Hi:

My first new car was a '79 X1/9. It served me well for 175,000 miles..... until I handed down to my brother.

I have since moved on to Porsches and Ferraris, but that little guy helped me win a SCCA solo region autocross, took me to school on trips and everything else in between, and still has a soft spot in my heart.

I did all my own service and repair work over the years and perhaps I can help some 'new' or less experienced owners with any problems.

Hopefully I can contribute to your community.

Welcome Ingenere

175k, that is impressive for an x1/9! Well done

Hey there, thanks for the offer to help. I have a question. I'm about to buy a '79 X1/9 and to get it home, I need to tow it. The current owner can't remember if/when the timing belt was last changed, so I don't want to destroy the engine getting her home, which will be a 700km run. I was going to use a car dolly to tow her home, front wheels off the ground, rear wheels turning for 7-8 hours straight. Not worried about the wheels, but more concerned about the transmission turning all that time with no cooling effect from the motor. Am I safe to tow her 700km?? Thanks in advance.

I don't think I would tow it that way. Get a real trailer or a flat bed.

purf said:

175k, that is impressive for an x1/9! Well done

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The secret was over servicing, and being proactive. I drove the car hard. I won an SCCA region autocross season.

My first clutch lasted 103,000 miles. My first engine let go in a rather dramatic fashion at 106,000 miles. But $425 at the local junk yard gave me an engine that went the distance.

My brother bought it from me and promptly killed it within 10K miles!