Japanese Italian Alliance: 1981 Fiat X1/9 Honda B18C Power

The Bertone designed (and built) Fiat X1/9 was released in 1972 and can best be described as a competitor to the Porsche 914 and Toyota MR2 (I won’t mention the Fiero). The X1/9 uses a mid-engine layout with a small 4-cylinder engine, t-tops, and angular styling, but the little Fiat feels much more like a toy. Today’s X1/9 has had the original putt-putt 1.5 liter wheezer engine replaced with a Honda B18C engine that has been bored and sleeved to produced something in excess of 200 horsepower. This little Fiat should scoot! Find this 1981 Fiat X1/9 Honda B18C Power bidding for $15,000 with a few days to go via carsandbids.com. Tip from Hugh.

From the seller:

THIS… is a 1981 Fiat X1/9, finished in silver with a black interior.

The attached Carfax history report starts in 1991 and contains several gaps, but shows no accidents for the given time period.
Modifications to this X1/9 are extensive, and the full list is detailed below. Highlights include a bored and sleeved Honda B18C engine swap, a Honda 5-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, 14-inch Campagnolo wheels, a custom fabric targa top, and NC MX-5 Miata seats.
The Fiat X1/9 was introduced in 1972, and immediately caught the attention of enthusiasts with its striking styling, fun driving character, and affordable pricing. Penned by Bertone, the X1/9 came with a removable targa top that could be stored in the frunk, and while it didn’t offer the big power its wedge shape left you to believe, it quickly gained the “baby Ferrari” nickname due to its excitement when dealing with corners. When Fiat exited the U.S. market, Malcolm Bricklin set up International Automobile Importers and agreed with Bertone to continue production and sell the mid-engined X1/9 under the latter’s badges until 1988, when production was officially stopped.
Power comes from a modified Honda “B18C” 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, which according to the owner currently makes around 215 horsepower, but a dyno sheet was not provided to confirm. Output is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

Modifications reported by the seller include:

Powertrain:

Honda JDM B18C engine, bored and sleeved to 2.0 liters
Eagle Specialty rods
ARP head studs, bolts, and rod
Injector Nation 375cc fuel injectors
Walbro 190LPH fuel pump
Edelbrock Performer X intake manifold (trunk bulkhead cut, engine lid latch receiver removed to make room)
Hondata S300 Engine Management System
Aluminum radiator with a single fan
Honda 5-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential
Synchrotech 4.928 final gear drive set
Lightweight Odyssey battery
Wheels, Suspension, and Brakes:

14-inch Campagnolo wheels
Aftermarket front sway bar
Porterfield brake pads
Exterior:

Full body repaint with color change from the original orange to silver
Hella halogen headlights
Aftermarket front mesh grille
European-spec bumperettes
Custom removable fabric soft top
Interior:

Mazda NC MX-5 Miata seats
Honda Civic EG instrument cluster with LED bulbs
BMW cupholder
Known Flaws
The attached Carfax history report notes that this X1/9 was issued a “Not Actual Mileage” title by the Florida DMV in October 2019, and its current title carries this brand. The odometer displays about 90,000 miles, but this Fiat’s true mileage is unknown.
Some scratches and paint chips around the exterior (pictured in the photo gallery)
Some wear on the driver seat’s bolsters
Glovebox compartment lid won’t stay open
Slow wipers
Inoperable heater controls. The seller states that a heater control valve, pictured in the photo gallery, is used instead.
The seller states that the idle fluctuates during cold start until the engine warms up.
The seller states that the catalytic converter isn’t working properly.
Recent Service History
The seller states that he performed most of the routine maintenance for this X1/9. He adds that the engine oil and filter were changed every 4,000 miles and that the transmission fluid was flushed in 2020.

Other Items Included in Sale
1 set of keys
Owner’s manuals
Various spare parts
Ownership History
The seller states that he purchased this X1/9 in 2007.

Seller Notes
Due to the modifications performed to this X1/9, it may not pass emissions testing in some states. As always, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to perform all due diligence regarding registering this Fiat in their respective state prior to placing a bid.

See a better way to drive something silver? tips@dailyturismo.com