The SEAT Panda was the first SEAT launched in the '80s, and the next on the series of small cars initiated by the 600 and followed by the 133. The Panda came to fill the gap of the latter, but it was much more: a car of simple but very intelligent design, which made it an all-purpose vehicle.

In the SEAT line-up, the Panda went below the 127. It was a simple, practical, economical and low-maintenance model, and its multiple qualities made it an immediate success since its commercial launch in September 1980. Consequently, in 1981 the Panda was awarded the XXI Gold Mercury International "for its valuable contribution to technological development".

For all these reasons, the Panda was one of the most accomplished designs of the famous coachbuilder Giorgio Giugiaro, Ital Design's founder, who less than four years later again showed his talent with the SEAT Ibiza design.

Compared to the rear-engined, rear-wheel drive 133, the Panda's concept was way more modern, with a front engine and front-wheel drive layout helping to make the most of the available space, as well as front disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. The cubic shapes of the body reduced production costs (also the glass surfaces, which were all flat) and also resulted in a larger interior space.

Thus, at just 3.4 meters (it was slightly shorter than a 133!), the Panda offered a 272-litre trunk, an incredible volume for such a small car, thanks in part to the spare wheel in the engine bay and the longitudinal leaf-spring rear suspension, which freed up space for the boot. By the way, this suspension was one of the virtues of the Panda, as it allowed it to ride smoothly and carry heavy loads along bumpy or dirt roads, which made the Panda highly appreciated also in rural environments.

Another of its great virtues was the interior modularity. The seats are a good example of the simplicity and practicality of the Panda's interior, with removable and washable upholstery fabric. The rear bench could be disassembled (the load volume increased to more than 1,000 litres) or moved longitudinally. In fact, it could adopt up to seven different positions (folded, flat, forming a V as a hammock...).

The Panda was launched in two initial models, 35 (843 cc) and 45 (903 cc), figures identifying engine power, a nomenclature initiated the previous year with the Ritmos 65 and 75. Being a highly successful model also among youth people, the Panda featured several striking limited series, such as the Panda Yellow, Black or Red.

Variants of the Panda exclusive of SEAT include the Trans van, the pick-up Terra and the Panda Marbella, a luxury version unveiled in February 1982 (next to the basic Panda Bavaria and the off-roader Panda Montaña), with a different grill, 5-speed gearbox and a higher trim level, which included digital rev counter, front fog lights, more enveloping seats in velvet, the Fura's steering wheel and metallic paint.

The SEAT Panda Marbella has a place of honour in the chronology of SEAT because it was the first one to be named after a Spanish town, a few months before the Ronda. In 1986, SEAT would go on to use the name "Marbella" in the Panda's successor, the SEAT Marbella.

However, the most special Panda is the Popemobile, a unique car created in the Zona Franca factory in October 1982, on the occasion of then Pope John Paul II official visit to Spain. From 1981, the Panda also gave life to a one-make rally promotional championship, whose first winner was a young Carlos Sainz, future two-time world champion and three-time Dakar winner. As a reward for his success, Sainz was promoted to works SEAT driver in 1982, with a Panda Group 2.

In addition to the Popemobile and Sainz's Panda Group 2, SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps a standard Panda 40 example, the 42 HP 903cc engine version for two-star petrol. This model was launched in September 1982, so that it already wore the new SEAT logo, and was the replacement for the previous 843cc Panda 35.