The SEAT Ibiza del Sol was the first special limited-edition Ibiza. Launched in 1986, it was available only in white and its equipment included a sunroof and other exclusive details that gave it an unmistakably summer feel.

The Ibiza del Sol appeared two years after the unveiling of SEAT’s Ibiza first-generation. In 1984, the Ibiza marked a new beginning for the brand as an independent manufacturer. It was the first SEAT built with genuinely in-house technology, and Martorell's Technical Centre had the contribution of the best European specialists: Giugiaro for the design, Porsche for the engines and Karmann for the engineering development of the project.

The initial Ibiza range was divided into three trim levels: L, GL and GLX, combined with the 1.2 and 1.5-litre System Porsche petrol engines, plus a diesel engine (only with L and GL trim levels).

This range began to diversify at the end of 1985, when the Ibiza Junior appeared. It was an economical version that was intended as an entry-level model to the Ibiza range, powered by the System Porsche 1.2 engine in the domestic market, and later also with the diesel. For export the Junior was powered by the 903 cc Panda engine, which was also offered in Spain in 1986 under the name Street.

The Ibiza del Sol also appeared as a 1986 model year in the Ibiza range. It was also a limited series, but much more ambitious in its approach. In a nod to the Balearic island that gave its name to SEAT's B-segment car, the Ibiza del Sol exuded an unmistakably summer air.

Powered by the System Porsche 1.2 engine with a 5-speed gearbox (like the rest of the range), its most striking equipment feature was the opening sunroof. In addition, the Ibiza del Sol was offered only in pristine white. Not only was the bodywork white, but also the hubcaps, the front and rear bumpers, the front grille and even the central pillar (B-pillar).

Decorative stripes and the Ibiza del Sol name on the tailgate rounded off the exterior livery, with slightly different versions during this first series. Inside, the Ibiza del Sol had exclusively designed velour upholstery and split-folding rear seats. It also featured a heated rear window and rear wiper, halogen headlights and carpeting throughout the cabin floor and boot.

In terms of price, the Ibiza del Sol was positioned between the Ibiza 1.2 GL below and the Ibiza 1.2 GLX above. The first series of the Ibiza del Sol remained on sale until the launch of the first Ibiza restyling at the end of 1988. The changes focused on the interior, with a new, much more modern dashboard, where conventional indicator and windscreen wiper stalks replaced the distinctive satellites of the first Ibiza.

The next series of the Ibiza del Sol appeared in September 1990. As a novelty, it was now also available with the System Porsche 1.5 engine, in addition to the usual 1.2. Of course, it was still distinguished by the immaculate all-white colour scheme. It remained in the catalogue until January 1991.

In short, the Ibiza del Sol was SEAT's first limited edition car in the modern sense of the term, i.e. a version with special equipment at a very competitive price. A possible precedent would perhaps be SEAT’s 128 Sport of the previous decade, which sported a special livery.

Moreover, the Ibiza del Sol was born at a very important period in SEAT's history. Just one month after its launch, in June 1986, Volkswagen acquired 51% of the Spanish brand's shares, and SEAT became part of the VW Group. The Ibiza del Sol unit that forms part of the SEAT HISTÓRICOS Collection was built in mid-1988.