Miguel Sánchez
In the presentation dossier to the media provided in December 1975, SEAT itself strove to make the commercial definition of the 1200 Sport in the following terms:
"With the progressive maturity of the Spanish market, which already has five million cars in circulation, in recent years a growing sector of users has emerged who, due to their particular characteristics and automotive tastes, wish to have a “different car both in its aesthetics and in its driving possibilities”. They are motorists for whom one of the main attractions of a car is undoubtedly the pleasure of driving, understood in a very personal, especially active and safe way.
For this type of drivers In fact, the margin of action allowed by the characteristics of normal sedans is insufficient. for family use, as well as that of high-displacement sports cars in which their high power is also imposed to a large extent on the drivers themselves.
On the other hand, and in close conjunction with the mechanical possibilities, we seek a type of car with an original line and a strong personality with the highest level of comfort and interior convenience. With all this, in the current circumstances and to respond to these demands in a balanced way, the classic concept of a sports vehicle with hardly any other type of possibilities is no longer sufficient... Thus a new "Sport" concept is born based on versatile and flexible that allows you to fully enjoy the car in everyday use.”
Thus, SEAT took a step forward looking for a response to that growing public in which they combined daily needs with a sporty mood. A spirit that, by the way, had to be reflected not only in performance - see the example of the 1430 launched in 1969 - but also in everything related to style and appearance.
In short, the Spanish market in the seventies was prepared for the appearance of a small sports car completely suitable for everyday use. One step further on the path marked since the end of the previous decade by the 850 Coupé; Equipped with a truly attractive design - as well as mechanics capable of going happily in turns - and which, since January 1970, incorporated the 903 cc engine in the Sport Coupé version.
Of course, all this improved in terms of habitability thanks to adopting a front-engine layout in the form and manner that the 127 would have had since 1972. Furthermore, in the development of the new and versatile sports car, SEAT was not alone. Far from it, the auxiliary industry created around it played a key role when it comes to understanding how the 1975 Sport appeared in December 1200. In the end, a key model in the growing autonomy of the brand with respect to Fiat.
SEAT 1200 SPORT, THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AUXILIARY INDUSTRY
Since its founding in the fifties, SEAT had shown signs of a certain personality by creating its own options such as the 1400C or the 800. Models created based on the elements and designs provided by Fiat but, at the same time, able to go further of the Italian range, thus adapting to various needs experienced by the Spanish market.
However, one way or another that was not enough to see SEAT in the league of the manufacturers with their own image. This question, logically, required a vehicle with no counterpart - at least aesthetically - in the offering of the Italian parent company.
At this point, the preparation of a compact sports car with a front engine, room for four people and front-wheel drive allowed SEAT to fantasize about finally having its own bet beyond manufacturing under license. Likewise, at the beginning of the seventies the Inducar coachbuilder had already proposed the idea of creating a coupe body adapted to the base of the 127 with front wheel drive.
In fact, in 1970 one of those responsible for Induce -Antoni Amat- visited the Turin Hall and was overwhelmed by the charms of the prototype Nergal designed by Aldo Sessano. Originally created for NSU, this was intended to be an updated option based on the rear-engined NSU Prinz. A truly effective vehicle in its TT version but, given the discontinuation of the brand by the Volkswagen Group, it ended up out of favor.
At this point, Sessano's design was assimilated by Inducar with a view to manufacturing it for SEAT; which had already confirmed his desire to launch the revolutionary front-engine 127 as soon as possible. Under this context, the lines of the Nergal they adapted using a highly rigid monocoque frame to which elements such as the 1.2 engine from the 124 or the gearbox from the 127 were attached.
In addition, Inducar arranged the mechanics with a forward inclination of 12º; all this with an eye on improving aerodynamics by reducing the height of the hood along with better access to the engine components.
Obviously, a design operation much more complex than the mere adaptation of a body. based on another car already existing together. And, thanks to the appearance of the 1200 Sport, not only SEAT gained autonomy compared to Fiat; The extensive capacity acquired by the Catalan auxiliary industry was also put on the table.
