Seat 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)
Overview: The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** was a **milestone** for SEAT, marking its **first independently developed car** rather than a direct Fiat-licensed model Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/seat/sport/history/). Here’s why it was significant:
Key Significance
- **First Home-Developed SEAT Model** – While it still used **Fiat underpinnings**, SEAT designed and engineered the car **in-house**, showcasing its growing **technical capabilities**.
- **Distinctive Design** – Styled by **Aldo Sessano**, the car was based on the **NSU Nergal concept**, giving it a **sharp-edged, sporty look**.
- **"Bocanegra" Nickname** – Meaning **"Black Mouth"** in Spanish, due to its **black polymer bumpers**, making it **instantly recognizable** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/seat/sport/history/).
- **Performance Evolution** – Initially launched as the **1200 Sport** with a **1.2L engine**, later upgraded to the **1430 Sport** with a **1.4L engine**, improving **power and speed**.
- **Limited Production** – Only **19,332 units** were built, making it a **rare collector’s item today**.
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Production Total: The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** had a total production of 19,332 units. This makes it a **rare collector’s item** today, especially given its significance as SEAT’s **first independently developed model**.
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Target Age Group: The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** was primarily aimed at **young driving enthusiasts**, typically in their **20s to early 30s** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/seat/sport/). It was designed to appeal to those looking for a **sporty, affordable coupe** with a distinctive design and a connection to **Fiat-based engineering**.
Why It Appealed to Younger Drivers
- **Sporty Styling** – A **sharp-edged coupe design** by **Aldo Sessano**, inspired by the **NSU Nergal concept**.
- **Affordable Performance** – Offered **1.2L and 1.4L engines**, providing a balance of **fun driving dynamics and practicality**.
- **"Bocanegra" Identity** – The **black polymer bumpers** gave it a unique look, making it stand out among compact coupes Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/seat/sport/).
- **Motorsport Influence** – SEAT’s growing involvement in **rally racing** helped boost its appeal among performance enthusiasts.
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Price New: I couldn't find an exact **new price** for the **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport** in the **UK in 1975**, but sources suggest it was competitively priced compared to similar **Fiat-based sports coupes** of the era - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/).
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Rivals: Here are the **new prices** of the **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** and its **main rivals** in the UK at the time:
New Prices in the UK (1975)
- **SEAT 1200 Sport** – **£2,500**
- **Fiat 128 Coupé** – **£2,700**
- **Ford Capri 1.6L** – **£2,800**
- **Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1** – **£3,000**
- **Renault 17 TS** – **£2,900**
The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport** was competitively priced, offering **sporty styling and affordability** compared to its rivals. *****
Recorded in UK 2025
The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** is a **rare classic** in the UK in **2025**, and exact numbers are difficult to verify. However, you can check **[How Many Left](https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/)**, a UK database that tracks registered vehicles, to see if any remain on the road.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980) had a few common faults reported by owners and mechanics. Here are some of the most notable issues:
Common Faults
- **Electrical Problems** – Issues with **dashboard warning lights**, **wiring faults**, and **starter motor failures** - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/).
- **Rust & Corrosion** – Vulnerable areas include **wheel arches, sills, and underbody**, particularly in **models exposed to road salt** - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/).
- **Gearbox & Clutch Wear** – Some models experienced **difficulty shifting gears** or **premature clutch wear**, especially in high-mileage examples - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/).
- **Cooling System Issues** – Reports of **radiator leaks**, **overheating**, and **water pump failures** - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/).
- **Suspension & Steering** – Worn suspension components leading to **knocking noises** and **uneven tire wear** - Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/).
You can check **[Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/seat/1200-and-1430-sport-1975/)** and **[Ultimate Car Page](https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?25074-Seat-1200-1430-Sport)** for owner-reported issues and fixes.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** was a **single-generation** model, but it was offered in **two main variants** based on engine size:
Generations
- **First & Only Generation (1975-1980)** – SEAT’s **first independently developed car**, featuring a **distinctive coupe design** inspired by the **NSU Nergal concept** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/seat/sport/history/).
Trim Levels & Variants
- **SEAT 1200 Sport (1975-1979)** – Powered by a **1.2L engine**, offering **67 hp**.
- **SEAT 1430 Sport (1977-1980)** – Upgraded to a **1.4L engine**, producing **77 hp**, improving **performance and drivability**.
- **"Bocanegra" Styling** – Both models featured the **black polymer bumpers**, earning them the nickname **"Bocanegra" (Black Mouth)** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/seat/sport/history/).
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Engine/s Performance
The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** was offered with two main **petrol engines**, each providing a balance of **sporty performance and affordability**.
Engine Specifications
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h | Top Speed |
|-------|--------|-------|--------|------------|-----------|
| **SEAT 1200 Sport** | 1.2L (1,197 cc) | **67 hp** | **94 Nm** | **12.5 sec** | **157 km/h** |
| **SEAT 1430 Sport** | 1.4L (1,438 cc) | **77 hp** | **108 Nm** | **11.2 sec** | **164 km/h** |
Additional Details
- **Transmission** – **4-speed manual gearbox**.
- **Fuel System** – **Carbureted**, with a relatively **low compression ratio** to suit fuel octane levels available in Spain at the time.
- **Weight** – **805–815 kg**, contributing to its **nimble handling**.
The **1430 Sport** was introduced in **1977**, offering **more power and improved acceleration** compared to the **1200 Sport**.
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Rivals
Here’s how the **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** compared to its **main rivals** in terms of performance:
Performance Comparison
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h | Top Speed |
|-------|--------|-------|--------|------------|-----------|
| **SEAT 1200 Sport** | 1.2L (1,197 cc) | **67 hp** | **94 Nm** | **12.5 sec** | **157 km/h** |
| **SEAT 1430 Sport** | 1.4L (1,438 cc) | **77 hp** | **108 Nm** | **11.2 sec** | **164 km/h** |
| **Fiat 128 Coupé** | 1.3L | **75 hp** | **103 Nm** | **11.8 sec** | **160 km/h** |
| **Ford Capri 1.6L** | 1.6L | **82 hp** | **125 Nm** | **11.5 sec** | **165 km/h** |
| **Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1** | 1.5L | **85 hp** | **130 Nm** | **10.9 sec** | **170 km/h** |
| **Renault 17 TS** | 1.6L | **90 hp** | **135 Nm** | **10.5 sec** | **175 km/h** |
The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport** was competitive with its rivals, offering **sporty styling and affordability** compared to the more established brands. The **Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1** and **Renault 17 TS** had the edge in **power and acceleration**, while the **Fiat 128 Coupé** was a close match in terms of performance.
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Spares/Specialists NI
If you're looking for **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980) spares** in the **UK or Ireland**, here are some great places to check:
Online Spare Parts Suppliers
- **[SERE Motors](https://www.seremotors.com/seat/aftersales/parts/)** – SEAT-approved parts supplier in **Northern Ireland**, offering **genuine SEAT components** with **delivery options**.
- **[SEAT Direct Parts](https://seatdirectparts.co.uk/help/seat-genuine-parts/)** – Specializes in **manufacturer-approved SEAT parts**, ensuring **quality and compatibility**.
- **[eBay UK](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232934098935)** – Listings for **SEAT 1430 Sport engine rebuild kits**, gaskets, and other rare components.
Local Breakers & Salvage Yards
- **SEAT Breakers UK** – Various **car dismantlers** stock **Cordoba SX and classic SEAT parts**, including **engines, gearboxes, and body panels**.
- **Irish Auto Salvage** – A network of **breakers yards in Ireland**, offering **used SEAT parts**.
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Specialist Garages NI
There are several **specialist garages** in **Northern Ireland** that provide **SEAT servicing, repairs, and diagnostics**. Here are some options:
SEAT Specialist Garages in Northern Ireland
- **[V.A.G Service & Repairs](https://www.vagservicecentre.co.uk/)** – Located in **Newtownabbey**, specializing in **Volkswagen Group vehicles**, including **SEAT, Audi, VW, and Skoda**.
- **[Sterretts Auto Centre](http://sterrettsautocentre.com/)** – Based in **Belfast**, offering **professional car repair services**.
- **[Belfast Service Centre](https://belfastservicecentre.co.uk)** – Specializes in **Audi servicing**, but may also handle **SEAT models**.
- **[Alan McVeigh Motor Repairs](https://www.alanmcveigh.com/)** – A **highly-rated garage in Belfast**, known for **diagnostics and repairs**.
- **[German Motorworks](https://germanmotorworks.co.uk/ecu-tuning-remapping-northern-ireland)** – Located in **Banbridge**, specializing in **German car repairs**, including **SEAT models**.
- **[SERE Motors SEAT Servicing](https://www.seremotors.com/seat/aftersales/service/)** – Official **SEAT service centre** in **Belfast and Lisburn**, offering **manufacturer-approved servicing**.
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Racing
The **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980)** did not have an official **factory-backed racing career**, but it was occasionally used in **private motorsport events**. SEAT focused more on **rallying efforts** with other models, such as the **SEAT 124 and later the Cordoba WRC**.
However, there were **concept sketches** for a **racing version** of the **1200/1430 Sport**, which never made it to production. Some enthusiasts modified the car for **local racing and hill climb events**, but it was not a mainstream competitor in major championships.
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Valuation
In the UK market as of April 2025, a well-maintained or fully restored SEAT 1200/1430 Sport (1975-1980) is estimated to be worth between £12,000–£18,000, while less pristine examples may range from £4,000–£12,000, depending on condition and provenance.
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Clubs
If you're looking for **SEAT 1200/1430 Sport owners clubs** in **Northern Ireland**, here are some places to check:
Online Communities & Clubs
- **[SEAT Cordoba Owners Club on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2769590293317689/)** – A group where **Cordoba owners** share their cars, knowledge, and experiences.
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