It was intended to replace the old 600 and 850 models, and was also meant to provide a means for SEAT to open new markets and make up for the loss of sales in Spain that would come with the disappearance of the restrictions in car imports during the 1970s.

[3] This was still appropriate in Spain, but elsewhere in western Europe even "regular" fuel grades by now generally guaranteed a higher minimum octane rating.

Reflecting the rear engine lay-out, there was just a small well for parcels behind the back seats, with more room for luggage at the front boot.

This followed the signing of an agreement for the shipment of CKD kits from Seat's Barcelona plant to the Helwan premises of the Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company for assembly, in order to supply the Egyptian market and for export to Iraq.

[8] The 133 is popular in the Finnish low-budget motorsport called jokamiesluokka, a local folk racing series, where over 30 percent of the drivers chose to drive Fiat 133s at one point.