Retrovision Reborn - There’s something special about seeing the past reimagined through the lens of modern design. Especially in the world of cars, where nostalgia meets innovation, and iconic silhouettes are reborn with sharper lines, cleaner tech, and a renewed sense of purpose. That’s exactly what happened when we stumbled across an image of a striking concept vehicle—a futuristic take on the iconic Fiat X1/9. It stopped us mid-scroll, not just for its sleek matte gray finish or the dramatic LED lighting, but because it evoked the spirit of one of the most charming mid-engine sports cars ever made. And just like that, the idea sparked: what if the Fiat X1/9 got the modern revival it truly deserves?
A striking modern take on the classic Fiat X1/9, featuring sharp lines, LED tail lights, a matte gray body, and a targa roof. Bold and stylish, though the creator remains unknown. (Picture from: ElCapitan_Chaos in X)
Back in the 1970s, the original Fiat X1/9 was unlike anything else in its class. A small, wedge-shaped two-seater with pop-up headlights and a targa top, it carried the engine behind the seats—something usually reserved for exotic supercars of the time. It wasn’t perfect, of course. The lights didn’t always work, and the cabin could feel cramped even for a skinny teenager. But none of that really mattered. It was Italian, it was different, and it had flair.
Front three-quarter of the Fiat X1/9, a small, wedge-shaped two-seater with pop-up headlights and a targa top, it carried the engine behind the seats. (Picture from: AutomobileMag)
For many, it wasn’t just a car—it was an introduction to the world of sports cars, where emotion often outweighed practicality. That same spirit made a quiet comeback in 2016, when a small Italian design studio called IdeCoRe—short for IDEas, COncepts, RElationships—sparked new interest with a bold concept inspired by the X1/9. Founded by Marco Maltese and Riccardo Magnoler,
A rendering of the Fiat xxx, a bold concept by IdeCoRe that serves as both a tribute to and a modern interpretation of the iconic Fiat X1/9. (Picture from: 50To70.com)
IdeCoRe wasn’t exactly a household name, but their creation—nicknamed the Fiat xxx—quickly caught the eye of car lovers and design enthusiasts alike. This wasn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it was a clever reinterpretation that honored the original while embracing modern styling and performance.
The Fiat xxx’s design instantly captivated, blending the original Fiat X1/9’s compact, athletic proportions with a sharper, more futuristic edge. (Picture from: 50To70.com)
The design of the xxx captured hearts instantly. With compact, athletic proportions reminiscent of the original, it brought those elements into a sharper, more futuristic form. A sleek LED light bar stretched across the rear, a slatted engine cover hinted at its mid-engine layout, and the targa roof remained intact—serving as a visual bridge between eras. The design spoke volumes: the X1/9 still had something to say.
The Fiat xxx by IdeCoRe featured a minimal two-seat cockpit that, while tight like the original, combined modern materials with thoughtful updates to deliver a driving experience focused more on connection and heritage than comfort or specs. (Picture from: 50To70.com)
Beneath the surface, IdeCoRe envisioned something surprisingly feasible. The concept was meant to be built on the Alfa Romeo 4C’scarbon fiber tub—a proven lightweight chassis known for its spirited handling. The engine bay featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged unit instead of the 4C’s original 1750cc engine, and to give it a modern twist, it came with KERS, a kinetic energy recovery system that provided a hybrid-like power boost at the press of a button.
The Fiat xxx by Idecore was envisioned as a surprisingly feasible concept, designed to sit on the Alfa Romeo 4C’s carbon fiber tub—a lightweight chassis renowned for its agile handling. (Picture from: 50To70.com)
A look inside revealed a minimal two-seat cockpit, just like the original, but with modern materials and thoughtful updates. Admittedly, space was still at a premium, but the execution showed promise. It wasn't about luxury or convenience—it was about feeling connected to the road, and to a legacy. This was a car built for those who appreciated the experience more than the spec sheet.
Whether or not the Fiat xxx would ever hit production was always up in the air. Projects like these often live only as bold ideas and tantalizing concepts. But the point wasn’t mass production. It was proof that the Fiat X1/9 still has the power to inspire, decades after its debut. And through this striking reimagination by IdeCoRe, that legacy lives on—with cleaner lines, clever engineering, and the same charm that made the original unforgettable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IDECORE IN FACEBOOK | 50TO70.COM | ELCAPITAN_CHAOS IN X | AUTOMOBILEMAG ]
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For many, it wasn’t just a car—it was an introduction to the world of sports cars, where emotion often outweighed practicality. That same spirit made a quiet comeback in 2016, when a small Italian design studio called IdeCoRe—short for IDEas, COncepts, RElationships—sparked new interest with a bold concept inspired by the X1/9. Founded by Marco Maltese and Riccardo Magnoler, 
Whether or not the Fiat xxx would ever hit production was always up in the air. Projects like these often live only as bold ideas and tantalizing concepts. But the point wasn’t mass production. It was proof that the Fiat X1/9 still has the power to inspire, decades after its debut. And through this striking reimagination by IdeCoRe, that legacy lives on—with cleaner lines, clever engineering, and the same charm that made the original unforgettable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IDECORE IN FACEBOOK | 50TO70.COM | ELCAPITAN_CHAOS IN X | AUTOMOBILEMAG ]
