The X1/9 was the world’s first mass-produced mid-engined sports car. First introduced in 1972, the X1/9 was ahead of its time. Its sharp edges and angular surfaces would usher in a new era of cutting-edge design which Carrozzeria Bertone was proud to showcase.

The X1/9 originally featured a 1.3-liter inline four-cylinder from the Fiat 128 that was capable of barely 75 horsepower. However, in 1982 Fiat introduced the 1500 model, boasting a larger and higher-output engine for the X1/9. The new 1.5-liter produced 85 horsepower. Though only ten more than its previous configuration, it fared extremely well considering the X1/9 weighed just under 2,000 lb. With the uprated 1500, the X1/9 gained the reputation for being a proper driver’s car. Later in 1985, production of the Gandini-designed car was handed over to Bertone. From then, the car would be known as the Bertone X1/9.

This 1986 Bertone X1/9 is finished in Polar Ice over Blue with a gold pinstripe (code 831). It features pop-up headlights, dual side-view mirrors, and a removable targa top. The car rides on Pirelli tires which are mounted on Cromodora wheels made for Bertone. It is powered by a mid-transversely mounted inline 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The interior features bucket seats trimmed in velvet cloth and vinyl, Veglia Borletti instrumentation, power windows, air-conditioning, Mitsubishi stereo with cassette, and Blaupunkt speakers. This Bertone has covered less than 4,800 miles from new and is accompanied by a Bertone X1/9 owner’s manual with pouch, consumer information card, pre-delivery inspection card, as well as jack and tools.

In-period, Road & Track declared the X1/9 “the best open sports car for the eighties.”