The least expensive car listed in SCM's Price Guide is the Fiat X1/9. The scrap value of its aluminum bumpers alone might be almost equal to the price of the whole car.
Introduced in 1974, its Bertone styling was revolutionary at the time. Nowadays, however, people often mistake its straight lines, which taper to a point at the nose, for those of a Triumph TR7-not exactly a compliment. From 1974 to 1982, when they withdrew from the US market, these cars were imported by Fiat. From 1982 to 1990 they were imported by Bertone, and that coachbuilder's badge replaced the Fiat one on the nose.
Early cars had a 1300cc, transverse-mounted, four-cylinder engine, a Weber carburetor and four speeds. A better choice is to buy any model built after 1979, as these cars are fitted with 1500cc, Bosch fuel injection and a five-speed gearbox. The bigger engine gives you all of 75 horsepower, but since the car only weighs 2,000 pounds, you don't need much.
The cars aren't only cheap, they're fun to drive. The mid-engine placement provides exceptional handling. Throw the X1/9 into a turn and it remains flat and firmly planted. The low driving position makes you feel as though you are sitting on a motorized skateboard. Stop at a drive-through ATM and you might have to stand on the built-in roll bar to access the cash machine.
With its stubby 86.7-inch wheelbase and stiff suspension, the ride is choppy and every bump is noticeable. At freeway speeds, your face is well protected from wind blast. The Targa design helps keep the chassis stiff and provides some rollover protection. The rugged black fiberglass top stows under the front hood. Removing and installing it is a simple 30-second chore.
Brakes are discs on all four wheels. The X1/9's chromed exterior door handles are the same as those found on Ferrari 308 GT4s, so you can tell friends, "My car shares some parts with a Ferrari." However, I suggest buying replacement door handles using a Fiat part number, rather than a Ferrari one.
Drawbacks? Engine access is poor. Space inside the cockpit is limited at best. As SCM's Mr. Kerb remarked, the only cargo you can expect to carry are pizza boxes and flounders. If the top is on and you are over 6 feet tall, your neck will be compressed like that of a turtle closing up for the night. Those whose girth requires the purchase of two seats on Southwest Airlines should look elsewhere for a collector car.
If you're considering an X1/9, watch out for rust in the body, which is usually very apparent. And don't buy one with any mechanical needs, as the cost of a major repair will exceed the value of the car.
When you drive an X1/9, prepare to be the butt of all your car collector friends' jokes. However, with 30 miles per gallon and $250 tuneups, you'll have the last laugh when they have to get a home equity loan to feed and care for their gas-, oil- and money-guzzling V12 Ferraris.