Torino - Barcelona - Pamplona - Mumbai: The great journey of the SEAT 124
Born as the quintessential family car, the SEAT 124 evolved into much more, from a sport sedan to the most laureate Spanish rally car champion ever.
By the mid-sixties, Spain was still ruled by General Francisco Franco, a far right dictator that for many years, kept the country isolated from the rest of Europe and the rest of the world. But since 1959, things had changed. After an autarky period that ruined the economy and made the country lose almost two decades in GDP growth, that year two key events took place.
First, Spain was recognized as a full member at the U.N. That ended the years of political isolation that started after the Axis powers defeat in 1945. Also in 1959, the government approved the "Economic Stabilization Plans" that meant a de facto gradual opening of the economy in order to receive foreign investment.
The result of those measures was almost immediate. Starting in 1962, Spain began to receive foreign investment and also, foreign tourists. The economy skyrocketed, and by the late 60's, Spain was the 7th worldwide industrial power. In less than 10 years, the poverty was left behind by most of the people and a new middle class raised to become a majority of the population.
Of course, that new middle class had new needings: They wanted TV's, better kitchen appliances, better holidays and of course, better cars. And in a closed to imports market like was Spain, the five main manufacturers needed to launch product better suited to the new situation. And starting in 1965 - 66, they did.
From Italy to the free (and the not so free) world.
Launched in 1966, the FIAT 124 was a quite advanced car: Four disc brakes, overhead engines and a well thought modern cabin made it perfect for the 60's families. The 124 became a worldwide car built under license all around the planet..
The 1960's were vibrant times all around the world. The economy grew fast in most of the developed countries, the pop culture became a staple of the modern society and the science, impulsed by the cold war's "Race to the stars" developed incredible advances. The world was changing day by day.
In the middle of those head-spinning times, the automotive world was also developing fast: The front wheel drive, the rotary engines, the super aerodynamic cars with spoilers... All that was in vogue by the mid 60s.
But in Italy, the automotive giant FIAT was taking things easier. To replace the ageing 1300 / 1500 range, the company was developing a new family car. A classic four door sedan, with classic RWD layout, and a modern, but traditional piston engine. In sum, a very conventional car. Would it work in a market that was advancing so fast? Well, FIAT had all calculated: The new car was modern, but simple to build, easy to drive and cheap to run. That made it ideal for licensing, so it could be built and sold in many countries with a level of industrial development inferior to the one of Italy. The result was not bad at all, as it was chosen European Car of the Year 1967.
Launched in 1966, the Fiat 124 became available as a sedan, station wagon, coupe and spider versions, and was sold all over the globe, including Europe, Canada, USA and Australia, selling about one million and a half units until 1974, when it was replaced by the FIAT 131.
But even more important were the versions built under license. The no frills 124 became a favourite of some dictatorial regimes, as it was built under license by Lada in the USSR, Kia in South Korea, Pirin - FIAT in Bulgaria, and SEAT in Spain. But it was also made in Turkey by TOFAS, and built in CKD in Ireland, Morocco, Venezuela, Indonesia, Portugal, Costa Rica, Peru or Thailand among many other. The 124 became a true world car, with more than 17 million cars built until 2016 when the last Lada rolled off the factory.
A car for a new middle-class society: The SEAT 124 arrives.
The SEAT 124 revolutionized the mid-size segment in Spain. Bigger, more powerful, but not much more expensive than other cars in the market, the 124 had not real competitors when it was launched in 1968.
The mid 60's were interesting times on the Spanish automotive market. The whole five main car makers, that held 95% of the sales, launched new products to face the higher demand for cars that the new economic situation was bringing: Renault launched the 4L, the R8 and the R10 between 1964 to 66, Authi launched the Morris and MG 1100 in 1967, Barreiros launched the Simca 1000 in 1966 and Citroen the Dynam, a version of the Ami 6 Break by 1967.
SEAT started to complete its range with the 850 in April 1966. After many years with a just two model catalogue, the company tried to close the market gap between the tiny 600 and the big 1500. Introduced in 1964 in Italy, the 850 was an evolution of the 600 but bigger and better and every aspect. SEAT found a goldmine with the new car, and soon different bodywork were released, some were based on their Italian counterparts like the Coupe or the Spider, but the most important one, the four door, was an in-house development.
With the 850 range, specially thanks to the four door model, SEAT was ready to face the Renault 8, the Morris, the Simca 1000 and the Dynam on the middle class market. What nobody expected was that the economy and the customer demands would outgrow the market pace. By 1968, people wanted bigger, faster and more modern cars. And SEAT was ready to offer a car that would suit those demands,
Introduced at the Barcelona motor show in April 1968, the 124 was exactly the car SEAT and the market were asking for. Bigger and more powerful than the rear engined 850, but still smaller although more modern than the 1500. The 124 was the piece that finally, completed the SEAT range, offering a true mid-size modern car.
Press and customers received the new 124 very warmly. The car was bigger than any of the competitors, but at the same time, was reasonably priced at 144000 Pesetas (19900€ in today money) so it was affordable for many middle class families that wanted something bigger than a Simca 1000 or a R8.
The first SEAT 124s were exact copies of their Italian counterparts. Later, many modifications were made to adapt it to the Spanish market demands.
Powered by a four cylinder engine with a 1196 cc displacement, the 124 developed 60hp that allowed it to reach a top speed close to 150 km/h. Those figures were very good in the European market, but in Spain were something else. The 124 was faster than all the rest of the national products, except the Dodge, although the SEAT costed about half the price of the Barreiros car.
Of course the rest of Spanish manufacturers realized that they needed to update their ranges to compete with the 124. It was not going to be an easy task, as in some cases, the motherhouses didn't have a similar product to offer. In October 1968, AUTHI was the first to reply with the revamped Morris and MG 1300 range, now powered by the A series 1275 cc engine. Although the output of their engines was similar or superior to the one of the 124, the AUTHI products were less modern and less reliable. In the end, they were not serious competitors for the SEAT product.
In 1969, Barreiros, about to become Chrysler España launched a more serious rival: The Simca 1200. A Spanish-built version of the French Simca 1100, this car was a serious rival for the 124. It's engine developed 59 hp, same output as the 124, but it was a way more advanced product: Front wheel drive, all around independent suspension, rear hatch, transverse engine... It was in fact the blueprint of the modern hatchback. It was even a bit too modern for some customers, so the sales of the Simca never caught the ones of the 124.
It wouldn't be until 1970, when FASA launched the Renault 12 that the 124 would have a serious rival to compete against. Very similar in concept, the Renault 12 offered front wheel drive, a more modern design and more comfortable ride, but the driving dynamics were much worse than the ones of the SEAT and by the time it was launched, the 124 had already evolved.
In 1969 SEAT launched the station wagon version of the 124, the "124 5 puertas", the first mid-size wagon built in Spain
During its first year, the 124 range was broadened with two models: The 124 "Lujo" that included small details like different and upgraded upholstery, radio, colored glazing and side moldings. Also, the Seat 124 5 Puertas was introduced. It was the Spanish version of the Italian 124 Familiare, a compact station wagon that was a true revolution on the market. For the first time, a car of this kind was built in Spain, opening a market segment that has never been covered before. It's success brought many competitors to the market, like the Simca 1200, GS Break or Renault 12 Break. However, the biggest novelty would carry a different moniker.
Something special: The SEAT 1430
In 1969, SEAT had a lot of reasons to celebrate: Sales were better than ever, it's range was by far the most complete and diversified of the market, and during that year, the company reached a very important milestone: The millionth car built. It was at the 1969 Barcelona motor show where the millionth car, a pale yellow SEAT 124 was shown. And not a better companion for such an important car than a vehicle that would revolutionize the car market in Spain: The SEAT 1430.
The 1430 was the Spanish version of the FIAT 124 Special, launched in Italy the prior year. The 1430 introduced the new rear suspension seen on the Italian model (That would be eventually installed in the rest of the 124 range) and a new engine with a displacement of 1438 cc. This new power unit developed 70hp, 10 more than the 1200 cc unit used on the 124, and only two less than the top of the range 1500.
The most obvious differences with the 124 Special and the SEAT 124 were visual. The 1430 featured a new front end with four square headlights, new rear end with the FIAT 124 Special tail lights, new door handles, and a new interior with a revised dashboard and different upholstery. The 1430 looked more sporty and luxurious even than the 1500, becoming a new "de facto" top of the range.
The rear end of the 1430 was different, and featured the same tail lights used on the Italian 124 Special.
The SEAT 1430 only had one competitor when it was released in 1969, the luxurious, but smaller and older AUTHI MG 1300. Despite the leather seats, real wood dashboard and other luxury details, the MG was an inferior product. The was 1430 again leading a market where it stood alone. It wouldn't be until 1971 when one again, FASA launched the Renault 12 S that the 1430 would have a proper rival on the market. But again, by then the 1430 and the 124 had already evolved.
A dream car for the Spanish driver: The SEAT 124 Sport
Following the worldwide trend of building affordable sport coupes, like the Ford Capri or the Chevrolet Camaro, SEAT added the 124 Sport 1600 to its catalogue in 1970.
With the 124 and 1430 reaching full production at the Zona Franca factory in Barcelona, SEAT kept searching on the FIAT catalogue for models that could cover small unattended market segments. In 1969 did it with the 850 Spider, built from CKD kits brought from Italy, with great success.
One of the most obvious market trends back there was those of the "industrial coupes", sporty vehicles based on more conventional underpinnings. The Ford Mustang was arguably the first one in 1964 and by the end of the decade, most of the car makers have added one of those to it's catalogue.
In Europe, Ford have launched the Capri in 1969, trying to replicate the Mustang effect in the old continent. General Motors replied a year later with the Manta, and other brands would follow later like Renault with the 15 / 17 duo. However, that trend already started by the mid 60s with Peugeot with the 404 coupe or FIAT with a beautiful rebodied version of its 124.
SEAT knew that that kind of vehicle was very desired in the Spanish market. A large percentage of the imports were coupés and sports cars, so, in 1970 got the license to built the second generation of the FIAT 124 Sport.
Unveiled in the spring of 1970 with sales starting in November, the SEAT 124 Sport 1600 became the dream car of its time. Moved by a 1608 cc twin cam engine, the same used on the FIAT 125, but upgraded to develop 110 hp, and mated to a five speed gearbox the 124 Sport was the fastest Spanish production car since the glorious Pegaso Z102 from the 1950s. Priced at 299000 Pesetas (36250€ in today money) it was one of the most expensive cars on the market, only below the high end Dodges. However, the demand for this kind of car was very high and the car sold incredibly well.
The 124 Sport 1600 was a true sports car, although its furious "bialbero" engine was more sporty than the chassis, that kept the old worm and sector steering and the live rear axle. A 124 Sport was the first SEAT entry on the Montecarlo Rally in 1971, a big achievement for the company.
In late 1972, the Sport 1600 was replaced by the Sport 1800, based on the CC version of the FIAT 124 Sport.
After 10179 cars built, the SEAT 124 Sport 1600 was replaced by the SEAT 124 Sport 1800 in late 1972. The Sport 1800 was the Spanish version of the third series FIAT 124 Sport (CC) that was unveiled just weeks before the SEAT was launched. More oriented to the North American market, the third series Sport was softer, with a more powerful, but less "racing" engine.
The Seat 124 Sport 1800, introduced a new 1756 cc twin cam engine, that developed 118hp. The car was more luxurious, and could equip amenities like air conditioning, becoming more a personal luxury car, in line with the trends seen on foreign markets.
The 124 Sport 1800 was even more successful than its predecessor. After 17233 cars, SEAT had to stop production in July 1975, when the bodyshell imported from Italy ran out. There would not be another fast coupe in the SEAT lineup ever again. A shame.
In 1971 SEAT launched the 124 D. A restyled and refined version of the 124. The 1430 received a similar restyling.
During 1971, the SEAT 124 and 1430 ranges were refreshed. The 124 was discontinued and replaced by the SEAT 124 D, that received the same changes seen on the Italian model the year before: New seats and fabrics, new rear end, ventilation valves on the rear pillar, new bumpers and new anodized front grille. The engine remained unchanged, as were the rest of the mechanics.
The SEAT 1430 received a similar restyling, only this time, those changes were designed by SEAT, and no model on the Italian range received the same treatment. Again, the rear end was redesigned, with new tail lights taken from the FIAT 125, new bumpers, new front grille with anodized parts and new wheels. In this case too, the mechanical part remained unchanged. Also, the SEAT 1430 received a break version, that had no peer on the Italian models.
In a curious note, SEAT built some units of the 1430, but with the 1200 engine of the 124, that were exported to Greece and sold under the name SEAT 1200 Especial Laura.
Unlike its Italian counterpart, the SEAT 1430 was also available as a station wagon.
By 1973, the 124 and 1430 were not alone anymore in the market. The rest of the national car makers have launched new models to compete against the SEAT products: Simca had the 1200, also available in station wagon and with the 1200 Special could compete with the 1430 in performances. Citroen was offering the GS and GS Break, as powerful as the 124, but way more refined with its hydropneumatic suspension. And Renault with the R12 and 12S, available in both sedan and break bodies was now competing face to face against the SEAT products. AUTHI launched the Victoria in 1973, but it was too late for them.
However, SEAT was going to use the 124 / 1430 to create a new segment, and at the same time leave the competitors behind: The sport sedans were about to arrive.
From family sedan to race car: The SEAT 1430 Especial
Introduced in 1973, the SEAT 1430 Especial 1600 (FU-00) became the first sport sedan ever built in Spain. And it was very good.
The sport sedan is probably one of the most astonishing kind of car. Take a boring family saloon, put some nice seats, some fat wheels, a big engine, a stiffer suspension and voilá: you have a practical sports car, as usable as any car, but faster than none. By the mid 70's sport sedans were all the rage all around the world: From the beautiful Alfa Giulia to the exotic Datsun 510 SSS through the Cortina 2000, it was a kind of car that most of the car makers were offering.
The 124 and 1430 range was facing an ever-growing competition, and also, the market was demanding faster, but equally practical cars. Seat was aware of that, and found the solution, again in Italy. In late 1972 FIAT launched the FIAT 124 Special T, powered by a 1600cc twin cam engine. That turned the 124 in a quite fast car, although not as fast as an Alfa Romeo or a Lancia, but was way more affordable.
SEAT mated that 1592cc engine with the body of the 1430, that received small cosmetic modifications: black front grille, black rear license plate holder, sport wheels, and new seats with headrests and velour upholstery, and launched in 1973 the SEAT 1430 Especial 1600, also know by its chassis code: FU-00.
With an engine developing 95 hp and a weight of 950 kilograms, the FU-00 was one of the fastest cars in Spain, and priced at the relatively affordable price of 240000 Pesetas (22000€ today) the 1430 Especial 1600 sold like hotcakes. Some versions received the station wagon body, becoming the first fast wagon ever produced in Spain and one of the first in Europe. Sales of that version were, however, very limited.
For those who wanted more, SEAT launched in 1974 the 1430 Especial 1800.
The success of the FU-00, encouraged SEAT to go further. As they had the 1756cc engine from the Sport 1800 available, why not put it on the 1430 body? So, in 1974, SEAT launched the 1430 Especial 1800, chassis code FU-10. Featuring the same engine and same tune up used on the 124 Sport, the FU-10 became the fastest production car in Spain at the moment. The 1430 Especial was loved equally by users that wanted a fast daily driver and by those who wanted an actual race car. Every weekend, hundreds of race tuned 1430 Especial raced (and won) all across Spain in all kind of rallyes.
Because of that racing pedigree, SEAT launched the final, fastest and rarest SEAT 1430: The SEAT 1430 Especial Replica, chassis code FU-11.
Only about a dozen of 1430 Especial Replica were built in 1975
The 1430 Especial Réplica was true race car. The 1756 cc engine received twin carburettors and a more racing tune up, developing a whooping 135 hp. The Fu-11 also received from factory a semi roll cage, racing seat belts and were painted in a fiery red colour. This was probably the fastest production 124 in the world, but sadly, only about a dozen of them were built in 1975, and no survivors are known.
But there was an even more special 1430 Especial. In 1974, a company called DDauto (Desarrollos de Automoción) launched an special version of the FU-10 called SEAT DDauto 1800. The DDauto, kept the original 118 hp engine, but received a five speed gearbox, a rack and pinion steering, an improved suspension setup and a front and rear spoilers. With all those modifications, the DDauto became the perfect road legal 1430. Unfortunately, the lack of support from SEAT made this venture quite short living, and the DDauto died after a few dozens of cars modified in 1975.
During the 1973 to 1975 period, the more mundane versions of the 124 and 1430 continued to lead in sales and received some modifications. In 1973 SEAT launched the 124 LS, with a 1200 cc engine rated at 65 hp and some 1430 parts, like fender indicators and door handles. Also unveiled the 1430 "Potenciado" that also received an extra 5 hp tune up on its 1438 cc engine.
In 1974 FIAT launched its new family mid-size car, the 131. Bigger and more modern than the 124, in replaced it in most of the markets before 1975. However, SEAT planned to build the 131 as well, although positioning above the 124, that would remain as an entry level sedan. At least in theory, but in the end, the SEAT 124 still had a lot to say.
SEAT 124 D Renovado: Rising from the ashes.
The SEAT 124 D Renovado featured a redesign performed by Giugiaro and exclusive to the Spanish model.
In the summer of 1975, SEAT was going to completely renew it middle class range. In July, the production of the 124 D and the 1430 in all it's versions, including the twin cam engined ones were stopped, along with the one of the 124 Sport. At the same time, the SEAT 131 was introduced in the range, positioned above the 124 and below the 132, a large sedan introduced in 1973 to replace the ageing 1500.
Seat also introduced a new version of the 124: The SEAT 124 D Renovado. Due the huge success of the 124 and 1430, SEAT decided to replace both with this new redesigned version, to position the 131 as a more upscale choice. The 124 D restyling was performed by Giugiaro and included a new front end with rectangular headlights, indicators moved to the side of the headlamps, new plastic grille, new bumpers with rubber protection, new rear end with flushed tail light clusters and new interior with a modified dashboard and new fabrics.
The range now included three engines, of 1200 cc, 1430 cc and 1600 cc twin cam, all them used before on the 124 / 1430 range. Mechanically the car was mostly unchanged. Production started at the Zona Franca factory in Barcelona in July 1975, with deliveries starting after the summer.
The new rear end looked way more modern with its flushed tail light
However, 1975 was a turbulent year in Spain, with the death of the dictator Francisco Franco and the country travelling into the unknown. It was also time of laboral and social unrest. One of the most important workforce related problems was in Pamplona, at the former AUTHI factory. With tens of thousands ex Leyland España workers unemployed, the political and social situation in Navarre was complicated. The government, in order to pacify the protests and to try to give back their jobs to those workers, bought the former AUTHI factory through the Instituto Nacional de Industria, and planned to move some SEAT production there. Let's remember that SEAT was a state-owned company back then.
In March 1976, after an extensive renewal of the factory after the AUTHI fire, the first SEAT 124 D rolled out the Landaben assembly line. The car suffered some modifications during its trip to Navarre: It received the 131 rear axle, and therefore lost its rear disc brakes. In the other hand, later in that year, the 124 D received again the 1756cc engine, and months later, the 1430 engined version would receive a five speed gearbox.
All in all, the 124 started a new life in Pamplona, that was going to be the most glorious one.
From Montecarlo to the glory.
In the 1977 Montecarlo Rally, the official SEAT Sport team made history after finishing 3rd and 4th overall.
In 1976, the then very young official SEAT Sport team, faced their first Montecarlo Rally. With two SEAT 1430 Especial 1800, things were looking brilliant until two accidents forced to retire the car driven by Salvador Cañellas and damaged the car driven by Antonio Zanini, that still, managed to finish 12th.
The next year, the SEAT team was ready to face the Montecarlo again. This time, the cars were the new SEAT 124 D, powered again by the mighty twin cam 1756 cc engine. The competition was fierce: Sandro Munari and his Lancia Stratos, Markku Alen on his official FIAT 131 Abarth and Jean Claude Andruet in a private one, Walter Rohl on the Opel Kadett... and even some young guy called Jean Ragnotti with a VW Golf. Very serious rivals.
During the first day, the Spanish team had mixed results. The car driven by Cañellas ended up 14th, but Zanini, after a puncture was deep down in the chart, positioned 158th. However the SEAT guys were not giving up.
Antonio Zanini ended 3rd on the Montecarlo 77 rally
The next day, while Sandro Munari was dominating the Rally like a master, the SEATS managed to climb to the 6th and 7th position. Zanini mastered that second day rising 152 positions at the end of the day.
And in the final day, the Col de Turini day, the luck is on the side of the Spanish team. With serious rivals like Markku Alen or Lele Pinto in trouble, and the SEAT team giving it all, the miracle happens: A young, underequipped and under funded team has reached the Montecarlo podium. Zanini, ended 3rd. Cañellas 4th. The old SEAT 124 reached the glory. And sales alond national pride, skyrocketed.
Times are changing, but old rockers never die
The SEAT 124 Especial 2000 was introduced in 1979, when the car was near its retirement. It was the most powerful, evolved and rare version of the 124.
After the 1977 Montecarlo epic success, the SEAT 124 kept selling, even better than ever. The range kept growing and sport versions kept coming to spice a bit a car that was starting to show its age.
In 1977 SEAT introduced the Especial 1800 (FL 82). An evolution of the 1800 launched in 1976, the new Fl-82 introduced rack and pinion steering, as seen years before on the DDauto, improving the handling enormously. And finally, in 1979, SEAT introduced the Especial 2000, internal code FL-90.
Only available in red, with some units in white and built only three months in 1979, the 2000 became the pinnacle of the 124 range. It included several improvements, like a more modern steering wheel, taken from the Bocanegra, wider wheels, rack and pinion steering and a 1919cc engine that was as powerful as the old 1800 but more torquey.
It was without a doubt the best swan song a car has ever performed in Spain. With only 819 units built, the FL-90 became an icon even when new. By the time the Especial 2000 was launched, the 124 was on its way to retire. With declining production and sales figures during 1979 and its successor, the new front wheel drive hatchback SEAT Ritmo already in production, the good old 124 was living its last days.
Finally, in 1980 the last 124 D rolled off the assembly line to give way to a completely different kind of vehicle: The iconic Panda, a new concept of basic transportation that would conquer Europe for decades. While the last cars built didn't sold out until 1982, SEAT was negotiating to give the 124 a new life, but very far from Pamplona.
SEAT goes to Bollywood
SEAT sold the the 124 D tooling to another FIAT licensee, Premier Automobiles from India.
During 1981, SEAT and Premier Automobiles Limited (PAL) from Mumbai, India started negotiations. Premier wanted to buy the whole assembly line of the 124 D in order to replace the very old Padmini, based on the 1950's FIAT 1100. Despite the relationship between SEAT and FIAT was broken by then, FIAT allowed the sale and the agreement was closed in early 1982.
In 1985, The new Premier 118 NE was introduced in the Indian market. It was basically the old SEAT 124 D in RHD form, with the suspension adapted to the Indian roads, reinforced bumpers and this time, powered by a 1100 cc engine taken from the Nissan Cherry.
However, the Premier 118 NE didn't enjoy from a big success. Competing against the Hindustan Contessa, it was underpowered and felt poorly built. In fact, most of the customers preferred the smaller but cheaper Maruti 800. Nor the introduction of a diesel engine in 1996 nor the improvements introduced by Peugeot by the end of its life with the Viceroy model could save the Indian adventure of the SEAT 124 from being a failure. In 2001, Premier finally retired the 118 NE from the catalogue.
Epilogue: What a journey!
The millionth SEAT built in 1969 was this 124. Nobody could expect that this model would remain in production until the 21st century!
Born in italy, raised in Barcelona, matured in Pamplona and retired in Mumbai, the story of the SEAT 124 is more than a long journey across the globe. Born as the aspirational car for a rising Spanish middle class, the 124 soon became part of the society, part of the landscape. It was the car of the police, but also the car preferred by the thieves. It was a family car, but also, the most glorious rally car ever produced in Spain. It was a sedan, a coupe, a wagon.
But most of all, it was the car that symbolized the growth of a country from poverty to wealth, from a dictatorship to the democracy. from the old days to modernity. It's a symbol of how Spain changed in just a decade and a half.
Not bad for a "very conventional" car, as James May once said.
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Comments (22)
Again, another interesting story I had no idea about. Great article, you should be a head writer on Wikipedia !
Thanks a lot for reading and for your support and inspiration Jonathan!
I've never considered writing on the Wikipedia... Very interesting! Although i don't know if i'm good enough for that!
So far so good I’d say :)
Superb!
Great read, top content on DT.👏
Thanks a lot! 😄
What a wonderful article Salvador. I have no idea how much time it takes you to research and write these detailed, lengthy and interesting pieces.
I always suspected that the SEAT products in Spain were the result of some kind of FIAT initiative, but it’s more complicated than I realized. The most obvious feature is the actual body design…both FIAT and SEAT bodies have the same smooth continuous belt line from front to rear. Did either company ever build a car with a dip, curve or interruption in the belt line? If so, I would love to see a photo.
Hi David! Thanks a million for your words! I'm happy you liked it!
It usually takes me about 10 - 12 hours to write them, but i do it on my free time, so it's a good way to employ that time!
SEAT products were licensed FIAT vehicles. But most of...
Read moreThanks. Did every SEAT and FIAT have the same body style? The same smooth continuous belt line from front to rear? It’s amazing the same look could go on for decades without changing.
As always, great article! The longevity of these old SEATs is amazing. You still see so many around. I know an old guy who has a slightly sun bleached yellow 124 that he has had since new!
What is incredible is just how far reaching Fiat became with their cars built under licence. I think most of Eastern Europe had a form of Fiat built under license at some point. And of course, SEAT continued with the Marbella until the late 90s.
Thanks a lot Oliver! Glad you liked it! 😃The Seat 124 was a common daily driver well into the noughties. Since then, most of the survivors have become collector cars.
You are right, the FIAT group knew how to move during the cold war,...
Read moreWhat’s interesting about the Marbella is the fact that it ended up as an alternative take on the Panda. Fiat took the MK1 in one direction and SEAT went the other direction.
why do this remind me of a soviet gaz?
Very probably because of the shape. A four door sedan with lots of straight lines. Although the GAZ were quite bigger than the 124.
It should remind you of the Lada too... Take a look at the article and you'll see why 😄