The SEAT 124 D LS combined the trim level and comfort of the 1430 with the engine of the 124, although more powerful. It was the most powerful and luxurious version of the 124’s first generation, a model whose presence made it 'almost' a SEAT 1430, then the most complete saloon car in the domestic market… (read more)
Launch: April 1968 (124 D LS (FB type): January 1973)
End of production: 1980 (124 D LS (FB type): October 1975)
Number built: 640,466 (total 124, minus 1430)
Price: 148.342 Pts.
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, longitudinal
Bore x stroke: 73 mm x 71.5 mm
Capacity: 1197 cc
Valvetrain: Overhead valves, push-rods and rocker arms
Carburettor: 1 single double-choke Weber-Bressel 32
Max. power: 65 HP at 5600 rpm
Max. torque: 88,2 Nm at 4000 rpm
Top speed: 145 km/h
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: 4-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, coil springs and dampers
Rear suspension:
Live axle, coil springs and dampers
Steering: Worm-and-sector
Front/rear: Discs/discs
150 SR-13
Body: 3-box saloon, 4 doors, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 4030/1625/1420 mm
Wheelbase: 2420 mm
Weight: 890 kg
The SEAT 124 D LS combined the trim level and comfort of the 1430 with the engine of the 124, although more powerful. It was the most powerful and luxurious version of the 124’s first generation, a model whose presence made it 'almost' a SEAT 1430, then the most complete saloon car in the domestic market.
The unveiling of SEAT’s 124 in 1968 had been a turning point in the history of the brand and, therefore, of the domestic market. For the first time, SEAT was offering a European mid-size type car, comparable to the current C-segment of compact cars. It could be said that SEAT achieved its true European dimension with the 124.
The 124 was a three-box saloon just over 4 meters long, with a traditional front engine and rear-wheel drive layout. However, it offered important details of modernity, such as disc brakes all round, synchronized gearbox or coil springs on the rear suspension (rather than leaf springs). It was powered by a 1,197 cc, 60 HP engine, in Normal and Lujo (Luxury) versions. In 1969 the 1430 was launched, a 124-derivative exclusive to SEAT, with a 1,438 cc, 70 HP engine.
The second series of the 124’s first generation was unveiled in 1971, with the designation of 124 D. Aesthetically it was recognizable by the grille with black and chrome slats and double rear lights, in addition to the air vents on the rear pillars. It was also fitted with dual brake circuit and radial tyres. The 124 D Lujo version added servo-assisted brakes and alternator instead of dynamo, in addition to the 1430's dashboard already fitted in the previous 124 L.
The 124 took a step further with the launch of the 124 D LS in January 1973, at Sitges, as a replacement of the 124 D Lujo. The biggest change was the engine, an improved version of the 1,197 cc powertrain, which delivered 65 HP, five more than previously. The increase in power resulted in a greater ease when overtaking or maintaining cruise speeds.
Inside, the seats were velvet, like those of the 1430, and the floor was fully carpeted. The LS was fitted with reversing light and seat belts on the front seats as standard, and also came prepared to be fitted with seat belts in the rear seats, a detail that reinforced its status as a modern mid-size saloon. Aesthetically it also had the 1430’s chrome side trim with a spear-shaped indicator light and flat door handles. All this made the 124 D LS 'almost' a 1430 but with a smaller engine and less power.
The first generation of the 124 remained in production until the end of 1975, when the new FL-type (or Pamplona) 124 was launched, with rectangular rather than round headlights. There would still be a 124 D LS version, but now with the new redesigned Pamplona-type bodywork.
SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps a first-generation 124 D LS, registered in Girona in mid-1974. It is a unit preserved in perfect running order and that nowadays still proves its magnificent road qualities in promotional events of all kinds. The Collection also features a 1st series 124 and SEAT’s "1 Millionth" car from 1969, which was a 124 Lujo.