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A real manufacturer is created. The plans are indeed those of Fiat, but the parts are manufactured in France and assembled in the brand's factory in Suresnes. Before the war, the Simca 5 (based on the 500 Topolino) and the Simca 8 (based on the 508C Ballila or Fiat 1100 Nuova Ballila) were launched, continuing their careers after the war. The technical bases are exactly those of Fiat, and it was not until 1951 with the launch of the Simca 9 that a car truly created by Simca appeared (though it still used the mechanics of the Simca 8 1200, originally from Fiat).
The development of the car led to it being renamed Aronde (a real success that even became the best-selling car in France in 1956), and under its hood appeared the Flash and Rush engines, developed by the manufacturer now based in Poissy. Simca indeed took over the Ford France factory and one of the brand's models: the Vedette, which would be the last car to offer a "French" V8.
In the 1960s, Simca launched its best-seller, the Simca 1000, and expanded its range with the introduction of the 1300/1500 sedans, while Fiat made way for Chrysler as a shareholder of the company. In 1967, the brand's first truly modern car appeared, the 1100, a front-wheel drive with a transverse engine and hatchback. The range of that time was also known for its sporty side, led by the Simca 1200 S coupe, as well as the Simca 1000 Rallye, true competitors to the R8 Gordini.
Simca became increasingly closer to Chrysler by launching the 160 / 180 / 2 liters, which were branded Simca-Chrysler. The American manufacturer withdrew from the brand in 1978 and sold its European division to Peugeot, which transformed Simca into Talbot, while retaining the models already produced.
The Simca cars are rarer in collections than Renault, Peugeot, or Citroën but remain present on the roads and in the hearts of the French. You will find our full range of engine parts for these cars here:
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