Ever since I saw my first Fiat X1/9 in 1975, I've had this fantasy about building one with a Toro drivetrain. I even measured one up and found that with a remote water pump, the 455/TH425 package will just fit between the rear firewall and the tail light panel. It's one of those builds that's on the list of cars to build before I die (unfortunately, the list is getting longer and the available time is getting shorter... ).

Apparently, someone has beaten me to it. I just got the latest JWO, and imagine my surprise when I see a tiny photo of an X1/9 in the Nationals coverage. Unfortunately, there was no info with the photo, but the flares on the rear wheel openings and the obvious Toro wheels on the back give it away (along with the fact that the engine cover and rear luggage compartment cover have been bolted together, as necessary for this swap).

Does anyone have any more info on this car? Thanks.

 

I dont have any idea but it sounds like a very cool build. Quite a few have done this in Corvairs, also very cool, talk about a "Rocket". Good luck with it.

Steve

 

Reminds me of my "Tornado" all wheel drive buggy idea. 4 wheel steering and 910-1000 cubic inches by welding together two Toro 455 or Eldo 500 front frame clips and a criss cross hemispherical roll bar!

 

The Fiat was shown in Class 19b at Cincinnati. Very nicely done.

 

I talked with the owner in Cincinnati. He built the car quite a few years ago. I don't have any technical details. It was a really well done job. It must go like a "bat out of hell"!

 

Thanks. Any more details or (even better) photos?

 

At the Nationals, do they still give an event book to every registered participant? If so, someone who attended should be able to look up the name of this guy under Class 19b. Sorry, I wasn't there.

 

I was not at the Nats this year, but saw that as well in JWO. The Cincy chapter that had this link to pics from the show, check out pics 144-146 for the Fiat. Even has W-30 emblems on the fenders.

Rest of the pics are nice as well !


https://plus.google.com/107622792360...CO-o3reO7-DYEw

 

Great, thanks for the link.