The launch of SEAT's first-generation Ibiza marked a new beginning for the brand as an independent manufacturer. The top-of-the-range version was the Ibiza 1.5 GLX… (leer más)
Launch: Spring 1984
End of production: 1992
Number built: 1.284.648 (total Ibiza I)
Price: 988.157 Ptas.
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, transversal
Bore x stroke: 83 mm x 67,5 mm
Capacity: 1.461 cc
Valve gear: overhead camshaft, hydraulic tappets
Carburettor: 1 single Weber 32
Max. power: 85 HP at 5.600 rpm
Max. torque: 120 Nm at 3.500 rpm
Top speed: 170 km/h
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson. Coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, transverse leaf spring and hydraulic dampers
Steering: Rack and pinion
Front/rear: Discs/drums
165/65 R14
Body: 3-door hatchback, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 3.640/1.610/1.390 mm
Wheelbase: 2.450 mm
Weight: 920 kg
The launch of SEAT's first-generation Ibiza marked a new beginning for the brand as an independent manufacturer. It was the first SEAT built with technology genuinely of its own, 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 Ibiza's initial range had three trim levels - L, GL and GLX. Combined with the 1.2 and 1.5-litre System Porsche petrol engines, the top-of-the-range version was the 85 HP Ibiza 1.5 GLX. On the outside it can be easily recognized by the sports-shaped alloy wheels, and it also has electric windows and electromagnetic door locks.
The platform of the 1.5 GLX was so good that in 1985 SEAT introduced a one-make promotional rally championship called Inter-Ibiza Championship, with all drivers using identical Ibizas 1.5 GLX as rally cars, almost with no engine tuning at all.
SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps two production examples of the Ibiza 1.5 GLX, in addition to a very special third unit: the very first Ibiza built, which was also a 1.5 GLX version. One of these two Ibizas, in silver metallic paint, is chassis number 407 among one million three hundred thousand first-generation Ibizas built. So it rolled out of the assembly line during the very first days of the model's production, in 1984.
The second one, from 1986, is painted in red (same as Ibiza No. 1). It has the particularity of beign as good as new. SEAT HISTÓRICOS acquired this Ibiza in 2016 from a SEAT dealer who kept it with just 64 kilometres on the odometer and without having registered it. Therefore, it’s a very special unit, which is already part of the SEAT HISTÓRICOS Collection and has been registered as a historic vehicle.
The other Ibiza 1.5 GLX in the Collection, chassis 407, is very special too. The car is not only kept in perfect running order, but it's also used extensively in regularity rallies for historic vehicles.
Actually, in 2018 this Ibiza GLX was the winner of the Catalunya Històric Rally, driven by journalist Josep Viaplana and co-driver Carles Jiménez. It was the first overall victory for SEAT HISTÓRICOS - a victory achieved with a totally standard car on standard tyres. It was a deserved reward to SEAT's desire to showcase its long history as a brand by showing its cars around.
