1979 Fiat X1/9 in Bordeaux Red
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An Amazing One-Owner Beauty, Fully Refurbished!

Up for sale is a remarkably solid, fully refurbished 1979 Fiat X1/9 with full history, all of the maintenances, and a lot of performance upgrades.

 

The Fiat X1/9 was introduced to North America in 1974 with a 1300cc engine and 4-Spd transaxle.  In 1979, the car was redesigned as "Series 2" with an updated interior, 1500cc motor and 5-Spd transaxle. 



This is a Series 2, carbureted car, built in June of 1979 in somewhat rare color 188 "Rosso Bordeaux"  





If you've been searching for an excellent example of an X1/9 with high reliability and collectible, show-car condition, this one's for you! 

 

This was a one-owner car with original documentation including purchase agreement.  Vehicle was dealer rust-proofed before delivery.  The car was purchased new in Michigan, but quickly moved to Georgia, where it lived almost all of its years afterward.





  Midwest-Bayless obtained the car in April 2026 and has performed a complete, engine-out mechanical refurbishment, including new gaskets and seals, brake and clutch, steering, suspension, fuel, cooling system, exhaust and electrical improvements. 



This was originally a "49-state" emissions car, but has been deleted of all pollution control equipment.   

This car will not pass Pollution Control inspection in California, or any state or municipality that requires factory compliant 49-State emissions testing. 

The odometer shows an incredibly low 30,000 miles. 

The motor had new gaskets, seals and belts installed, along with a remanufactured performance cylinder head, sport exhaust, and updated 32 DATR carburetor.  Driveline and suspension were also completely refurbished.



The 1500cc carbureted engine runs great.  It cold and hot starts just as expected with one try.  The chassis rides comfortably and has a perfect stance.

Body and Exterior

The car is rust and repair free.  It was repainted its original color over 20 years earlier, and garage kept thereafter.  It is a very good match to the original color and does not have fading or patina.  



One look at the front trunk shock tower areas tells you everything you need to know about the pristine condition of this body.



It has some very minor rub marks, scuffs and scratches that are hard to capture in pictures. 



It is remarkably rust, collision and ding-free, with sides and doors that are razor straight.  Overall it presents as an 85+ point finish.

 

The main structural areas such as front and rear shock towers, rear cross members, and floor pans are great.   

  

The rear trunk pockets look messy due to excessive rust proofing and the dirt that it has absorbed over the years, but are solid.

  

The front air dam and grille are unbroken.



The front and rear bumper shocks have been collapsed to "tuck" the bumpers and each has perfectly straight upper bumper trims. 



Original glass in all positions including windshield.   



Trims and badges are original, clean and with good color.



The doors, hood, engine cover and decklid are fantastic with no rust or repairs. 



Trims and bezels are clean and without UV damage.



Decklid features a dealer-installed luggage rack that is bright chrome with no rust spotting or damage.



The windshield frame is solid.


 

Engine, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust and Cooling System

1500cc SOHC carbureted engine with Bosch electronic ignition and 5-Spd manual transmission. 

Engine was removed from the car, fully "desmogged" with all EGR related pollution control items removed from the engine and engine bay.   New gaskets and seals, timing belt, tension bearing and v-belt.



The cylinder head was removed, reconditioned and replaced, transformed into a "performance" unit with machining that raises compression to approx 9.8:1, a 40/80 street duration camshaft and adjustable pulley.  It received performance valve springs and new stem seals.

The motor was dyno tuned and produces 85 HP at the wheels, which translates to about 100HP at the flywheel.  This is ~33% more power and torque than stock.


 
Original smog compliant carburetor was replaced with fully mechanical, 32/32 Weber DATR carburetor with electric choke and sport air filter.  The original engine bay cooling blower fan and duct are very important to smooth hot-starting, and have been retained.



Fuel tank was dropped, inspected and found to be perfectly clean.  All of the original evaporative emissions hoses and charcoal cannister remain in place.

The cooling system has been serviced with new hoses and thermostat.   System offers rock-solid temperatures.  Expansion tank is clean and in good condition. 

Cooling fan works correctly.  Radiator fins are rust free.  Under car pipes are solid.   Heater has been fully serviced with new core and valve.  Blower fully functional.



This car is non-AC from the factory.  This simplifies the engine bay and drops over 50lbs of curb weight from the vehicle.
   
AC cannot easily be retrofit to the car, without a significant number of changes in the engine bay, electrical, cooling, and cabin controls.

Electricals

System has great voltages, even with wipers, lights and heater fan on.   All accessories and lights work.  Replacement self-regulated alternator.     Instrument cluster lens is clear.



Car is fitted with a Pioneer CD receiver and two 4x6 speakers in factory rear tray locations.    Mast antenna in left rear fender. 



New distributor cap, rotor, plugs and wires.

Headlights have been replaced with L.E.D. H4-style bulbs for exceptional brightness and low current consumption.  Battery ground terminal has been replaced.

Transmission / Clutch / Driveline

The 5-Spd manual transmission shifts smoothly into all gears with no synchronizer issues, no grinding, reverse works as expected.   Shifter linkage has been replaced, and a short shifter with leather FIAT knob installed.



 Newer clutch hydraulics including master cylinder, slave cylinder.

Original Valeo clutch in perfect condition with minimal wear was re-installed after inspection. 


Steering / Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes

 

Outboard braking system has been serviced with newer master cylinder, fresh semi-metallic pads, braided stainless hoses and rotors.



All steering items have been serviced, the rack is tight, tie rod ends / boots in good shape, and radius rod bushings replaced.  The car tracks straight and has had a full alignment.



Front springs have been shortened approx 3/4" to eliminate the stock "nose-high" attitude.  The car sits level and looks normal.

Desirable Cromodora style CD-30 13x5 alloy wheels, with correct 4x98 bolt pattern and 185/60-13 Federal tires.  



New, correct-sized spare tire.

Interior / Top

This car has original beige tan interior in very good condition.   Aftermarket leather-wrapped steering wheel with MOMO bolt pattern and hub boss.  Original brown loop carpet in very good condition with minimal wear. Plush tan floor mats.



Dashboard, door cards, center console and firewall claddings are factory issue colors.   Dashboard is uncracked!

Door cards are uncut.  The windows have manual lifts and work correctly.



Spare tire cover and firewall cladding are undamaged.



 Targa top is black fiberglass with good color, and no headliner, making it light and easy to manage.  New door seals.



Front  /  Rear Trunk

Extremely tidy front trunk with pristine shock towers and original rubber mat on floor. 



The battery cover intact.  Fluid reservoirs are perfect and uncracked.  

 
Rear trunk is very clean with original style rubber mat and firewall carpet. 


 
Includes original jack and soft-side toolkit. 

   

614-784-8870 or email to mad.matt@midwest-bayless.com

 

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Our knowledge, experience and reputation with Fiat and Lancia cars is unparalleled. 

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 Additional photos or details are available upon request.   Buyer pays all shipping costs.