The first-generation SEAT Ibiza was a milestone for the company. It marked the beginning of the brand as an independent manufacturer.
The SEAT Ibiza MK 1 was the first vehicle developed by the brand without the assistance of a technological partner, drawing on internal expertise and that of partners in Giorgetto Giugiaro for the exterior design, Karmann for the interior design and Porsche for the powertrain.
Three trim levels were available – L, GL and GLX – all benefitting from a choice of 1.2 and 1.5-litre petrol engines. The standout model was the top-of-the-range 85PS SEAT Ibiza 1.5 GLX. It was engineered to meet the highest standards – proven in no better way than the Inter-Ibiza Championship, a one-make rally competition, where all drivers used identical 1.5 GLX Ibizas.
The first-generation SEAT Ibiza’s function was also matched by its form. The exterior design was instantly recognisable, and the sports-shaped alloy wheels added an additional layer of appeal that would help it to establish itself in the market.
With so much historic significance it’s little wonder that SEAT keeps two production examples in its collection: two 1.5 GLXs. The first is chassis number 407, an early example from the 1.3 million first-generation Ibiza’s built. A car that is used extensively in historic rallies – in 2018 it even won the Catalunya Historic Rally. The second is an immaculate vehicle kept by a SEAT dealer and has just 64km on its clock and is now registered as a historic vehicle.