Seat celebrates the 65th anniversary of its first vehicle
18 Nov 2018|714 views
The car that launched Seat is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The Seat 1400, a luxurious and elegant saloon, marked the beginning of the brand's story and formed the platform for its future success. The first Seat 1400 - with registration plate number B-87.223 - rolled off the production line at the brand's Zona Franca factory in Barcelona on 13 November 1953, just three years after the brand had been formed.
Built at Seat's manufacturing plant in Barcelona, with an initial workforce of 925 employees, the 1400's technical specifications were reflective of the period. The engine was a 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit, linked to a four-speed manual transmission and with a maximum output of 43bhp, giving it a top speed of 120km/h. The chassis incorporated helical springs that produced an elastic effect on the rear suspension, and longitudinal semi-cantilever springs - which acted as thrust arms - to give it anti-roll stabilisation. A Panhard rod ensured the lateral positioning of the axle. This setup was ultra-modern for the time.
The 1400's exterior took its design cue from American vehicles of the time, with a rounded rear shape extenuated by conical-shaped rear lights, but it also introduced curved, one-piece windscreens and a heating system to the market. By the end of its life, 98,978 units had been sold and its place in history was guaranteed.
The car that launched Seat is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. The Seat 1400, a luxurious and elegant saloon, marked the beginning of the brand's story and formed the platform for its future success. The first Seat 1400 - with registration plate number B-87.223 - rolled off the production line at the brand's Zona Franca factory in Barcelona on 13 November 1953, just three years after the brand had been formed.
Built at Seat's manufacturing plant in Barcelona, with an initial workforce of 925 employees, the 1400's technical specifications were reflective of the period. The engine was a 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit, linked to a four-speed manual transmission and with a maximum output of 43bhp, giving it a top speed of 120km/h. The chassis incorporated helical springs that produced an elastic effect on the rear suspension, and longitudinal semi-cantilever springs - which acted as thrust arms - to give it anti-roll stabilisation. A Panhard rod ensured the lateral positioning of the axle. This setup was ultra-modern for the time.
The 1400's exterior took its design cue from American vehicles of the time, with a rounded rear shape extenuated by conical-shaped rear lights, but it also introduced curved, one-piece windscreens and a heating system to the market. By the end of its life, 98,978 units had been sold and its place in history was guaranteed.
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