Ivan Vicario Martin
There was a time when independent coachbuilders were of paramount importance, especially when making different versions of the series models. In other words, they were responsible for the manufacture, and many times even for the development, of special variants or those with less circulation. On many occasions, these were projects that the bodybuilders themselves proposed to SEAT with a view to improving their business expectations.
We are talking about models like the elongated 1400 or 1400 Cabrio among others. Among the derivatives of the SEAT 600, we can mention the Multiple, 800 or formichetta. Our protagonist, the SEAT 1500 TS Coupe Costa, would be another good example, since it is about one of the two coupe versions that existed on base 1500.
Recall that the 1500 had hit the market in mid-1963 to replace the 1400 C. It shared a bodywork with it, although the mechanics went on to cover 1.481 cm3, with a power of 72 CV. It is not that it was a chariot of fire, but it did significantly improve the 58 CV of its predecessor. SEAT officially marketed saloon bodies three volumes, van and estate, although there were also 1500 elongated and pick-up.
PLAYFUL VERSIONS OF THE 1400 C
It is not surprising that, with a more modern body than that of the 1400 originals and a more powerful engine, soon they were born most suggestive versions of the 1500. Although before it would almost be necessary to talk about the 1400 C Cabrio signed by Pedro Serra, since it shares a design with the 1500. It is estimated that almost 20 units were manufactured, a great success for this type of car. Fortunately, some are still running, although most have already disappeared.
There was also a unique example bodied in Asturias by Evaristo Fernández and known as SEAT 1400 C Cabriolet Caicoya, currently in the SEAT collection under Filming. In this case, the exterior modifications are so extensive that it is difficult to discover which car it really is.
THE SEAT 1500 COUPE BY SERRA
We now come to the coupé versions of the 1500 itself, of which only two are known to have existed. The first one is made in 1965 by Pedro Serra in collaboration with Talleres Corver from Barcelona. The car "loses" the rear doors and has a more pronounced roof drop. In addition, it includes some ornaments on the grill, on the sides and rear view mirrors on the hood. The shape of the rear window or rear glass is striking, but the final result is very seductive.
In addition, the interior, which would be for four occupants, would also have specific sports details, according to the philosophy of the model. Be supposed to Corver took care of the mechanical part, that is, to improve brakes and suspensions. He also prepared the engine, which would exceed 100 HP of power, a more than respectable figure at that time.
There is not much more information about this version, although it is believed that at least two units were manufactured. Nothing is known about their fate, so it is "probable" that they no longer exist. I put the “probable” in quotation marks because it is not the first time that, following an article in THE TEAM, we have learned that copies of a car are still preserved.
THE SEAT 1500 TS COUPE COSTA
One year after the Serra model, in the 1966 Barcelona Automobile Sector, the coupé proposal from Carrocerías Costa was presented. The car, called the 1500 TS Coupé, was equally a 2+2 coupe, albeit with a more conventional exterior design. Or what is the same, more easily transferable to the series, especially if we look at the rear side window and the rear window. Of course, the front hood was smoothed, eliminating the central rib that the 1400 C and 1500 wore as standard.
The Costa even dispenses with exterior trim, except for the side indicators and a chrome trim that runs along the heels. It is likely that it was a mere exercise in style.Hence, it was sought to make it easier and cheaper to manufacture, avoiding complications. It makes sense it was even valued for sale, because this type of work could double and even triple the price of the car that was taken as a base.
The interior does not receive major modifications either, keeping the standard unchanged. Of course, perhaps looking to give it a touch of sportsmanship, the gear change goes in the central tunnel, as seen in the images. We can also clearly see the rear seat for two passengers.
The mechanics are supposed to be unchanged, although there are no concrete details about it. What does seem clear is that this SEAT 1500 TS Coupé Costa It was a unique specimen and it is not believed to have survived either.. Years after it was made, it was seen rolling around Barcelona, but there the track was lost.
It is a pity that neither of the two coupes based on 1500 had continuity, because they are two really attractive versions and that, especially Costa's, do not seem very difficult to put into production. In addition, there is little information about them, so they are surrounded by a certain halo of mystery.
Photographs courtesy of SEAT Históricos and CEHAL archive.
