SEAT’s 1500 model year 1969 underwent a thorough update that resulted in the most luxurious and stately SEAT of the first twenty years of the brand's history. In addition, the SEAT 1500 known as "bifaro" (twin-headlight) was the first SEAT with a factory diesel engine.

SEAT’s 1500 had been launched in mid-1963, when the SEAT catalogue offered only the "small" car (the 600) and the "large" one (the 1500). However, when the 1500 model year 1969 was unveiled towards the end of the decade, the SEAT line-up had literally one car for every need. The 850 (in 2-door, 4-door and coupe versions) and the 124 mid-size saloon had been added to the 600, and in 1969 came the 850 Spider, the 124 5 Puertas (estate) and the 1430. The role of prestige and public service car was reserved for the 1500.

The new SEAT 1500 was unveiled in November 1968 as ’69 model year. However, despite its clear aesthetic evolution, it did not get a distinct name, so that it popularly became known as "bifaro". Indeed, this was the most striking aesthetic novelty: the double headlights at the front, with new fenders, radiator grille (with SEAT's new round logo) and bonnet, and a more panoramic windscreen.

On the sides, the double chrome trim stood out, with the indicator light at the front end and a pointed rear end, which contributed to stylize the silhouette of the saloon. The boot lid had a new chrome trim and a new model’s badge. Inside, new upholstery and seats (with central armrest on the rear bench), and dashboard adorned in imitation wood. On the other hand, the "Milquinientos" (fifteen hundred) badge disappeared from the lid of the glove box.

Since late 1967, the 1500 (still in single-headlight body, or “monofaro”) had been the first SEAT fitted with disc brakes all-round and servo-assisted brakes. It also had an alternator instead of dynamo and a smoother steering. These novelties were kept in the "bifaro", which, in addition, got a slightly tuned engine, more powerful (75 HP instead of 72) and torquey.

The SEAT 1500 "bifaro" coexisted in the domestic market with the 124 and, above all, with the 1430, a specific SEAT model that was almost as powerful (70 HP) and cost about 136,000 pesetas, just 3,000 less than the 1500. Faced with the in-house "competition" of these medium-sized and more modern SEAT saloons, the 1500 offered the plus of being a large premium saloon, and the car of choice for taxi drivers.

That's why SEAT decided to use the launch of the "bifaro" to introduce a diesel version into the range. The product of the collaboration between SEAT and Mercedes’ Spanish subsidiary, in October 1969 the SEAT 1800 Diesel was unveiled, with a modest 40 HP power output but plenty of torque at low revs and a decent and economical performance for professional drivers. It was the first factory SEAT powered by a diesel engine.

Towards the end of its commercial life, in October 1971, the 1500 "bifaro" got a restyling, with a new honeycomb radiator grille with a chromed horizontal trim, looking much more modern. In addition, it was fitted with air vents on the rear pillars (a detail that was being incorporated in all SEAT models), new rear lights in the form of a pyramid trunk and a new, squarer boot lid, which made it easier to load and increased its capacity. Also, the diesel version became the 2000 Diesel, with a new 2-litre, 55 HP Mercedes engine.

The latest evolution of the SEAT 1500 was only a few months in production, since it was discontinued in May 1972. Like the 1500 "monofaro", the "bifaro" was also available in estate body (Familiar), also with an ambulance version. The successor of the SEAT 1500 as SEAT's premium saloon would come in 1973, with the launch of the new SEAT 132.

This SEAT 1500 "bifaro" that is part of the SEAT HISTÓRICOS’ Collection was registered in Barcelona at the beginning of 1969, so it is one of the very first units of the model. The Collection also features a 1500 "bifaro" van and a "bifaro" limousine, both pending restoration.