Simca 1935-1976 - Francophile between independence and dependence
Summary
There were around 10,000 car brands and designers - most of them have disappeared. One of these vanished brands is Simca. The company began producing cars as early as 1935, initially parallel models to the Fiat Topolino and Balilla. Modern shapes and compact construction won the hearts of customers. Models such as Aronde, Trianon, Versailles and Regence bear witness to the French roots, but the design was soon also influenced by the USA. After the Second World War, the compact class was introduced with the 1100 model. In 1969, Simca was integrated into the Chrysler Corporation and later sold to PSA.
Estimated reading time: 3min
Preview (beginning of the article)
The Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile = Simca was founded in 1935 by Henri T. Pigozzi in Paris-Nanterre. The types 5 and 8 were analogous models to the Fiat 500 (Topolino) and 1100 (Balilla). The post-war Simca6 combined the Topolino shape with a modern front end, and the Simca 8 was also available as an attractive convertible built by Facel and as a coupé. The final step towards independence was taken in 1951 with the Simca Aronde. In 1954, Pigozzi took over the Ford plants in Poissy. There, the Vedette V8 models were further developed into the highly elegant Trianon, Versailles and Régence saloons. The Ariane was created in 1957 from their combination with the Aronde. At the same time, Versailles and Régence were replaced by the fashionable Beaulieu/Chambord with panoramic windshield and rear fins.
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