The SEAT 131 CLX 1800 was a limited series of the 131 unveiled in the spring of 1978, of which only 2,200 units were produced, all metallic green or metallic champagne. Based on the twin round headlight bodywork of the 131 E 1600, it was fitted with the 1800cc, 107 HP twin-cam engine from the 132 model and a 5-speed gearbox… (read more)
Launch: April 1975 (131 CLX 1800: March 1978)
End of production: 1984 (131 CLX 1800: October 1978)
Price: 529,979 Ptas. (131 CLX 1800)
Number built: 412,948 (total 131; 131 CLX 1800: 2,200)
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At front, longitudinal
Bore x stroke: 84 mm x 79,2 mm
Capacity: 1756 cc
Valve train: Double overhead camshaft
Carburettor: 1 double-choke Weber-Bressel 34
Max. power: 107 HP at 6000 rpm
Max torque: 141 Nm a 3800 rpm
Top speed: 175 km/h
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: 5-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, McPherson-type with coil springs, hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Live axle, coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Steering: Rack and pinion
Front/rear: Discs/drums
175/70 SR13
Body: 4 doors, 5 seats saloon
Length/width/height: 4260/1640/1360 mm
Wheelbase: 2490 mm
Weight: 1070 kg
The SEAT 131 CLX 1800 was a limited series of the 131 unveiled in the spring of 1978, of which only 2,200 units were produced, all metallic green or metallic champagne. Based on the twin round headlight bodywork of the 131 E 1600, it was fitted with the 1800cc, 107 HP twin-cam engine from the 132 model and a 5-speed gearbox, a transmission that did not spread through the 131 line-up until 1981.
In addition to the colour, it was aesthetically distinguished by the rubber side protective bands and matte black hub covers on the steel wheel rims. Inside, it featured velvet upholstery on the seats and doors, carpet on the floor (also in the trunk) and an electric adjustment control for the outer rear view mirror, located in the centre console, near the gear lever. Besides, the steering wheel was adjustable for height (as in the 132).
With all these ingredients, the CLX 1800 updated the high-performance saloon concept originally illustrated by the SEAT 1430 FU type. At the time, the 131 CLX 1800 was the most complete mid-high class saloon on the domestic market. A comfortable touring saloon, but with the performance and road capabilities of a sports car.
The 131 CLX 1800 was SEAT's fifth model powered by the famous 1756cc twin-cam engine. SEAT had released it at the end of 1972 in the 124 Sport Coupé 1800, and was subsequently used by the 132-1800, 1430 Especial 1800 (FU 10) and 124 D Especial 1800 (FL 80 and FL 82). In the two large saloons (132-1800 and 131 CLX 1800), SEAT had tuned the engine to reduce consumption, so that the power output was 107 HP (7 HP less than FU and FL, and 11 HP less than the 124 Sport Coupé).
The 131 CLX 1800 was a limited series that lasted only a few months in production, until in the autumn of 1978 a complete restyling of the 131 range arrived. Just over 2,000 CLX 1800s were manufactured in two series of 1,000 units and one last batch of 200 cars. Therefore, today it is a very rare and collectable model.
In the new 131 line-up, the successor to the CLX 1800 was the Supermirafiori CLX 2000, already with the large rectangular headlights characteristic of the second series body. It was launched in January 1980 and also produced in very few quantities, just 1,800 cars. It was powered by the 1919cc, 114 HP twin-cam engine already used by the SEAT 124 FL 90.
SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps this pristine unit of the 131 CLX 1800 limited series. Champagne coloured, it is one of the earliest units of this special model, registered in Valladolid in May 1978. It is preserved in perfect running order and today it still shows off its exceptional road performances in promotional events.