After a long search, I found the X1/9 that I had always wanted in November of 1998.  It was in great shape when I found it, 57k miles on it, original paint, great interior.  The mechanicals were beginning to suffer under the previous owner who was much better at polishing and waxing the paint than wrenching.  Only the first stage of the carburetor was opening (an estimated 30 hp), which was a good thing because only one out of four brakes was working!

I wanted to preserve the originality of this car but couldn't leave the engine and suspension alone.  When I was still living in Seatlle, I used the car as my main transportation,  autocross/hillclimb/trackday racer, vacation mobile, and grocery getter. Now, having moved to Germany, it gets used mainly for entertainment.

My old engine

 Original 1300 block, never out of the car in 32 years!

1118cc ported big-valve head by PBS

About 9.2:1 CR

PBS S2 cam

2x 40DCNF12 on PBS manifold (30mm venturis)

PBS header into Ulixpeed exhaust using Walker Super Turbo muffler

Here are some "dyno" results

4-speed with 4.08 final drive

 

Red sport springs BeBe adjustable shocks Revolution 6"x13" rims with Dunlop SP2000 185/60-13 tires For autocross: CD30 wheels 5.5"x13" with Hankook race tires

 
 

 
Trackday at PIR

Resurrection after a bad accident: "PhoeniX1/9"