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In 1972 Fiat introduced its Bertone-designed mid-engine X1/9 Spider. It had a 1300 cc, 75 hp engine and replaced the 850 Spider. With a Targa-type removable roof similar to the Porsche 914 and extraordinary road-holding abilities it was sometimes called “poor man’s Ferrari” . In 1978, the 2nd series followed: 1500 cc, 85 hp and a 5-speed transmission. Unfortunately, this one carried heavy bumpers as it was exported to the US to meet their safety regulations. When Fiat wanted to drop it in 1982 because of declining sales, Bertone took over for some more years and the car was now sold as “Bertone X1/9” until 1988. In 2009, in the Italian newsstand “Quattroruote” series, the 1979 Fiat X1/9 5-speed was released as #46 of 50 models. It got reissued in March 2015 as #33 in the 66 pcs. “Auto vintage deluxe collection” with a sturdy plexi box (blue version). Manufactured by Ixo, everything opens (doors, 2 trunk lids, engine cover, 2 pop-up lights), very fine details all around, you can even remove the hardtop. With a little TLC, this can be turned into a spectacular little model – here it is as it came out of the box - on to the pics: