Fiat x1/9!

Blimey - saw one of the above yesterday afternoon. Can't remember last time I saw one which was probably decades ago literally. Bit of a rare beast according to the stats - c 240 left on the road

I was sitting in one just a few minutes ago Alan. Mine.

Looking damn good Pete. I watched this on youtube the other day so just in case you'd not spotted it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spPS74Usjlk

I sold mine 2 years ago, the best handling car I've ever driven. Unfortunately I had to sell it because every time I got in it I drove it like I stole it, it was a matter of when, not if I was going to come to grief. I'd love to have one as a project to convert to electric.

Great to see the photos above with the same wheels. I believe the hubcaps on those wheels are now made of "unobtainium", soo look after them Pete.

I sold my X1/9 15 years ago when I bought my Coupe. I had a red 1989 Bertone which was one of 51 imported into Australia by Fiat in 1988/89. These had an Injected 1500cc, unlike most sold in UK which had a carbie. The first Bertone to be imported by Fiat Australia was a red one and it was fitted with a MPH speedo as it was required early for display for the Sydney Motor Show. I believe it now resides in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast.

The Bertone badged ones were certainly an improvement on the earlier Fiat ones as they were fitted with a fully lined roof, electric windows, additional lining in the front boot, wider alloy wheels although they still retained the original steel wheel as a "spare" as it was the only size to fit in the cavity behind the drivers seat.

Like my mate from Hobart, I still miss it as it handled very well. With its 2 boots, it amazed people how much gear one could carry in it.

Best looking girl in my 6th Form circa 1988 drove one of these to School, I lusted after both!

Nice looking motor there Pete

Out of interest is it garaged as I can't see evidence of a 'man cave'.

No garage unfortunately Alan, but I do have a reasonable workshop at the bottom of the garden alongside "la Vacherie", my wife's studio.

The cars have to live outside which makes for a bit more maintenance.

X1/9 cover

Yes, but not a fan of them for long term use, can and do cause micro-blistering particularly of non-factory paint. The car is 40 years old and was repainted in Ireland about 15 years ago.

We're caught by the short and curlies as it's either "under-cover" damage or UV deterioration

I owned a 1.3 back in 1981. In fact I went on my honeymoon in it. Bastard!

I would never use an outdoor cover causes more problems than they 'solve', don't store/park under trees or on grass, keep the car clean/waxed and wipe the bird shit off. Covers help to ruin exteriors and interiors.

I had a Lido until 1992 when I got a Lancia Beta HPE ie.

Still have the Lido roof with headlining and the pair of Alcantara seat covers stored away indoors, plus loads of other parts boxed elsewhere. Not sure why because I doubt if I will get another one now ,