The SEAT 1430, launched in 1969, gave birth to a saga of sporting saloons with bigger engines. The first one was the 1430 Especial 1600 from 1973, the first FU type… (read more)
Launch: March 1973
End of production: October 1975
Number built: 24.653 (total standard FU 1600)
Price: 176.000 Ptas.
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, longitudinal
Bore x stroke: 80 mm x 79,2 mm
Capacity: 1.592 cc
Valvetrain: Double overhead camshaft
Carburettors: 1 double choke Weber 34
Max. power: 95 bhp at 6.000 rpm
Max. torque: 125,5 Nm at 4.000 rpm
Max. speed: 170 km/h
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, coil springs and adjustable dampers
Rear suspension:
Live axle, coil springs and adjustable dampers
Steering rack
Front/rear: Ventilated discs/discs
Yokohama A539 185/60 R13 SESS TR ICE 155/70 R13
Body: 3-volume saloon, 4 doors
Length/width/height: 4.050/1.610/1.400 mm
Wheelbase: 2.420 mm
Weight: 1.015 kg
The SEAT 1430, launched in 1969 and named after its 1.438 cc engine, gave birth to a saga of sporting saloons with bigger engines. The first one was the 1430 Especial 1600 from 1973, the first FU type (the letters which identified the chassis code), also known as FU 00.
The 1430-1600 was powered by a twin-cam 1.6-litre engine, similar to the one used in the 124 Sport Coupé but fitted with a single double choke carburettor instead of two. So the FU gave 95 bhp compared to 110 in the coupé, by that time already offered in a 1.8 version.
With this brilliant power plant, the FU became the perfect car to take part in rallies (in September 1973 it was homologated in Group 2 -improved series production touring cars - and in January 1974, in Group 1 -normal series production-). Besides, it was the undisputed king of the road in the domestic car scene.
The 1430 FU also had a leading role in SEAT’s motorsport history. The most powerful 1430 versions were incredibly successful in rallying, winning four Spanish rally championships with the 1430-1600 and the later 1430-1800 in the mid-70’s, a golden period for SEAT Competición, the Spanish manufacturer's racing division at the time.
This example is a FU 01 type from 1974, fitted with a 5-speed gearbox instead of the standard 4-speed. It's been prepared by SEAT HISTÓRICOS according to Group 1 regulations to take part in regularity rallies for historic vehicles, and has starred in prestige events such as the Monte-Carlo Historique and the Costa Brava Històric.
The successes of this particular car include a sixth position in the 2019 FIA Trophy for Historic Regularity Rallies, achieved in the Costa Brava Històric Rally, and a third position in the H class, for vehicles built until 1976.
