BERTONE X 1/9 sub

Singapore First Bertone X1/9 Enthusiast Website

Fiat X 1/9 first appeared in Singapore in early 70's marketed by Fiat Snd Berhad, showroom located at the present Tanglin Mall. The Fiat X 1/9 is a mid-engine 2 seater with a detachable targa roof that can be placed in the front luggage compartment. It was produced from 1974 to 1988 (total 100,000 units world-wide). The X 1/9 was sold in Singapore with a single overhead cam 1300cc.engine mounted transversely ahead of the rear axle line and a four speed transmission. Number of units sold in Singapore not available as the ex-distributor is no longer in existence.

In the 80's Fiat was a very popular imported cars for many Singaporeans.As there was not enough for Fiat in Turin to produce Bertone took over in 1982.The X 1/9 came with a 1500cc engine and a 5 speed transmission distributed in Singapore by Polymotor Pte Ltd from 1978 to 1983. Aproximately 50,000 cars produced in Turin. Again, the number of X 1/9 1500 cc sold in Singapore was not available. To-date, Polymotor is still supplying X 1/9 parts. X1/9's have 4 wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts. The brakes are disc, front and back. It has rack and pinon steering. No power steering or brakes in the 70's 0r 80's. The X/9 adopt some similar parts as the Ferrari 308.

To-date there are only 20 such cars left in Singapore kept normally as a weekend car or left in the garage as a showpiece or as a 2nd car. Singaporeans are reluctant to keep these beauties as parts are fast becoming scare commodity. Escalating C.O.E. price in Singapore and additional 50% on road tax is levied on car over 10 years of age. A couple of weeks ago, a X 1/9 owner has to part with his beloved X 1/9 car as his Q plate(Company car) has reached the maximum 10 years "quota" set by Registrar of Vehicle.

By the year 2000 more Bertone will suffered the same fate. You need a cool S$45,000 just for C.O.E. to keep for another 10 years not forgetting the additional road tax of 50%. It is therefore a growing concern amongst fellows X1/9 enthusiasts.

These rare beauties or the author called it 'Baby Ferarri' has the potential of becoming future classic. With this W.W.Web site, our aim is to help fellow X 1/9 enthusiasts to keep this car as long as possible. Join in our panel discussion to find ways to save this classic car in Singapore.

Finally, I am indebted to various organisations and clubs for their permission and support to reproduce reports/pictures on this website. To reciprocate, we try to provide as many overseas links. If we have omitted any site of interests or you would like a linkage do e-mail me at deetao@pacific.net.sg with your Homepage URL address.