Ivan Vicario Martin
The SEAT 1430 made its appearance in 1969, only a year after the arrival on the market of the car with which it shared the platform and body, the 124. In fact, even its 1.438 cm mechanics3 It was derived from that of that one, although it represented a notable increase in power. And why two versions of the same car? Well, to create a sportier model, with a more sophisticated appearance and that was positioned one step above. Thus it could face growing competition represented by the Renault 12, the Austin/Morris/MG 1300 or the Austin Victoria. It also served to derive Variants with extra spice like the SEAT 1430 Especial 1600 in our test.
Externally, The “fourteen thirty” differed from the 124 especially in the grill, which had double optics, although the projectors were circular. The rear lights were also different, as were the bumpers, which initially featured rubber that ran all the way through them. On the side, a rubber bead was added and the door handles also changed, becoming flush. The interior, for its part, is almost equivalent to that of the 124 Luxury which had arrived on the market a few months earlier.
Mechanically, in addition to the engine that gives it its name, the SEAT 1430 They equipped an alternator instead of a dynamo. The rear suspension receives some changes, including the elimination of the rear stabilizer bar, while the tires and wheels are also different from the 124. Like this one, The 1430 had a family body called 5 Doors, which arrived on the market in 1970. Its first client was the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard.
COMMERCIAL LIFE OF 1430
The “fourteen thirty” quickly established itself in the imagination of the driver of the time as a car clearly above 124, although in reality the difference was not that much. Thanks to the better rear axle and the mounting of radial tires, his behavior was more poised, because the rear moved less. Both in its appearance and in its features, the step forward was noticeable.
During its first years, it remained without mechanical changes of interest. The engine produced 70 HP at 5.400 revolutions -10 more than the 124-, which, together with an empty weight of 910 kilos, made it one of the national production cars with the best features. We would have to wait until 1973 to see the arrival of a new version, known as “empowered”, although it did not receive any name of its own.
The changes focused on the engine, especially on the camshaft, which improved the breathing of the engine. The power grew to 75 HP at the same speed of 5.400 rpm, while the torque barely changed (11,3 mkg compared to 11,2 for the 124 both at 5.400 revolutions). With these modifications, which were especially noticeable in the upper area of the tachometer, top speed was gained by 5 km/h, reaching 155 km/h. And that with some developments that were always considered a bit short.
THE SEAT 1430 SPECIAL 1600 ARRIVES
The 12 March 1973 The SEAT 1430 Special 1600 was presented, that is, at the same time as the “empowered”. It was an absolute first in the national market, since it was basically a sports sedan, an unexplored niche in the “Bullskin.” The mechanics were a hybrid of that of the 124 Sport Coupé 1600, from which it took the almost exact displacement, with that of the 1800, from which the carburetion of a simple two-stage staggered opening body was used. A lower compression ratio was also chosen, 8,9:1 instead of 9,8:1. Thus, the 1.592 cm engine3 with double camshaft it produced 95 hp at 6.000 revolutions, with a torque figure of 12,8 mkg at 4.000 rpm.
It had a range of very elegant colors, tinted windows, black windshield wipers, black anti-reflective frame, oil pressure reading and clock. Besides, Equipped with more enveloping front seats, although with the bench a little short for tall drivers. The upholstery of this version was synthetic velvet. Immediately, it became possibly the most fun sedan on our market, since its performance was of the first order, with a top speed of 170 km/h.
Its good sales meant that in September 1973 it was approved as Group 2 and in early 1974 as Group 1, beginning a long and successful career in competition. By the way, Its kilometer-long name made it become known as FU 00, which was part of the code of its racks, just as FB corresponded to the rest of 1430. With this nickname it has passed down to posterity.
THE FU 10, FU 11 AND THE FM
Before giving way to the test of our SEAT 1430 Especial 1600, we cannot stop talking about the most powerful version that the “fourteen thirty” knew. We are referring, of course, to the FU 10 or 1430 Special 1800 with the 1,8 liter engine of the Sport Coupé 1800, which produced 108 or 118 HP depending on the carburetion. What it did not have was the five-speed gearbox of the coupe, it retained the four-speed gearbox of the sedan. Its production was announced in 1974 and it went on sale in November of that same year, although It did not achieve the success of the FU 00 due to its higher price and because of the Oil Crisis.
SEAT was also encouraged that same year 74 to release a variant of the Especial 1600 with a family body, which hit the market in August. Its commercial name was 1430 Special 1600 5 Doors, shortened, as in the rest of the sports versions, to FM by rack key. Having a sporty estate model on sale was an absolute novelty in the national market; in fact, this type of version would take decades to become popular. Only 852 units were built and today they are a true rarity.
Finally, we have to talk about F11 or “Replica”, a limited series intended for competition and to which only some of the best drivers and teams of the moment had access. SEAT only assembled a few dozen units in February 1975. The Spanish brand had a special interest in racing at the time, as it competed in the national rally series and supported Formula 1430 and later 1800. The FU and FM were discontinued when production of the 124 was moved to the Navarrese Landaben factory..
THE HISTORIC SEAT UNIT
Getting behind the controls of an FU is always a pleasure, and even more so if it is a perfectly maintained specimen like this one from Historic SEATs. Registered in 1974, a few years ago It was prepared as Group 1 to compete in different historical rallies. Therefore, it was equipped with a safety cage, ventilated front disc brakes or a close-ratio five-speed transmission.
Hand in hand Historic SEATs, became a regular at rallies like the Costa Brava Historical or Historic Monte-Carlo Rally, tests in which he participated on different occasions with excellent results. In recent times, it has had a quieter life, since it is no longer used for these purposes. Thus, It does not have a roll cage or additional headlights and it has street tires..
Yes retains the gearbox and front brakes, something that will be noticed when we get behind the controls of the car, logically. For the rest, the aesthetic is what it looked like in its time, including the classic yellow tone of the model or the rims with square holes typical of the FU and FM.
IMMACULATE
We access the interior of FU 00 to discover that it looks like it did in its best days. The black dashboard reinforces the sportiness of this version compared to imitation wood. A small chapel houses the two main dials, with the speedometer on the left and the rev counter on the right. Within this we also see the water temperature, while, on the left, in an independent clock, is the reading of the battery status.
In the center of the dashboard we find the oil pressure and time clocks, elements that did not carry the rest of 1430. We are sitting in a comfortable armchair that, although it offers more lateral support, is still very focused on comfort. Definitely, When the curves come, which they will come, it will fall short. However, the front seats are ideal for long trips, although, as the chronicles of the time narrated, the bench seems a little short.
Behind us, space for passengers is quite adequate, although the legroom is a bit tight seen with today's eyes. As for the trunk, offers outstanding capacity, ideal for family travel at the time. In fact, the access lid is very large, which makes loading and unloading easier despite being a sedan.
THE TEST OF THE SEAT 1430 SPECIAL 1600
We turn the ignition key, which curiously It is on the left side of the steering wheel stem., and the engine returns its soft snore to us in front. We insert first and go out to enjoy our protagonist, a model that operates without major problems in current traffic. Even the exterior visibility is very good, which helps us circulate without difficulty among the gigantic SUVs that populate our streets.
We move away from the hustle and bustle onto a quieter road. I'm already driving with the window down, because, although the steering is not particularly heavy, it does not have assistance and we will end up sweating. The engine is very lively and pushes with determination, inviting us to put our right foot more and more on the accelerator. And this FU 00 asks to be driven with a certain joy, which is when it offers its best, at the top of the rev counter.
The truth is that the management obeys our dictates without complaint and The rear follows with blind faith... unless we are too far behind.. Here the 1430 Special shows its nobility because, unless we have been very reckless, a slight countersteering will allow us to return the rear to the fold. Besides, the brakes respond impeccably, to which the discs mounted on both axles contribute, which seem not to fail easily.
RETURN TO SHIP A-122
It's time to return to the SEAT Historicos base in Zona Franca and, to do so, we choose the highway on this occasion. Despite his undoubted sporting skills, without a doubt where our FU 00 is most comfortable is driving very fast on a road with good surface. We must even be careful to exceed the legal limits, because it circulates really happy and relaxed.
The aerodynamic noise reminds us of the speed at which we are going, although it is not annoying and, of course, It does not prevent us from talking calmly with our companion. The only thing missing is good air conditioning, although, if everything were comforts, What fun would it be to travel in a classic? We arrive at Ship A-122 where we parked the SEAT 1430 Especial 1600 from the test along with its brothers.
It was not the first time he drove a FU 00, but It continues to surprise me every time I'm lucky enough to get behind its fine pasta steering wheel.. The joy with which she carries herself, the nobility of his behavior and a superlative degree of comfort have made her one of my favorite SEATs. The “fourteen thirty” It was a great car at the time and still is today., especially in this version with extra spice.
Photographs by Javier Romagosa.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEAT 1430 SPECIAL 1600 FU 00 |
|
|
Motor |
Longitudinal front |
|
Displacement |
1.592 cm3 |
|
Cylinders |
4 in line |
|
Diameter x stroke |
80 x 79,2 mm |
|
Maximum power |
96 CV to 6.000 rpm |
|
Maximum torque |
125,5 Nm to 4.000 rpm |
|
Meals |
Weber 34 double barrel carburettor |
|
Distribution |
Double overhead camshaft |
|
Fuel Efficiency: |
Petrol |
|
Traction |
Rear |
|
Gearbox |
4-speed manual + ma (standard) |
|
Clutch |
dry single disc |
|
Chassis |
self-supporting monocoque |
|
Bodywork |
Four-door sedan (five seats) |
|
Front suspension |
Independent, overlapping wishbones, springs and shock absorbers, stabilizer bar |
|
Rear suspension |
Rigid axle, springs and shock absorbers |
|
Director |
Endless screw |
|
Truck Brake Repair |
Discs |
|
Length/width/height |
4.050 / 1.610 / 1.400 mm |
|
Ways |
1.330/1.310 mm |
|
Battle |
2.420 mm |
|
Shot put |
1.015 kg |
|
Tires |
4.50 x 13 |
|
Tires |
150 / 155 x 13 |
|
Deposit |
39 liters |
|
Maximum speed |
170 km/h |
|
Weight / power ratio |
10,57 kg / CV |
|
year of presentation |
1973 |
|
years of production |
March 1973 – October 1975 |
|
Units produced |
24.653 (total FU 1600) |
