Thanks!
 

fredhoon
Thanks for the scan and upload Cogs.

Flighter I was surprised by how well regarded the X1-9 was compared to the AW11.

I too was surprised, I thought the X1-9 had all the niggles and no redeeming qualities.  The article makes me want to go and drive one, although it sounds like I'll also need to hack at it a bit to fit in comfortably.

 
I used to own an X1/9 and I am not in the least surprised. I've been told that In the mid eighties a survey of international motoring journalists voted the X1/9 as having the best handling chassis of any production vehicle (including exotics), unfortunately I did not get the details. After nailing very tight corners at 160kph, just fighting G-force through the steering wheel... with absolutely no traction loss, I believe it.
 
Bertone used their knowledge from developing the first Ferrari 308 immediately prior to the X1/9, they even used some surplus parts (useless fact #347: X1/9's have Ferrari door handles).
 
They have a very solid chassis which was designed to take a great deal more power. They were also designed to pass proposed US crash legislation of 90mph head-on and 110mph roll-over with occupant survival (which was scrapped as only VOLVO and the X1/9 passed, not one single US car did!).
 
Fiat management, in their infinite wisdom, put an unimpressive, under-powered engine into this incredible chassis that Bertone designed for them, in order to save on manufacturing costs. This is the X1/9's main downfall (solution, install a Lancia 2 litre turbo). Well, that and steel from Russia... with rust.
 
To date, an X1/9 is the most awe inspiring drivers car I have ever driven, just for its dry tarmac handling. I love my AW11- it is faster, more nimble and more fun, but it is less stable at high speed. I would not have the confidence to hit tight corners at 130kph under hard acceleration... not even on an open-field track with no obstacles to hit.
 
Also I found it comfortable enough, no hacking required.