About this SEAT 600

1970 SEAT 600E – A Beautifully Restored Spanish Icon - DEPOSIT TAKEN

SEAT (Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo S.A.) was founded in 1950 as a joint venture between the Spanish state holding agency (Instituto Nacional de Industria), six Spanish banks, and Fiat. Until 1982, most SEATs were Fiat-based models built under license, but the 600 and its four-door sibling, the SEAT 800, became true Spanish icons.

The SEAT 600 was Spain’s answer to affordable mobility — a charming 2-door saloon city car built by SEAT under license from Fiat between 1957 and 1973. Based on Dante Giacosa’s legendary Fiat 600 design, the car became an enduring symbol of Spain’s post-war economic revival. It is a classic rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive city car that is powered by a 4-cylinder, water-cooled gasoline engine, starting with a 633cc unit and later upgrading to a 767cc engine (32.5 bhp) in the 600 D, E, and L Especial models, delivering top speeds around 115 km/h.

Compact yet full of character, the SEAT 600 measured just 3.32 metres (10.9 ft) in length and when launched in 1957, it was priced at 65,000 pesetas (£385) before taxes. Over its production run, 797,319 SEAT 600's were built at SEAT’s Zona Franca factory in Barcelona, with exports reaching Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Finland, Poland, and Portugal. Between 1958 and 1968, it reigned as Spain’s best-selling car.

About This Car

Our delightful example is a SEAT 600E, the third and final series produced between 1969 and 1973. This version introduced several welcome upgrades: conventional doors, larger headlamps, improved locking mechanisms, ignition with anti-theft system, a revised grille, storage tray, central ashtray, refreshed upholstery, and a new illuminated water temperature gauge. Most notably, it is powered by the uprated 767cc four-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox.

This particular car was first registered in Alicante, Spain on 30th June 1970 and remained in Spanish ownership for 41 years, with just two careful owners, before being purchased by our client in 2011.

Ownership & Restoration

The last long-term owner shared this account:

“We moved to Spain in 2005 to run a party, bakery, and ceramic café business in Sotogrande, near Gibraltar. In 2011, I bought the SEAT 600 from a Spanish friend who’d owned it for 20 years — it was originally registered in Alicante. I planned to use it as a photo booth vehicle for parties and corporate events, and it fit perfectly with our business theme!”
The car had been used daily and was mechanically sound but cosmetically tired. It was subsequently sent to Premier Body Shop in Estepona, where it underwent a full body restoration and a colour change from red to Old English Cream. A respected local trimmer reupholstered the seats, fitted new carpets, door cards, and headlining. The restoration took six months and cost over €12,000.

During the process, numerous new parts were fitted, including:

New headlights and chrome surrounds
Front and rear bumpers
Wheels and SEAT chrome hubcaps
Tyres and chrome door trims
SEAT badges and grab handles
New lenses, indicators, and various fittings
All sourced easily and affordably from established EU and UK suppliers.

In 2014, the owner sold his business and returned to the UK, bringing the SEAT with him. It was imported and registered in the UK on 1st June 2014, receiving its age-related number plate HDS 710H.

“The car has never seen rain and has always been garaged. It’s been cherished and has given us endless fun — it turns heads wherever it goes!”

Condition & Sale Details

This SEAT 600E is in superb condition throughout and is totally rust-free. The 767cc engine gives it lively performance for its size, making it a genuinely enjoyable and usable classic.

Before delivery, the car will undergo a pre-sale inspection and service, and will be supplied with a new MOT (although exempt). It also comes with our 6-month mechanical warranty, which can be upgraded or extended at additional cost.

Now available for viewing at our showrooms.

Please Note
Classic Chrome Ltd takes great care to ensure the accuracy of every advertisement. All descriptions are provided in good faith and based on information from the vehicle’s history file and previous owners. However, as with any classic vehicle, buyers should satisfy themselves as to the car’s condition and suitability prior to purchase. This disclaimer does not affect your statutory rights.