The model appeared in 1957. It is very similar to the Vedette and could be supplied with V8 (Vedette) and 4-cylinder engines from the Aronde model.
Big car – small engine
In total, Ariane is 17 cm shorter than its "big brother" Vedette - a difference that has been achieved by changes to the rear section and simpler bumper horns. In France the tax and duty system was based on engine size. By putting in a small engine, customers got a lot of car for their money. Panhard used small 2-cylinder engines in full-fledged family cars. Simca's "Flash" engine had a displacement of 1300 ccm and 47 HP. With 6 people in the car, the gear lever probably had to be used diligently. In 1958, Ariane could be delivered with the Vedette's V8 engine. The model was called Ariane 8, and became more of an entry model to the Vedette family than an Ariane. From the 1962 model, the "Super Confort" edition of the Ariane could be supplied with Simca's "Rush" engine - a variant of the 1300 engine that gave more power - 62 HP.
200.000 km on track
The new "Rush" engine was also an engine earmarked for the smaller Aronde model. It was a further development of the "Flash" with, among other things, a 5-bearing crankshaft, higher compression and an improved ignition system. Even with the extra power, the Ariane was a bit underpowered for its time. To show the durability of the new engine, Simca initiated a project where a Simca Ariane with a "Rush" engine under the hood drove 200.000 on a closed track. The experiment, which was carried out at the Autodrome de Miramas in the South of France, was a success. Not only for the Ariane, but also for the Aronde which shared the same engine. But the "Miramas" followed the Ariane for the rest of its life, including as a "continuation model" in Argentina under the name Ariane Miramas.
As a hobby car
A search on leboncoin.fr (French Finn.no) yields 6 cars for sale throughout France. 4 of them are complete cars in good condition. For these, the asking price is between 80.000 – 100.000 NOK. 2 cars appear to be running on their own, but require full restoration. For these, the asking price is 10.000 – 20.000 NOK. According to the car register, there are only 3 cars with plates, the newest a 1963 model. The register contains a further 13 cars that are either wrecked or only de-plated. They are also rare in France, although they occasionally appear at car shows. It can be difficult to obtain parts, although several old Simca workshops may have wear parts in stock. The Ariane may have an advantage over the Vedette, as the 4-cylinder engines are shared with the super-popular Aronde.
About the pictures
The picture of the blue car was taken at a car meet in Perpignan. The white/red car is photographed at another car meeting in Perpignan and at Argeles-sur-Mer in the South of France.
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