A stylistic "S" above "V" stands as a hood ornament. That must mean Simca Vedette. But in some export markets – such as Norway – the cars were sold as Fords. The car in the picture was sold by the then Ford dealer Finstads Autoco AS in Sandvika. This car is for sale. See contact information further down in the post!
Sold as Ford in Norway
When Ford wanted to establish itself in Europe after the war with a V8-based car model, they chose France. The all-new European Ford was named Vedette. But when France - along with others - began taxing horsepower in the early 50s, American Ford chose to withdraw from its European V8 project. The factory was taken over by French Simca who further developed the V8 and launched their first Simca model in 1954, as well as a sequel in 1958. Since the Vedette was already established as a Ford model, Simca chose to continue and deliver cars to Ford dealers in certain countries outside France, including Norway. Therefore, in 1958, Norwegian Ford dealers were able to introduce their new Ford Beaulieu, - a car with modern, American-inspired lines, a V8 engine and 6 seats.
Simca did not really want to continue using the Vedette model designation. New models were instead to be named after French castles – of which there are countless. The first series received the model names Trianon, Versailles and Marly (station wagon). The next model series, which arrived in 1958, was given names such as Beaulieu (simplest level of equipment), Chambord and Marly (station wagon). Nevertheless, the cars were referred to as Vedette – something they do to this day.
Complete history
The car in the picture was sold by Finstads Autoco AS in Sandvika. It was registered as a Ford Beaulieu. Today's owner inherited the car from his father, who in his time bought it from his brother-in-law after many years on unsalted roads in Østerdalen. Over several years, the father of the current owner has worked to bring the car to new-car condition. New paint and chrome, as well as newly painted seats. Original colors are used throughout.
You won't find that many Vedettes in Norway. I have seen 2 shared cars in Vestfold. There aren't many in my home country, France, either. That does not mean that it is unknown - at least not to those who remember the car from their own youth. I have seen great enthusiasm for a Vedette Beaulieu appearing at monthly car meets in the South of France. The car in the picture was shown at a Veteran car meeting in Nesbyen this summer, and received a lot of attention there.
For sale
This unique car is for sale. Click on the images to see them in a larger format. Cars in this condition go for 15 – 000 euros in France. Suggested price is NOK 20. Contact Nina on phone 000, or write a message to terjesbiler.no then we communicate via e-mail.
Send a message to Terjesbiler.no here
See advertisement on Finn.no here
Picture of another, Norwegian Beaulieu at the Norwegian Vehicle Register
Hope it will be in Norway...
See pictures of a great Vedette
See also:
I took over a French Ford Vedette 1957 model from my grandfather in 1970. It had then been driven about 27000 km! In other words, in good condition, apart from rust here and there in the bodywork. Felt a bit "king" in that 6-seater with V-8s !! No problem cruising at 150 on the motorway between Kløfta and Lillestrøm, no....(!)
Took it to a friend in 1971 for rust fixing, but he gave it up…. It ended its days with a woodcutter on Hadeland...
Wonderful history from the time when there were still Vedetters on Norwegian roads. Thank you very much!