Ivan Vicario Martin
Barreiros presented the Simca 1200 at the Barcelona Motor Show in 1969. It mounted the 1.204 cm mechanics3, hence it did not use the name 1100 under which the model was marketed in France. Its mechanics evolved from that of the Simca 1000, since I was going to occupy the space between the 1000 itself and the luxurious Dodge Dart. The Spanish version had some differences compared to the French one, including less complete instrumentation.
El 1200 It had a fully modern mechanical distribution, with transverse front engine and front-wheel drive. This made it ahead of its time in the C segment, since models like the Alfa Romeo Alfasud or Volkswagen Golf MK1 would arrive years later. In addition, it was also one of the first compact cars to have a sports version, the TI, which was equipped with a 1.442 cm engine3 with double Weber carburetor that produced 85 HP DIN.
Regarding the bodies, It was available in three- and five-door versions, as well as a station wagon., a rarity at the time in its segment. It was also marketed as a van and as a Pick-Up, and there were even variants. ambulance or funeral home. Finally, Matra assembled the Ranchos, a somewhat successful jacket derivative that is highly sought after today.
THE ABANDONED SIMCA 1200
On this occasion, we are talking about a first series 1200, that is, even with the thin rear lights, without the built-in reversing light. After much investigation, it does not seem to be one of the units, one of those manufactured in the first two years of the model in Spain, although it cannot be stated definitively. Nowadays, it is really difficult to find one of those original specimens. The first units had a chrome grill and a horizontal odometer., but in the abandoned Simca 1200 this element is missing.
Regrettably, The unit found is in quite poor condition., eaten away by rust in several places, such as, for example, on the ceiling, where the vinyl - now gone - ended up causing moisture to accumulate. The interior has almost completely disappeared, vandalized to the point that it has no steering wheel, dashboard or seats. At least the chrome on the bumpers, handles and grill have been preserved.
In this video of channel of Alfredo Yugo's YouTube you can find all the details of the Simca 1200. Furthermore, with the curious details and historical touches that Alfredo always offers and that make his channel one of the most interesting for classic car fans.
