Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was a French car manufacturer that was acquired by Chrysler Europe – which in turn was incorporated into PSA.
The pictures from Saturday originate from a small car festival in a small French village not far from the Mediterranean.
Palau del Vidre
The village with the Catalan name dates from the 1300th century. The name of the city means "glass palace". And glass is what the city is most famous for. Glassblowers still make artful glass. Among several cultural events this autumn, the "fête de l'auto" was organized on Saturday and Sunday with an exhibition of old cars in the city centre, and military vehicles at a nearby lake. Cars are culture – at least when the event is accompanied by cheerful horn music.
1969 Ford Mustang
Simca Aronde
Simca Aronde gave a lot of car for the money. The entry-level model with a 40-horsepower 1100 engine did not cost much more than the Renault Dauphine. The Simca was 18 cm longer and 4 cm wider than the Dauphine. Both Renault Dauphine and Simca Aronde were at the top of the sales charts in the 60s in France.
The family car that never found its place on the market.
Had several models of success
Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was a French car brand. It all started in 1934, the first cars were mostly license-produced models from Fiat. After the war, earlier models were continued. It was not until 1951 that Aronde arrived, which was the first self-developed model. Aronde was an immediate sales success. Another important step forward was the takeover of Ford's factory in France. Now Simca got larger passenger cars into the range. The models were formerly Ford Vedette which changed their name to Simca. A small stern engine car (Simca 1000) was introduced in 1962. It became very popular and was in production until 1978. The Aronde was replaced by the 1300/1500 in 1963 and the series was produced with upgrades until 1976. The new trend of transverse engine, Simca followed up with the 1100 in 1968. In 1970, Simca changed its name to Chrysler France and the cars were profiled with Chrysler's logo. The Simca 1307/1308 (a brand new model) was named car of the year in 1976.
Simca Horizon
The Horizon was a model that was initially supposed to replace the popular Simca 1100. It was sold between 1977 and 1985. In Europe it was sold under the names Simca, Chrysler and Talbot. The name confusion was due to Chrysler discontinuing its European venture in 1978 and Peugeot taking over. Chrysler/Simca was renamed and continued as Talbot. The Horizon was a comfortable car with good driving characteristics, and was awarded the award "Car of the Year" in 1979. On the most exclusive variants, the level of equipment was better than that of the competitors.
A world car with many names
Chrysler initially wanted this to be the group's "world car". It was launched in the US both as Dodge and Plymouth. In Europe, production took place in France, England, Spain and Finland. Even with persistent marketing and many awards, the model was not a success. With so many names and partly failing quality, it could not meet the competition on the market. When production ended in 1987, it was also the end for cars with the Talbot brand.
Technical data Horizon LS model 1981
– Engine: 1118 ccm, 53 hp (was also delivered with larger engines).
– Measurements/Weight: Length 396 cm, Width 168 cm
– Miscellaneous: Top speed 147 km/h.
This Talbot Horizon is manufactured in Valmet, Finland.
1981 Horizon technical image,
German-language version of an advertisement that was published in several languages in several countries.
The Chrysler 2 liter is the story of the car that lacked personality and never found its place on the market.
Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was a French car brand. It all started in 1934, the first cars were mostly license-produced models from Fiat. After the war, earlier models were continued. It was not until 1951 that Aronde arrived, which was the first self-developed model. Aronde was an immediate sales success. Another important step forward was the takeover of Ford's factory in France. Now Simca got larger passenger cars into the range. The models were formerly Ford Vedette which changed their name to Simca. A small stern engine car (Simca 1000) was introduced in 1962. It became very popular and was in production until 1978. The Aronde was replaced by the 1300/1500 in 1963 and the series was produced with upgrades until 1976. The new trend of transverse engine, Simca followed up with the 1100 in 1968. The Simca 1307/1308 (a completely new model) was named car of the year in 1976. In 1970, the factory changed its name to Chrysler France and the cars were profiled with Chrysler's logo. To confuse customers, the cars were marketed as Chrysler, Simca and Talbot.
More of everything
The Chrysler 2 liter was launched in 1973 as a top model. It was a further development of the model series 160/180 which came on the market in 1970. On this model there was more equipment and luxury than on the more affordable 160/180 models. With this model, Chrysler wanted to reach European car buyers with high demands and expectations for their new car. Here was everything that many would expect from a European luxury car. Automatic transmission was standard along with many other details that would tempt those looking for a well-equipped car. The factory put a nice and luxurious interior in this top model. The seats were either upholstered in leather or velor. The doors were upholstered in the same exclusive fabric as the seats. On the instrument panel there was both a tachometer and plenty of warning lights. The factory believed that luxury and engine power should be good selling points.
But this was not enough to tempt those who were going to buy a car. The 2 liter model went out of production in France already in 1976, but a limited production continued in Spain for a few years.
Facts Chrysler 2 liter
Length: 453 cm
Width: 173 cm
Height: 144 cm
Top speed: 170 km/h
Engine: 1981 ccm, 110 hp
Luxurious with velor on the seats and the inside of the doorsChrysler 2 liter
The new Simca 1000 quickly became a bestseller on the home market. The Simca 1000 fit perfectly into the small car class together with the Renault Dauphine and Volkswagen's popular bubble. It also had the engine at the rear and drive on the rear wheels like several of the most important competitors. Modern technical solutions such as independent suspension on all wheels and a fully synchronized gearbox appealed to those who were going to buy a new family car. In addition, it had 4 doors and a top speed of 120 km/h which was better than most competitors.
A touch of luxury
The new model from the factory was delivered in several variants from a fairly ribbed standard model to the well-equipped GLS model with an almost luxury interior compared to cars it was supposed to compete against. Here there were gorgeous French fabric seats and nice colors compared to the rather sad small cars from the competitors. The Simca 1000 was an immediate success, especially in its home country but also on the export markets. It was produced until 1978 in a number of variants.
Simca 1000 1963 model
Engine 944 ccm – 45 hp
Length: 379 cm
Width 149 cm
Height 139 cm
Simca 1000 car history
An inviting interior
Advertisement from 1962
See
SimcaSimca 1000Simca 1100 car historySimca 1100Simca Aronde
The Simca 1100 became a French bestseller. Produced in over 2 million copies!
A smart car
A new trend
The development of this model started in the early 1960s. Simca saw a new trend after the BMC Mini and Renault 4 became big sellers. The trend was front-wheel drive and a transverse engine that gave plenty of room for the passengers. Large rear door gave the Renault R4 an extra plus.
Several variants
The all-new Simca 1100 was launched in October 1967 and was the first new model to be fitted with the Chrysler logo and wheel covers. The public fell for the new car, and in 1968 over 138000 cars were sold. For periods this was the best-selling car model in France. In the 1970s, variants with larger and more powerful engines appeared. Special with 75 hp and TI which had a whopping 82 hp. The TI was the first real GTI model on the market (1973). The van version with a high roof VF2 was sold here in Norway as the most affordable van on the market. During the entire production period, the model range varied from year to year.
Simca 1100 – a real bestseller
1100 it became a real bestseller for the factory, and the total production was over 2 copies until 000. It was produced in several countries, including Sweden.
Technical Data (1968)
– Engine: 1118cc / 53 hp or 56 hp
– Measurements/Weight: Length 394 cm, Width 158 cm, Height 146 cm
– Miscellaneous: Top speed 140 km/h.
Combi Coupe – right up to the times
Good interior space
1100 TI – still in motorsport
Advertisement with a focus on ease of use.
See
SimcaSimca 1100Simca 1000 car historySimca 1000Simca ArondeSimca VedetteFrench classics 3
Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was a French car brand. It all started in 1934, the first cars were mostly license-produced models from Fiat. After the war, earlier models were continued. It was not until 1951 that Aronde arrived, which was the first self-developed model. Aronde was an immediate sales success. Another important step forward was the takeover of Ford's factory in France. Now Simca got larger passenger cars into the range. The models were formerly Ford Vedette which changed their name to Simca. A small stern-engined car (Simca 1000) was introduced in 1962. It became very popular, and was in production until 1978. The Aronde was replaced by the 1300/1500 in 1963, and the series was produced with upgrades until 1976. The new trend of transverse engine, Simca followed up with the 1100 in 1968. In 1970, Simca changed its name to Chrysler France and the cars were profiled with Chrysler's logo. The Simca 1307/1308 (a completely new model) was named car of the year in 1976. The next model (Horizon) received the same award the following year. Simca was taken over by PSA (Peugeot) and changed its name to Talbot and the brand disappeared around 1982.
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.
Complete interior as it was when the car was new. I like the steering wheel with the V8 emblem in the middle. Steering wheel - and if I'm not mistaken, the turn signal is controlled from the small switch on the steering column. Click on the image to see it in a larger format. Photo: Nina Viko Eidsgård.The interior has been redone. Click on the image to see it in a larger format. Photo: Nina Viko Eidsgård.Painted in original colors – green and beige. Click on the image to see it in a larger format. Photo: Nina Viko Eidsgård.
It looked like the car of the Spökelsekladden or the B gang. It had a rough, uncultivated engine sound. Not as cozy as the Buick I had recently been on a trip with.
Simca Beaulieu V8.
The description of the Simca Vedette is taken from my own memory as a boy around 1970. A neighbor passed our house daily with his Simca V8. From the front you could hear the engine well. It had a sharp and uncultivated soundscape – like the sound of a vintage car.
I could perhaps have added: - Like an old man Ford.
Simca V8 is about the remains after American Ford had tried to establish itself on French soil shortly after the war. The engine they had brought to the project was a scaled-down version of Ford's side-vented flathead V8 from the early thirties. A historic motoring legend. When Simca took over the estate from Ford in 1954, they further developed the engine, among other things by increasing the stroke length and raising the compression. With 2,4 liters (143 cubic inches) and 84 horses, it is still considered one of the world's smallest series-produced V8s. At the same time in the United States, Ford now supplied cars with the new V8 engine, the so-called Y-block engine, with overhead valves (OHV).
French car history
The cars in the pictures are Simca Vedette series 2 which came in 1958. Simca introduced new, all-French model names which Beaulieu og Chambord. They became prestige cars on a par with the expensive Citroën DS models. A separate presidential edition was even made. All in all, 62 Vedetters were produced between 000 and 1958. Then the V1961 project was stopped - for good. V8s were never going to dominate European fleets.
I saw the burgundy Beaulieu at a car meet in Canet-en-Roussillon in the south of France. In this region, Vedetters are as rare as here at home. While I was taking pictures, a gray-haired gentleman came walking towards the car with determined steps. He looked at the model designation on the rear screen and exclaimed with joy:
«- Ahh, Beaulieu!!!»
The two patinated cars in the picture gallery are on private land at Sando in Holmestrand municipality. There used to be an old petrol station there. Guessing that the cars have been connected to the station.
- Remains from the time when there were Vedetters on Norwegian roads.
Simca Beaulieu in pictures
A complete instrument panel with V8 emblem in the steering wheel hub and cubes under the mirror.An almost complete dashboard.Beautiful view with a view of the fjord and Kommersøya.With an N-mark at the back and a souvenir from Sweden on the rear window, one can probably conclude that this car must have been driven in Norway.Emblem: Beaulieu. Many vital details intact.Beaulieu. Simca Vedette series 2.Ancient French pride in a beautiful Norwegian agricultural landscape.It seems that the car in the background is a parts car. It has damage to the front and lacks glass, but has details that the "main car" lacks.
Facts about Simca Beaulieu
About the model
Year of production: 1958-61
Length: 4,70 metres
Width: 1,77 meters
Motor
Side vented, V8.
Displacement: 2351 ccm / 143 ci
Horsepower: 84 at 4800 rpm
Torque: 152 Nm at 2750 revolutions
Daily Simca Vedette Presidency has belonged to General De Gaulle. The car has been used by, among others, Queen Elisabeth, the Shah of Iran and John F. Kennedy. Here it is offered at auction in Paris in 2013. French authorities demanded that the historic vehicle remain on French soil. And the bonus? It was €117 (French speaking).
Chrysler 2 literA completely unique VedetteSimca Ariane
