Gandini's Keil—the first "SUV"
As a young couple in 1974, after careful consideration, we bought a Fiat X1/9 because we wanted an SUV. Wait a minute—since when is the X1/9 an SUV, or as it’s officially called, a Sports Utility Vehicle?! Aren’t those the modern, large pseudo-off-road vehicles?
That vehicle class didn’t even exist back then! In fact, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that these vehicles—called SUVs—first appeared, yet they’re neither sporty nor particularly practical in terms of their dimensions and weight.
But the Fiat X1/9 (length 383 cm! – width 157 cm! – wheelbase 220 cm! – weight 880 kg!) was sporty and, at the same time, highly practical for a young couple—a true, versatile SUV. This proved true, for example, in 1975 during the restoration of our first house, a 19th-century Emmental “Stöckli.”
Among other things, we had to transport rebar for a garden wall. Why would we need a truck when we had an open “SUV”?
The historic house naturally deserved appropriate antique furnishings. We were glad to have the engine cover, which also served as a transport surface for antique furniture like the china cabinet. Did the designer, the great Marcello Gandini, see this coming?
Probably not. Did this improvised rear spoiler throw off the car’s sophisticated aerodynamics—which included an integrated front spoiler?
Preparations for the family were also straightforward. Thanks to the frameless windows, the vintage stroller was simply strapped to the Targa roof.
Before the stroller came into use, they set off on a trip to England and Scotland during the hot summer of 1976, starting at the scandal-ridden Grand Prix at Brands Hatch (won by Hunt, who was disqualified two months later in favor of Lauda) at the campground. The tent was preheated in the rear trunk.
In short: The Fiat X1/9 was a versatile SUV with high practical value that was also a lot of fun to drive—why, for example, drive the zippy Targa over the bridge when there’s a ford?
Even after more than 50 years, the Fiat X1/9 is still our favorite of all our cars. Sporty, compact, a convertible, yet safe and winter-ready, with two trunks and—unofficially—an additional open cargo area.
And the design! Among other things, Gandini designed the iconic Lamborghini Miura and the Alfa Romeo Carabo, the original pioneer of the wedge shape. But his true masterpiece was the Fiat X1/9.
Nothing is more difficult than designing a small car that is aesthetically perfect in every way while also being sporty and suitable for everyday use. How about a remake—even an electric one, if necessary?
