X1/9 came 2nd in the 1974 European Car of The Year Award.

[GregS]

As the title says. The Fiat X1/9 came a close 2nd in the 1974 European Car of The Year Award, to the Mercedes Benz 450 SE, S Class Series.
If I did know that, I had long forgotten it. Quite impressive really.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/european-car-of-the-year-1974

 

[twincam69]

Very cool. I had a ‘78 Euro spec 450 SE in the early 80’s when “Grey Market “ cars were all the rage in South Florida. It was definitely designed for the Autobahn, and was very long legged. There are a few stories but for another time and probably a different forum! Still, I like the X more.

 

[Rupunzell]

Yes, made zilch difference in the market perception of the exxe over its production life. The exxe was design intended for the then significant US of A "sports car" market to replace the Fiat 850..

The design and more was brilliant and more in many ways.

Lack of winning competitive history and being branded a Fiat assured (market perception/myth) the future of the exxe. Illustration and example of what the marketing folks at GM/Detroit knew/understood, contents do not matter, style and perception does and sells cars.


Bernice