Presented in November 1972, the X1/9 coupé was intended to replace the Fiat 850 Spider. It retained the Fiat 128 Rally's brilliant 1.3-liter engine capable of delivering 75 hp, as well as four disc brakes and four independent suspensions, but adopted a rear mid-engine architecture. X1/9 simply means that this is the 9th development of the X1 projects (X0 designating engines, X1 passenger cars and X2 commercial vehicles).
This car, born of a Bertone concept, was intended to offer a small, safe and modern mid-engined sports car. Designed by the inimitable Marcello Gandini, it features wedge-shaped styling and a stern that ends in a "coda tronca" or "Kamm tail". Original features include retractable headlamps and a split bumper with two rubber rosettes that leave the central section uncovered. The Fiat X 1/9 appealed thanks to its good looks, balanced chassis and excellent performance. It enjoyed considerable success in the United States.
The 131 killed me
Abarth was interested in the Fiat X1/9 and was looking for a successor to the Fiat-Abarth 124 Rally. The result was a prototype with a rear spoiler, a large "periscope" air intake, widened wheel arches and flashy bumpers, made even more visible by the red and yellow/green livery of this season's Fiat-Abarth 124 Rallys. Registered in Group 5, the prototypes take part in rallies and win the Rallye des Alpes orientales at national level. The 500 units needed for Group 4 homologation will never come, because FIAT chose the 131 to benefit from the commercial spin-offs derived from the car's victories in competition.
Fiat X1/9s have finally had a second lease of life in hillclimb preparations, within the E2SH 2000 category. This is the case of Gianluca Ticci, a driver from Genoa who began racing Fiat X1/9s back in 2013, initially in the 1300cc version. He drives for Scuderia Sport Favale, whose founder Sergio de Martini was already racing Group 3 X1/9s in the 1980s! Since 2018/2019 at least, Ticci has been racing an even sharper version in "cronoscalate" events as well as slaloms.
A Ferrari V8 cylinder head
The engine of the current X1/9 is based on a Fiat 4-cylinder 2.0L, but fitted with a Ferrari Tipo F106 V8 cylinder head, prepared by specialist Andrea Vescovi. Several sources seem to confirm that the cylinder head comes from a Ferrari 308 V8. Power is in the region of 285 hp, with an estimated maximum speed of 9,000 rpm: the noise is Dantesque! On paper, this power isn't incredible, given that some hill-climb racers can easily reach 600/700 hp. However, the prototype's featherweight of 690 kg gives it a formidable power-to-weight ratio. The look is equally impressive, with wide tracks, a prominent rear spoiler/diffuser assembly, widebody bodywork and racing suspension.
Awards
Some notable results: Gianluca Ticci won several slaloms in 2020-2021. On the "Cronoscalate" championship, during the ascent of the 41ᵉ Vittorio Veneto - Cansiglio 2023, Ticci finished 5ᵉ in the absolute ranking (out of ~110 competitors), and 1ᵉʳ in his group (E2SH). At the 73ᵉ edition ofTrento - Bondone 2024 (one of Europe's major events), he achieves a double podium: 2ᵉ Group, 2ᵉ Class E2SH, and finishes 16ᵉ in the absolute ranking out of 161 drivers.
English 
French 
Italian 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
German 
Japanese 
Turkish 
Dutch