The SEAT 128-3P is almost a footnote in SEAT's history. Not for nothing, fewer than 32,000 units were produced between the end of 1976 (when it was launched in Tenerife) and 1979, a tumultuous period in the history of SEAT, about to make a decisive turn coinciding with the new decade of the ’80s.

However, the 128-3P is, in its own way, an important model that vindicates itself over the years. First of all, for its original concept. You could be forgiven for thinking that the acronym "3P" meant "three doors", because it did indeed. But, inspired by the versatility of the new model, SEAT made a pun and introduced the acronym "3P" as a "triple personality". Or, as the ad read: "three times SEAT”.

The secret was its attractive fastback-style body with a tailgate, in which the original rear lights formed by three hexagonal modules, which gave it a very modern air, stood out. Built on the same 127 platform that SEAT had already used to develop the 1200 Sport "Bocanegra" (or ‘black mouth’), the 128-3P kept the same wheelbase as its cousins, but increased the length to beyond 3.8 meters. By the standards of the day, it was almost a compact C-segment car - i.e. closer to the 124 D than to the 127. For price, it stood between the 124, below, and the "Bocanegra", above.

At the time, a tailgate was not very common in cars that were not of a strictly familiar vocation, such as the SEAT 131-5P or Panorama, contemporary of the 128. The 127 had a 3-door version, but it was clearly a B-segment car, with more limited possibilities. The 128-3P boasted a 320-litre boot which could be extended to almost a thousand litres of capacity by folding the rear seats.

In addition, its longer length and the concentration of the powertrain in the engine bay (including the spare wheel), provided a large cabin - almost like a saloon's. True, it only had one door on each side, instead of two, but they were big enough to allow an easy access to the rear seats. However, the 128-3P was described as a four-seater, not five.

As for the powertrains on offer, the SEAT 128-3P replicated the 124 D and D Special range, with engines of 1,197 (67 HP) and 1,438 cc (77 HP - in both cases, two HP more than in the 124), but placed in a transverse position and with front-wheel drive (longitudinal and rear-wheel drive in the 124). After the launch of the 128, the "Bocanegra" also got the 1430 powertrain, in addition to the 1200. Thus, although the 128 became an in-house rival for the "Bocanegra" as a sports car, its production allowed the "Bocanegra" to expand its range with a higher-performance 1430 version.

However, although they shared the powertrain, SEAT clearly differentiated both models: the "Bocanegra" was a niche sports car, while the 128 was an all-purpose car, fully useful and familiar.

Not for nothing, just as the 127 was the first supermini front-wheel drive SEAT, the 128 can be considered SEAT's first front-wheel drive compact car, the link between the classic 124 layout and the modern concept of the SEAT Ritmo. The Ritmo was unveiled in 1979 and was the substitute for the 128-3P, from which it also inherited the transverse 1200 and 1430 powertrains.

However, the SEAT 128 unit that is part of SEAT HISTÓRICOS’ Collection is even rarer and more exclusive than the model itself. It is a 128 Sport, a limited series for export. Eventually, the market swings caused the series not to be exported, and then SEAT offered the car in very advantageous terms to its employees. SEAT HISTÓRICOS has recovered one of these 128 Sport units, registered in Barcelona in mid-December 1979. It is therefore one of the last units ever produced of the SEAT 128-3P.

This SEAT 128 Sport is also very interesting because at that time it was still very unusual to offer a limited series of a model, something that was not made popular until the ’80s. The Sport series, unheard-of in the domestic market, was distinguished by the black side stripes, which extended over the bonnet and the rear pillar. A second black stripe between the wheel arches had a "128 Sport" lettering, and other black details and a rear spoiler completed the specific exterior trim. Inside, the attractive multicoloured upholstery stood out.

El motor también era inédito en España, puesto que se trataba de un bloque de 1.290 cc y 73 CV (cuatro CV menos que el 1430 “nacional”), con un árbol de levas en culata en lugar de lateral. El 128 Sport fue el único SEAT que montó este motor.