first inexpensive mid-engine sports car for the general market. The engine revved up to 7000 rpm and surprisingly pulled through its entire range. It was happiest at 4-5000. The earliest versions only had 1300cc 70hp engines with a four-speed gearbox. I had the 1500cc version with a five-speed gearbox. It had a nice racy engine noise with the motor behind the driver’s head. Not a lot of power but solid handling and great fun to drive.
The targa roof was stored behind the engine and it was nice to have off in Summer although I preferred a true convertible like the Triumph TR6 I later drove.I remember it had many of the quirks of Italian cars of the period such as windows cranking in reverse and the Tachometer reading counterclockwise, odd switches etc. but so did most sports cars back then.
Of course, it is a tiny car – with a driver and passenger there was only room for one small carryon bag in the frunk and a small bag behind the engine compartment. Totally impractical but an inexpensive experience I enjoyed before facing the pragmatic realities of adult life.
Taken with a Sony A7IV and Minolta 45mm f2