To create a globally successful car, many elements are needed that fit well together. So many, in fact, that designing a popular car can be much more complex than bringing a supercar to life. Something really easy to understand. Since while the second is made in short runs, the first has to coordinate a decisive logistics to square the wide assembly line. In this way, from market studies to the provision of parts putting a popular and massive vehicle on the market is the biggest challenge in the automotive industry. Something to which, in addition, we must add the development of a wide range.
Another of the necessary points for the commercialization of any of these models. Which range from simple versions to another markedly sporty through industrial variants. A range that we can see in the FIAT 600 and its derivatives, but also in others just as popular as the SIMCA 1000. A model that featured in its design such recognizable names as Dante Giacosa, helping to create a versatile and efficient utility very well suited to the needs of the middle classes. In fact, its capabilities were of such caliber that even the company itself saw in it a perfect basis for sports models.
And it does not surprise us. For despite the Simca 1000's modesty this was a light vehicle with a cheerful engine when it came to turning up. Which was hanging behind the rear axle, demanding the piloting of a sports car pushed from behind as if it were some kind of small Porsche 911. So, in Simca they got to work with the sports variants to the point of contacting Carlo Abarth or organizing different trophies such as the one called Desafío Simca in Spain. Signs of Simca's confidence in his popular three volumes. Which turned into an elegant coupe by Bertone in 1962.
SIMCA 1000 COUPÉ BERTONE. THE MOST STYLISH VARIANT
Founded in 1912, the Bertone house is one of the most legendary firms when it comes to automotive design. Always open to futurism as demonstrated in the Alfa Romeo BAT or the Lancia Stratos Zero, his pencils and workshops were also put at the service of much simpler models. Thus, in 1965 Bertone dressed the convertible version of the popular FIAT 850. Known as the Spider, it was paired with the coupe designed that same year by the Center de Stile FIAT. A model known and recognized in our country due to the success of its production in Spain under the SEAT brand.
Possibly one of the most charming B-segment sports cars of the sixties, which was an exercise in style that still attracts attention for its classic and fluid shapes. However, the curious thing about all this is that three years earlier - in 1962 - the Geneva Motor Show witnessed the presentation of the SIMCA 1000 Bertone Coupé. A model very similar to the one later signed by the FIAT's own design department, which also dressed in luxury a simple utility with a rear engine such as the SIMCA 1000. Launched just a year before, and accompanied by a careful strategy of sports variants.
However, in the case of the SIMCA 1000 Bertone Coupé the main idea was not so much the racing as the simple brand image. In fact, for the first, there were already the 1150 SS or 1300 GT prepared by Abarth. However, for the second Simca devised to provide the popular model with a variant bodied by an Italian designer. Something that was not intended to gloss over a good number of sales. But yes to appear in specialized magazines giving an aura of prestige to the common model. For this reason, SIMCA contacted Bertone for this derivative coupe. A business decision focused on Italy, which was in tune with the fact that the French themselves had asked FIAT for help years ago with the conception of the SIMCA 1000.
MORE POPULAR THAN YOU COULD THINK
As the performance of the SIMCA 1000 was highly valued at the time, the arrival of such a stylish variant as the coupe was welcomed by the market. Especially the French. Although the bodywork was manufactured in the Turinese workshops of Bertone, it was finally assembled on a specialized assembly line at the SIMCA factory in Poissy. A space reserved to mount this variant. Given that production rose to around 10.600 units during the six years of production. Striking figures, although explainable thanks to the fact that the SIMCA 1000 Coupé Bertone was heading for a new and promising market niche.
The one made up of young urban professionals, still without family and children but already with a certain economic position that made it possible for them to enjoy a small sports car suitable for day-to-day life. Exactly the same gap to which FIAT and SEAT would later go with the 850 Sport. Beyond the marketing pretensions, the mechanics responded to the nerve of these young drivers with an increased power to 52CV -7 more than the normal model- of its engine with 944cc. In addition, in the braking section, the SIMCA 1000 Coupé Bertone mounted a disc on all four wheels. All this topped off with an interior that made this sports car a miniature GT.
It was on sale until its replacement in 1967 by the SIMCA 1200S. A new coupe that, curiously, mounts a front quite similar to that of the FIAT 124 Sport Spider. Another of those coincidences in which to weave a story of encounters and disagreements between the French and the Italian brand. And, after all, in the genesis of SIMCA 1000 the Italian group had a lot to do with it. A fact that adds to the history of the French brand as a licensed manufacturer of the FIAT 1100. In short, the history of motorsports is always like this. Full of connections.
Images: Bonhams
P.D. The SIMCA 1000 Coupé Bertone unit used to illustrate this article is from 1967. Having been auctioned by the house Bonhams last 2017 within the framework of The Grand Palais auctions.