1987 Bertone X-1/9 Corsa

In a humorous contrast from last week's Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, we bring you today another mid-engine sports car, but in Corsa guise. This Bertone X-1/9 appears to be little more than a dealership option package consisting of some upgraded bodywork, but its side skirts clearly announce its racing intentions.

All joking aside, the CORSA graphics have a great 80's typeface and aesthetic, and the bodywork itself is interesting enough without venturing into the region of tastelessness. Magnesium wheels shown here also pull their own weight in the styling department. Add in the rarity factor, and this is an appealing prospect.

Year: 1987
Model: Bertone
Engine: 1.5L 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 63,000 mi
Price: $5,450

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1987 Bertone X-1/9 Corsa

NOTE: eBay does not have a category for the BERTONE make of car. I had to use the old FIAT designation even though Fiat left the U.S. in 1982 and Bertone took over manufacture and production of the X-1/9 model after that. The car is a BERTONE X-1/9 not a FIAT. It is titled as a BERTONE X-1/9 and no FIAT markings are on the car. Also note that this is the CORSA model which was a dealer option and pretty rare at that. Car is currently registered, insured and on the road but garage kept.

1987 Bertone X-1/9 Corsa

Nice car with the following recently done.

 New exhaust manifold gasket

 Complete tear down and cleaning of fuel injection system including all new O rings.

 Front and rear fiberglass Corsa clips repaired and primed.

 New battery

 Newly rebuilt alternator

 Cleaned up and primed minor rust spots. Car was Ziebarted from new so there is very little rust and nothing that has not yet been addressed.

 New brake pads

 New brake fluid reservoir.

 New wheel studs

 Power window track and regulators cleaned and re-greased.

 New oxygen sensor

 Includes hard top that fits great

 Comes with copies of large workshop manual, service manual, electrical diagnostic manual, wiring diagrams manual and several receipts, several used parts.

Other notable items...

 Car starts first time every time

 63,000 miles

 Sorted out headlight opening and closing issues

 Ignition key switch on column energizes the ignition but you start it using a hidden button under the dash.

 Has anti theft kill switch in glove box

 Loads of time and money invested to make her road worthy

Minor issues that need addressing

 There are some dings that could use a pro's touch

 Interior could use a refreshing and passenger seat has a tear in the seam

 Carpet worn

 Need to get fog lights for front clip but directionals work fine

 Hi Beams not currently working

 Speedo sticks all other gauges work fine

 Oxygen sensor light remains on even though the sensor is brand new. The switch has to be reset by opening up the console on the shifter.

 A/C model but A/C not hooked up

 Missing driver side sun visor

 Steering wheel could use a new cover

I have more photos so ask and you shall receive. Check out photos closely, what you see is what you get.

The owner notes that some degree of restoration has taken place, though that work will need to continued into the vehicle's next ownership phase. Overall, the needs listed do not seem too daunting, and as many of our readers are aware, it's not exceedingly difficult to find online technical assistance and parts for these X-1/9s.

Provided that the rust repair work checks out, this could be the basis of a very clean and rare X-1/9. And, if the tidy engine bay is any indication, we would imagine that the bodywork was done with a similar level of care. For some, the street-bound Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale just doesn't do it. In their case, hopefully this Bertone X-1/9 Corsa can make the heart race.

-Graham