This 1982 Fiat X1-9 might be the most dramatic restoration we’ve ever completed. The customer bought the car new, and loved driving it until family needs put her in a bigger vehicle. Now that era is complete, and she was pining away for her favorite sports car from years ago.

When we showed up at her home she was almost certain restoration wasn’t possible. Friends and family had all assured her that the years that the car had spent sitting outside her house had ruined the car. Well, almost. We dragged the car out of the weeds, wheels locked up, brought the car in and did a very, very extreme makeover.

Take a look at the photos and see if you don’t agree!