The SEAT Ibiza was the first model created and developed by SEAT from scratch. This 1986 unit looks as good as new, as SEAT HISTÓRICOS found it a few years ago at a dealership, unused and unregistered.

In 1984, the international launch of the Ibiza at the Paris Motor Show was a clear turning point in SEAT's history. It was much more than just another new model. It seemed like a risky gamble then, but time has shown that it was the right one. With the fifth generation on the market and 6 million units built, the Ibiza is one of the quintessential SEATs.

The birth of the first generation of the Ibiza is one of the most extraordinary episodes in the history of the Spanish automotive industry. The car was a great innovation, combining the space and habitability of models in the upper segment with a more compact size (3.6 metres long).

The Martorell Technical Centre was responsible for the entire project, with the collaboration of renowned firms, such as Giorgio Giugiaro's Italdesign for the design, Karmann for the industrialisation and development of the bodywork, and Porsche for the technology applied to the engines (hence the SEAT System Porsche legend that the Ibiza would bear on the cylinder head cover).

The arrival of the Ibiza was a new starting point for the company and gave new impetus to the production line. With a range of engines ranging from the 0.9-litre, 44 HP Junior to the 110 HP 1.7 petrol version, and the efficient 55 HP diesel engine, the Ibiza was a great attraction for both Spanish and foreign users, as the volume of exports was very high, even breaking the 119,000-unit barrier in 1990.

Thanks to the first Ibiza, SEAT began to forge an independent image that helped to internationalise the brand and project it into the future. With the Ibiza as a calling card for SEAT's creativity and know-how, the Spanish brand would begin its integration into the Volkswagen Group just two years after the Ibiza I's launch.

The Ibiza was unveiled in the spring of 1984 on the Mediterranean island of the same name, and the new car went on sale in October, coinciding with the international launch at the Paris Motor Show. The initial Ibiza range was divided into three trim levels: L, GL and GLX, combined with System Porsche 1.2 and 1.5-litre petrol engines and a diesel. The top of the range was the 85 HP Ibiza 1.5 GLX. Externally, it was distinguished by the characteristic light alloy wheels with multiple spokes, and also offered electric windows and central door locking.

Once established in the market, the Ibiza received the five-door body in 1986 and in 1988 the 100 HP 1.5 SXI System Porsche injection engine appeared. Finally, in 1989 and 1991, the Ibiza underwent restyling (the first one focused on the interior and the second on the exterior), before the second generation was launched in 1993.

By then, more than 1,300,000 units of the first generation alone had been produced, making the Ibiza I the second SEAT to surpass the one-million mark after the 127/Fura family.

This Ibiza 1.5 GLX unit was located by SEAT HSTÓRICOS a few years ago at a dealership. It had not been used or registered. It had not even been broken in, as its odometer showed just 52 km driven.

As part of the Ibiza's 40th anniversary celebrations in 2024, SEAT HISTÓRICOS registered it as a Historic Vehicle and gave it a tune-up, checking its timing, carburation, fluids, tyres and dampers. Forty years after leaving the assembly line, this Ibiza has finally started to be driven at SEAT HISTÓRICOS events and activities, and has already covered over a thousand kilometres.