The SEAT 1500 was launched in June 1963 as a replacement for the 1400 C, which had got a new and sharp body in 1960. The 1500 inherited this body and combined it with a new, bigger engine so that the power went from 58 to 72 HP, much more in line with the car's presence…(read more)
Launch: Mid-1963
End of production: Mid-1972
Price: 138.000 Ptas.
Number built: 140.024
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, longitudinal
Bore x stroke: 77 mm x 79,5 mm
Capacity: 1.481 cc
Valvetrain: Overhead valves, push-rods and rocker arms
Carburettor: 1 double choke Weber Bressel
Max. power: 72 HP at 5.200 rpm
Max. torque: 113.7 Nm at 3.300 rpm
Top speed: 140 km/h
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: 4-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Live axle, semi elliptic leaf springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Steering: Worm and sector
Front/rear: Drums (discs all-round from end 1967)
5,90 x 14
Body: 3-volume saloon, 4 doors, 5/6 seats
Length/width/height: 4.465/1.620/1.431 mm
Wheelbase: 2.650 mm
Weight: 1.210 kg
The SEAT 1500 was launched in June 1963 as a replacement for the 1400 C, which had got a new and sharp body in 1960. The 1500 inherited this body and combined it with a new, bigger engine so that the power went from 58 to 72 HP, much more in line with the car's presence. Both models, the 1400 C and 1500, coexisted in the market until early in 1964.
With its higher performance engine, the 1500 was a high-end vehicle, very elegant, comfortable and with a high build quality. Its design reminded American vehicles of the time, with chrome elements on the grill, the typical white-wall tyres, or the distinctive tailfins on the rear that made the 1500 a highly exclusive model. In addition, its spacious and luxurious interior was distinguished by the quality, the gear change in the steering column and a single front bench seat.
The 1500 was one of the most outstanding premium vehicles of the time, and also the car of choice for taxi drivers. The 1500 range grew bigger with the launch of the estate version in late 1964, while a profound restyling of the 1500 was carried out in 1969, resulting in the model known as "bifaro" (twin-headlights), also available for the first time in a factory SEAT with a diesel engine (first 1.8, then 2.0-litres).
The 1500 also has the honour of being the first SEAT fitted with disc brakes all-round, a novelty introduced in late 1967, and which the new SEAT 124 also got in 1968.
As a matter of fact the launch of the 124 was a sign of SEAT's tremendous progress during the decade the 1500 was on sale. When it was born, the "fifteen hundred" shared the brand's catalogue only with the 600. Nearly ten years later, the venerable "little SEAT" was still carrying on, but the SEAT range already included other models, such as the 850, 124 and 1430, and the 127 had just been launched, the first front-wheel drive supermini SEAT. The 1500 substitute as a high-end SEAT saloon would be the 132 in 1973.
SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps this painstakingly restored 1963 SEAT 1500 "monofaro" (single-headlights), the 4th chassis ever produced. In addition, chassis number 1 is also part of the Collection pending restoration. The very first SEAT 1500 belonged to a senior SEAT executive but was kept at the factory when it ceased being used. SEAT HISTÓRICOS also has a 1968 Familiar (estate) and a 1969 "bifaro".