Voilà c’est ça

Simca—or *Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile*—was a French car manufacturer that initially produced Fiat models under license starting in 1934. Following World War II, the company gradually shifted production to its own proprietary vehicle designs. After Ford decided to divest itself of its French plant in Poissy in 1954, Simca took over the factory and transformed it into the most modern automobile plant in Europe by 1957. This move propelled Simca to become France’s third-largest car manufacturer, trailing only Citroën and Renault. In 1959, Simca acquired the struggling manufacturer Talbot-Lago; a year prior, the American Chrysler Corporation had purchased a 15% stake in Simca. Chrysler steadily increased its shareholding until it held 100% of the voting rights by 1971. Peugeot then took the helm in 1978, rebranded all Simca models as Talbot, and phased out their production by 1986. In 1967, the company launched the highly innovative Model 1100, featuring front-wheel drive, a transversely mounted engine, a hatchback, and folding rear seats. A brilliant car for its time, it anticipated the concept of the original VW Golf—seven years before the Golf arrived—demonstrating exactly how it should be done. The Simca 1100 was produced as a hatchback and station wagon until 1981, and as a panel van until 1985. Although over two million units were manufactured and the car was a major success in Germany, the German Simca Club is aware of only 21 surviving examples in the country today. Viewed in this light, such a car is far rarer today than a Mercedes Gullwing—a true piece of automotive cultural heritage.

We discovered this Simca 1100 GLS—in the “Tourisme” estate (wagon) configuration—by chance in 2017 while out shopping near Versailles. It was a chance find because, although we had an appointment to view a different vehicle, we had no idea a Simca gem was waiting for us there as well. The car is in incredibly good and largely original condition. At the time, the odometer read 87,962 kilometers, and the vehicle comes with a wealth of original documentation. The interior is in excellent condition—the sort rarely found in a car of this age today. Only the front edge of the upper dashboard cover shows signs of delamination, likely caused by UV exposure from sunlight. We sold the car to an antique dealer in Berlin in 2018; since then, the estate has covered another 11,589 kilometers and has been serviced by us. The owner has now purchased a 1990 Audi 100 Avant and wishes to part with the charming Simca. Of the 21 Simca 1100s known to exist in Germany, there are likely no more than five estate models, making this car potentially the best-preserved example of its kind in the country. You will find that this car elicits a very warm response from others, and you will be amazed at how many people still remember these vehicles. Looking back to 1969, one can only say: Yes, this is how it should be—*voilà, c’est ça*.

We subject every vehicle to a systematic inspection—covering everything from the bodywork and engine to the electrical system. Based on this, we prepare three different purchase proposals, allowing you to decide which option suits you best.

Économie – €12,900
Inspected, roadworthy vehicle with historic vehicle certification and a mandatory inspection valid until February 2027.

Standard – €14,500
Includes everything in the Économie package, plus new front brake discs, repaired trunk lighting and door contact switches, and a fresh mandatory inspection.

Suprême – €16,700
Includes everything in the Standard package, plus new tires and a refurbished upper dashboard cover.

We would be happy to send you details regarding these three package options. Alternatively, simply give us a call and we can explain everything to you personally.