Miguel Sánchez
During this 2023, the seventy years of the SEAT 1400 are being celebrated. The first model in the history of SEAT and, therefore, responsible for inaugurating the production chain in the Barcelona Free Zone. In this way, in the recent salon ClassicMadrid the SEAT en Rodaje collection honored the model with up to nine different units. Definitely, an excellent example of the capabilities inherent in the auxiliary industry of the time. Capable of making completely opposite transformations from the same base offered by SEAT. In this way, it stood out as the 1400 Sport always does.
One of the most canonical creations in all of Pedro Serra's work. Capable of turning into an elegant convertible what, from the factory, was a sober model for well-to-do pockets and ministerial uses. In addition, continuing with open-air driving, the 1400 C Caicoya also stood out. a unique model created in Asturias during the sixties by the workshop of Evaristo Fernández. In addition, jumping to the industrial versions SEAT in Shooting led to the Casa de Campo your ambulance on base 1400 B. Acquired during the summer of 2016 to look today restored to the smallest and most charming detail.
In addition, continuing with his concern to value industrial models, this collection introduced us to the protagonist of these lines. A 1400 B Madrid Taxi produced in 1957, which makes unit number 38 in this extensive private collection focused on the history of SEAT. Definitely a model especially rare due to the original configuration of its bodywork.
A Family-Van in which the four doors of the sedan are combined with a rear dominated by two leaves Responsible for providing a comfortable and loose access to its large trunk. Perfect to house the numerous packages that, on certain occasions, a taxi had to transport.
SEAT 1400 B TAXI OF MADRID, A UNIQUE EXEMPLARY
As in any unique model – no other unit is known of this vehicle – doubts about various details are the most common currency. In fact, in the case of this 1400 B Madrid Taxi the mystery is increased by not knowing exactly who made the transformation of your bodywork. Something that, not in vain, leads us to point out one of the most interesting issues for the industrial panorama of the sixties. The one that comes to indicate the large amount of auxiliary industry existing in the Barcelona of the fifties.
To begin with, in the Catalan capital and its surroundings there was already a long automotive tradition before the Civil War. For example, in the motorcycle sector, the Patria brand stood out since the twenties. Founded by Antoni Serra and which, along with others such as Salvador – created by a tire factory – testified to how local production progressed in Spain at the time. In addition, We cannot forget the great impact of the Hispano-Suiza. In fact, after its purchase by the National Institute of Industry, some of its best specialized workers ended up working at SEAT in Zona Franca.
And that's not to mention microcar manufacturers such as Autonacional, responsible for the popular Biscúter designed by the versatile Gabriel voisin. In short, just a few examples - we could also talk about Pere Permanyer's gas generators before creating Montesa or even the electric vans of Vehículos Autarquía SA - to understand how, in the Barcelona of the fifties, the automotive industry went far beyond the newborn SEAT.
So things, Which of all workshops was able to carry out the conversion of this 1400 B Taxi? The truth is that it will be difficult to answer this question. To begin with, beyond the Catalan candidates, the possibility of having been conditioned elsewhere should not be ignored either. And well, focusing on the auxiliary bodybuilders of SEAT itself, the panorama also has various options.
To begin with, one could think of an authorship by Manufacturas Rally SA. Better known as MARSA and which, before SEAT produced the 850 with a long chassis, offered the four-door version in Spain under license from the Italian Lombardi.
Likewise, at SEAT en Rodaje they are taking into account the possible authorship by Talleres Bagovia SL. A company specialized in stamped sheet metal and painting located in Cornellá, best known for its 750 Primavera from 1961 based on the SEAT 600. In short, this 1400 B Taxi is surrounded by question marks. Something that, in fact, makes it even more attractive after the magnificent restoration to which it has been subjected. By the way, very timely within the necessary recovery of industrial vehicles.
Photographs: SEAT Filming
