1988 SEAT Ibiza 1.2 GL System Porsche

Description

• A System Porsche Model
• Just 31,000 miles
• Good history
• Lovely condition
• MOT’d until May 2023

With Italian design flair, German manufacturing skills and a Porsche developed powertrain, these cute, reliable classic Ibiza’s have a terrific cult-like following.

When ones as lovely as this one come along they are often snapped-up off market, so for us, it’s a pleasure to be able to market this one.

History

The famous Italian design team of Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign had just had their pitch to VW for the Mk2 Golf rejected. SEAT jumped at the opportunity the gap provided. Giugiaro’s team responded by refreshing the Golf 2 proposal and turned it into the Ibiza and here we have a great example of the Ibiza 1.2 GL System Porsche model.

It was launched at the prestigious Paris Motor Show in 1984. Designed by the Italian team, the Germans at Karman readied the Ibiza for production and a collaboration with Porsche produced the engine and gearbox; hence the term ‘System Porsche’. This was only used on the Gen One Ibiza’s like this one. Making this Ibiza 1.2 GL quite sought after indeed.

Outside

The Ibiza 1.2 GL beat rivals like the Fiesta and Nova hands down for space, but came in neatly underneath the larger Escort and Astra, making it a perfect fit in the market. The approach still makes sense today.

Here we have:

• A super smart three door model
• Striking gloss black coachwork
• Factory graduated silver/red graphics
• Multi-spoke Porsche GLX alloys fitted
• Glass sunroof
• Colour-coded bumpers
• Stylish full swoop single wiper
• New tyres recently fitted

Overall a lovely example for a 34 year old car. There are some “age related marks.. including filler under the rear screen surround, and some under the front, the paint on the roof has some blistering and the front wiper arm has some rust.  It’s also faded on the sunroof surround and there’s a micro blister on the bonnet. It’s not a condition A but a very good survivor” as per our vendor.

The three door Gen One cars are considered to be the Ibiza’s of choice, due to clever mix of functional German manufacturing softened by Italian flair. The shrewd blend works well.

Inside

The interior space is good, as well as interesting. It lacks the Mediterranean craziness of 80’s Fiats and Alfas. But the build quality is definitely German and it is this quirkiness that makes these highly sought after now.

There is a marked absence of control stalks. Instead we have a control panel of imaginative rocker switches buttons and knobs. It is delightful.

 

The driving position was described as rather good by road-testers at the time. The seating position is higher that you’d expect. The spacious glass gives a marvellously uncluttered all-round view.

The black with grey cloth interior is in good condition. As are carpets, door cards and headlining. The dashboard is free from cracks and to be honest, it all looks rather peachy inside.

Engine and mechanical

• Cambelt replaced
• New Webber carburettor conversion which replaced the rather unreliable original Pierburg 1b3
• Now also fitted with a reliable manual choke conversion
• The in-line four cylinder 1.2-ltr 8 valve ‘System Porsche’ engine produces a very healthy 64bhp which will whizz along happily all day.

AUTOCAR said this about the Ibiza

“The car feels fun in terms of performance, it revs willingly and has a lovely spread of power, delivered smoothly. Steering and handling feel delightful. For a start, the Ibiza is stable. It responds well to the wheel and does not roll much, its ride is excellent for a car of such a weight and size.”

Our View

A cracking starter classic, this Ibiza 1.2 GL can be used as daily driver. It comes with loads of history including the original book pack, with just 4 former owners and 31,000 miles.

To even spot one of these is a rare treat. Having the chance to own one in this good a condition is an opportunity not to be missed. You’ll kick yourself if you do.

 

Vehicle Location: North Yorkshire YO62 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor

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