In 1978, SEAT launched an in-house designed version of the 127 engine, with a larger capacity and more power. On this basis, a CLX version became briefly available in mid-1978, the most powerful and luxurious version of the 2nd series 127.

With the launch of the second generation 127 in September 1977, SEAT updated the pioneering model in the supermini B-segment with a more modern design and styling both inside and out. However, the 127 had one drawback compared to its direct rivals: it was powered by a single 903 cc engine (albeit in low- and high-compression variants), while other models had a greater mechanical offer.

SEAT solved the issue by designing its own larger capacity engine, developed at the brand's Technical Centre in Martorell. Derived from the 903 cc block, SEAT engineers took the capacity up to the 1,010 cc limit, the maximum possible without exceeding the 9 HP fiscal power barrier. They also fitted the double-choke carburettor from the Sport 1430 "Bocanegra". With further tweaks to the cylinder head, power output reached 52 HP, 20% more than the 903 engine.

The 127 with the 1010 engine was launched in January 1978 under the name Especial, and its trim corresponded to the CL, or Confort Lujo, version. SEAT used to use the "Especial" moniker for the highest and most powerful versions of a model's range: 1400 B Especial, 600 L Especial, 850 Especial, 1430 Especial 1600, 133 Especial, etc.

The 127 Especial had anatomically shaped seats, carpeted doors and floor, and a rev counter, among other things, and was available with 2-, 3- and 4-door bodies.

Based on the 127 Especial, SEAT launched a limited series called CLX in mid-1978, fitted with richer equipment. In the SEAT range, the acronym "CLX" stood for a special limited-production model, with luxury trim and specific colours. The 127 CLX 1010 was the second SEAT with the name "CLX", after the 131 CLX 1800, a limited series introduced earlier the same year.

The 127 CLX 1010 was offered only with the 3-door body and painted in metallic Mineral Green. It was fitted with the wheels and steering wheel of the "Bocanegra", halogen headlamps, split folding rear seats, more enveloping bumpers, thicker side protection strips, windscreen wipers in the rear window and upholstery in exclusive colours. With all these extras, its price was almost 370,000 pesetas, some 19,000 more than the 127 Especial.

However, this 127 CLX 1010 was sold almost to order, and in October 1978 it was no longer available. The 2nd series 127 had another limited run in 1980, called 127 / 52, in white or red and powered by the 1010 engine of the 127 Especial.

A 127 CLX would return to the SEAT range in May 1981, but in this case with the 903 cc engine and metallic silver or copper colours. It was also in production for a few months only, until the launch of the 127 Fura in late 1981.

SEAT HISTÓRICOS has recently restored one of the few units of the 127 CLX 1010 produced, registered in Granada in October 1978. The Collection also features a unit of the 1981 127 CLX, with the 903 engine.