I'm planning to build an X1/9 Abarth Prototipo replica, as authentic and faithful to the original works rally cars of the early 70s as possible. Was wondering if any members have built one and can offer me some advice - e.g. sourcing the body kit and other parts and technical assistance. I've already bought a 1973 LHD X1/9 1300, an 1800 TC Lancia Scorpio (Monte Carlo) engine and a Monte Carlo gearbox. Any help/advice appreciated.
Good choice of project and you'll be in an exclusive club. I've built mine up over the past couple of years with a 207hp Uno Turbo engine and other competition biased parts. Not a car for somebody who doesn't like attracting attention. I'd be happy to chat things through further, PM sent.
Interesting project!
Lots seems to be written about the prototipo's body, engine and gearbox -is there anything on record about changes to the suspension design or to the ride height & wheel/tyre sizing?
Given that there were only 4-5 made, and as a prototype which then wasn't followed through, there is unsurprisingly little accurate/verifiable information about the details of the build. I'm not sure I'm 100% on the following facts, but the basics are near enough. The wheel sizes were 13" 205 all round or 235 (?) rears, I would guess to do with whatever surface they were racing on. In common with a lot of motorsport certain major components and their layout have to stay basically the same, and suspension (MacPherson strut in the case of the X1/9) is usually one of them, but the components would have been greatly uprated. If you search on the web you can get all sorts of fascinating bits of info on the Prototipo story. Abarth did build one Stradale (road going) version in anticipation of the rally rules saying that a competition car had to have been made available to the public in XXX numbers to qualify. It resurfaced in Australia and has just completed an eye wateringly expensive restoration. Looking at the amount of works and parts that have gone into it, the phrase 'Triggers Broom' comes to mind
For those interested here's some interesting, factual and informative X1/9 Abarth Prototipo links.
X1/9 Abarth Prototipo - Alexander Kartschall's website links. Alex has done a lot of research on the X1/9 Abarth Prototipo an has vast knowledge of it.
Excellent thank you.
Really good info.
Key things seem to be
More power
Less weight
F&R anti-roll bars
LSD
Right, where's my shopping list and my sabre saw!
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