The Secret Story Of The Alcan Aluminum Bertone X1/9

#history #fiat #bertone #aluminium #classiccars
I believe one of the most intriguing facets of X1/9 history is the one described in SAE paper no. 890718, whose rather clunky title reads: "The Building and Test Track Evaluation of an Aluminum Structured Bertone X1/9 Replica Vehicle." The key word here is "replica:" The whole point of the experiment was to demonstrate how Alcan's adhesive bonding technologies could allow to more or less directly replace steel for aluminum, even in an existing body design. The company considered its X1/9 experiment a successful proof of concept, as the aluminum bodies delivered a comparable performance with the steel equivalent while weighing 30% less.
Had it been possible to redesign and optimize the X1/9 'shell for aluminum construction, it's likely the gains could have been even more significant.
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My automotive books:
Lancia Gamma Berlina & Coupé 1976 - 1984
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TN45L8Q
Six Appeal - The Story Of The Alfa 6
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1793931046
Alfa Romeo Giulietta - The Story 1977 - 1985
ENGLISH: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983393746
ITALIAN: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B098GVJ7RK
Alfa Romeo Arna - The Full Story 1980 - 1987 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1656632500