New star in our cars to remember, classical models still continue to have a legion of followers. Here is an interesting test aboard the 1430 Seat 1974.

The 70s of last century They lived the arrival of legendary cars. One of the saloons most popular at that time was the 1430 Seat, the protagonist in this article classic car for remembrance. Then you can enjoy the original full proof was published in the number 334 of the magazine Motor Classic.

"Before picking a coupé, a convertible or Turbo, Gonzalo preferred release in the hobby with this sedan, widespread in the first half of the year 70. In this case, a classic in enviable condition and good walking.

Gonzalo is a lucky guy, but as he wrote the Roman poet Virgil, luck only helps daring. just over a year ago, she moved from Madrid to Badajoz with the intention of buying his first classic. He had decided he was going to be a 1430 Seat and he did accompanied by Alexander, friend and well versed in the mechanics of such saloon RWD. Pacense in the capital in a workshop waiting for them Amaranto Red color model who stars in this article and had seen advertised for sale.

They liked it as they saw it, but before negotiations had to upload to elevator and examine it in depth. The low They were healthy, the body newly repainted in its original color, correct transmission and engine renovated a 0 km. He had released in October 1974 which was then the head of the railway station of Badajoz, who kept him indoors, used moderately and kept in the workshop mentioned since beating the guarantee.

As well They had been renovated inside roof, seat upholstery, the carpeted floor and trims door nappel, all with source materials. In addition, the exhaust pipe had been replaced by a Duramax stainless steel, giving confidence that this section would not cause snags.

So, This seat 1430 He was ready to continue to be used for a handful of years, making only periodic oil changes, filters and timely adjustments. Indeed, Gonzalo had been Alejandro’s house a week before that we did the photo shoot and testing. And it felt that management had become more vague and that the brake pedal down more than usual. Both abnormalities were be settled, after adjusting the steering box and proceed to the replacement of both the hose and the renewal of the brake fluid.

With the car still resting on its front six air inlets located between the bumper and grille, distinctive appreciate the 1430 Seat “potentiated”. It was also noted that the grid has excess chrome slats, since in this series only shone the center, crossed by Seat rectangular shield. Their 75 CV, obtained the same regime as the version appeared in 1969, They were achieved thanks to an explosion chamber redesigned a different carburetor and valve timing increased by six tenths of a millimeter, while the camshaft retained the same diagram 19-48-59-8.

Otherwise, when your profile or rear seen this car has a similar aesthetic to which had the model since 1971, when the beads were added in the wheel, the aeration valves in the rear pillars and the rear lights duplicate.

With the hood open, shows that the motor has convenient access to its leading components, such as spark plugs, ignition distributor, the coil or the carburettor, while the gearbox is hidden under the partition with the carrier. Yes, this car draws attention to the cover provided by a recent Seat Ibiza, which hides the modern battery. “If I now those black batteries with your kitty pet Tudor, left over the cover,” says Alexander.

After opening flat door lock and sit, it is appreciated the visibility all angles, it would be even better without these deflectors triangles whose design was already outdated at the time. soft touch on the leather steering wheel, leaving invisible hoop traditional hard and plasticky. Opposite the two circles that include instrumentation, consisting of a marking speedometer 170 km / h and cuentavueltas yellow zone from 5,500 rpm and red from 6000. They are accompanied by the level of the fuel tank, thermometer coolant Y five witnesses.

We gave removing the mat typical of the time, so that the color of the carpet were to appreciate and quedasen well in sight of three pedals suspended. The driving position can be adjusted backrest angle and distance, but we have to choose the most reasonable alternative, it is impossible to be completely satisfied with this seat and the bottom bracket. By contrast, most of the controls are in their logical place until even the spherical knob shifter, located in the exact place they would look blindly.

By becoming by law mandatory equipment since January 1973, this car has standard seat belts in the front seats Antitheft system and anti-theft system that locks the steering. Regarding the latter, did not stop then was one of the cars more “borrowed from borrowed”, given its performance, significant diffusion and internal use. Also it features heated rear window and tinted glass, two options factory built in most units.

By putting the engine running, the oil pressure warning sign that the pump fulfills its function correctly turns off immediately. In a flat road and with two people on board, the first two runs and then we fall short in third at 60/70 km / h, to shuttle taking the pulse in a solitary and with slight curves route. In that situation, the car is comfortable and manageable, engine rocker arms and lateral camshaft is heard and accelerates firmly nothing to give gas. Pulling direction is fast and the four discs 227 mm achieve a faultless decelerations, as in a car this time. Instead, step a bumpy area it makes we slow down, to prevent the rigid axle bounce back so abruptly.

A few kilometers later access a dual carriageway little crowded. Accelerating from the lane addition, the rear axle has calmed down and in the blink of an eye we fourth the legal limit of 120 km / h real, thanks to a precise shifter and brief tour. In these circumstances, the motor rotates at 4,800 rpm for shoes takes a modern tires 155/80 R 13. This measurement is the closest to mount series but shorten development 2.5%. In this regime, the mechanics can go without risk, but it is too high the amount of noise contributed by the swirling air and motor. If any, he had already engaged fifth gear.

In fact, Gonzalo was looking unsuccessfully way lengthen developments, something that other fans will also strive classic four marches. Until he found the best solution, which is not technical but common sense. Since the 1430 Seat It was designed to run with agility in the old two-way street, it is gratifying that kind of circular paths. And even better if the firm lacks bumps and irregularities.

In this plan, ideal for recreational use car, it is a delight to travel to the controls of this saloon whose age exceeds forty. It is true that we must forgive a somewhat vague steering and suspensions carried wrong with the gritty asphalt. In return, this issue based on its vigor and for a state of conservation among his Gonzalo and Alexander are responsible for preserving."

technical data	Seat 1430 (1974)
Motor	longitudinal front, inline 4-cylinder
displacement	1,438 cm3
Power	75 hp at 5,400 rpm
Traction	A rear wheel
Change	4-speed manual
Maximum speed	155 km / h
average consumption	9 l / 100 km

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