The career of the Simca 1000, released in late 1961, started rather slowly, even though its three-box design and its rear engine were fashionable at that time. Its success was a continuing progress, also in rally; the small Simca was sold until 1978. This Simca 1000 GLS was recognizable by its all-chrome wheel covers. This trim level was discontinued in 1968.

La famille Vedette doit ses lignes américanisées au fait qu’il s’agit au départ d’un projet de Ford France. Mais le label est racheté en 1954 par Simca. Les Trianon (4 cylindres), Versailles et Régence sont restylées en 1957 et deviennent Ariane, Beaulieu et Chambord, toutes à moteur V8. Cette dernière, plus luxueuse, est ici reproduite tractant une caravane Hénon.

La famille Vedette doit ses lignes américanisées au fait qu’il s’agit au départ d’un projet de Ford France. Mais le label est racheté en 1954 par Simca. Les Trianon (4 cylindres), Versailles et Régence sont restylées en 1957 et deviennent Ariane, Beaulieu et Chambord, toutes à moteur V8. Cette dernière, plus luxueuse, est ici reproduite tractant une caravane Hénon.

Matra s’est associé à Simca pour commercialiser la remplaçante de sa 530. Lancée en 1973, Bagherra a ainsi pu connaître une diffusion plus large. Habillé d’une carrosserie en fibre de verre, ce coupé, ici reproduit avant son restylage de 1976, dispose d’un moteur central et dispose, à bord, de trois places de front. Ce que proposera aussi la Murena, son éphémère remplaçante née en 1980.

The American style of the Vedette family is explained by the fact that it was originally a Ford France project. But Simca bought this brand in 1954. Restyled in 1957, the Trianon, the Versailles and the Régence were respectively renamed Ariane, Beaulieu and Chambord. Here we have presidential version of the latter, 18 cm/7 in longer than the original model, produced in 1960.

Displayed at the 1959 Geneva Motor Show, the Fulgur is Simca's response to a challenge launched by the Journal de Tintin to imagine the automobile of the year 2000. The prototype, designed by Robert Opron (also the stylist of the Citroën GS, SM, CX and Renault Fuego), had no engine. It was supposed to be voice-controlled and to receive obstacle detectors and electromagnetic suspension.

Displayed at the 1959 Geneva Motor Show, the Fulgur is Simca's response to a challenge launched by the Journal de Tintin to imagine the automobile of the year 2000. The prototype, designed by Robert Opron (also the stylist of the Citroën GS, SM, CX and Renault Fuego), had no engine. It was supposed to be voice-controlled and to receive obstacle detectors and electromagnetic suspension.

Revealed in 1956, the Océane features a grille crossed by a thick bar. The production model, in 1957, received the grille that you can see here. The body was produced by Facel Vega, and the convertible version, as well as the Coupé Plein Air, were produced until 1962. As an ultimate evolution, they were both equipped with a 70 hp engine. This is the version that is reproduced here.

Revealed in 1956, the Océane features a grille crossed by a thick bar. The production model, in 1957, received the grille that you can see here. The body was produced by Facel Vega, and the convertible version, as well as the Coupé Plein Air, were produced until 1962. As an ultimate evolution, they were both equipped with a 70 hp engine.

Revealed in 1956, the Océane features a grille crossed by a thick bar. The production model, in 1957, received the grille that you can see here. The body was produced by Facel Vega, and the convertible version, as well as the Coupé Plein Air, were produced until 1962. As an ultimate evolution, they were both equipped with a 70 hp engine. This is the version that is reproduced here.

The Marly was the estate version of the Simca Vedette. Why was the whole range equipped with a V8? Because initially, this project had been imagined by Ford’s French subsidiary, bought by Simca in 1954. According to Norev, this Marly is a 1957 model year. But before October 1957. After, it received a semi-panoramic windshield inspired by American fashion, which is not the case here.

Launched in spring 1978, the Horizon is the last Simca model. Chrysler sold this brand, whose history is tumultuous, shortly after. Peugeot bought it and renamed it Talbot in summer 1979. This original Solido miniature car was released in December 1978. It is a part of a stock that was never sold, not a re-release. This “new-old” model car has the quality of finish of its time.

Launched in spring 1978, the Horizon is the last Simca model. Chrysler sold this brand, whose history is tumultuous, shortly after. Peugeot bought it and renamed it Talbot in summer 1979. This original Solido miniature car was released in December 1978. It is a part of a stock that was never sold, not a re-release. This “new-old” model car has the quality of finish of its time.

Launched in spring 1978, the Horizon is the last Simca in history. A few months later, Chrysler sold this brand, originally created by Fiat and whose history was tumultuous, to Peugeot. The latter renamed the brand Talbot in summer 1979. The Horizon ended its career with this logo, and in the States under the names Plymouth Horizon and Dodge Omni. This Horizon GLS is a 1978 model year.