| Anniversary Celebrations | SEAT 600 |
Perhaps not so famous in this part of the world, the SEAT 600 played no small part in the economic turnaround of a country weary from war - the little SEAT is a cultural icon of a boom period in Spain between 1959 and 1973.
Produced by the Spanish manufacturer SEAT under Fiat licence from 1957 for 16 years, the unpretentious 600 was mechanically more humble than its feats suggest. Initially it used a 633cc (rising to 767cc in 1963) water-cooled four-cylinder engine, mounted behind the rear axle and mated to a four-speed gearbox. Power output in 1957 was 21.5hp, no more than adequate even then. Unusually, the interior of the vehicle was designed first, so as to ensure that passengers would be transported in relative comfort.
The first 600N model was distinguishable by the use of 'suicide doors', replaced later by conventional items, however. Further D, E and L models were introduced; gaining bigger headlamps, a different grille and other incremental improvements. A four-door variant named the 800 was also produced between 1963 and 1968.
The 600 was a relatively inexpensive vehicle and just within reach of the limited economic capabilities of a typical Spanish family in the 1960s, therefore providing mobility and independence to the people of Spain in a period of industrialisation and growth.
We can't help but wonder if parent company Volkswagen will allow the company to produce a fun city car in the same vein as the new Fiat 500; it's unlikely.
Richard Tanner - 16 Aug 2007
