During the ’60s, SEAT began to forge its own identity with the production of original 4-door versions derived from the 600 and 850. This specialization continued with the 127 4 Puertas (4 doors), built exclusively by SEAT and exported throughout Europe.

The international launch of the SEAT 127 4P took place at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, in October, and it went on sale in Spain from February 1974. It was an exclusive model of the Spanish brand, which continued the tradition of diversifying the range of a widespread SEAT car with a 4-door derivative.

SEAT had begun this specialization in 1964 with the 800 (the 4-door 600) and continued it with its replacement, the 850 4P. Both were rear-engined, rear-wheel drive cars and were produced jointly with coachbuilder Carrocerías Costa (later called Inducar).

The common feature of both models was a longer wheelbase compared to the 2-door base model. However, that was not necessary for the 127 4P, produced entirely in SEAT’s Zona Franca factory, while Inducar was working with SEAT on the development of the 1200 Sport "Bocanegra". The space freed up by the new front-engine, front-wheel drive layout made it unnecessary to lengthen the car.

The 127 4P measured the same 3.595 metres and maintained the same body line as the 2-door version, a fact that speaks loudly of the advantages of fitting the powertrain at the front. The only modifications were smaller front doors, to make room for the new rear doors.

With the launch of SEAT’s 127 4P, the 127 range went on to feature 2-, 3- and 4-door bodies. This first series of the 127 did not have a 5-door version (with a tailgate), which finally arrived in 1980, already with the second series 127.

The 127 4- and 5-door variants were exclusively produced models by SEAT. Therefore, as had already happened with the 850 4P since 1971, from 1975 they were exported from Barcelona all over Europe, especially to France (where 4-door cars were very popular) and Central European countries, and also to Italy. Thus, these 4-door models produced by SEAT contributed to forge SEAT's image in Europe as a proper car manufacturer.

SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps the first 127 4P ever built, which was registered in Barcelona at the end of 1973. The brand's historic collection also includes the very first chassis of the 2-door 127.