Miguel Sánchez
Despite having a really eventful history Simca It was an indisputable reference for French motorsport. Founded in 1934, it began its days manufacturing Fiat models under license and, in the fifties, began its own journey thanks to the presentation of the 9 Aronde.
However, success came already in the sixties, when the launch of the 1000 in 1962 provided French dealers with a simple, popular and reliable option on which we could also contemplate various sporting evolutions capable of reaching the rabid. 1300 GT made by Abarth at the request of Simca itself.
Likewise, in 1963 the Simca 1300/1500 - the first presented in April while the second was delayed until October - completely renewed the range, offering a family tourism option equipped with great habitability, perfect for the new middle classes; What's more, in relation to their competition, the new three volumes of Simca would have to deal with the Peugeot 204 and 404 while from Renault they received the response of the 8/10 and 16.
This in relation to its local market, since in reference to export - also taking into account how it was manufactured in both Morocco and Portugal - these would have to share space with the MG 1300 - also manufactured in Spain by authi– and, of course, the ubiquitous 124s run by Fiat and its various licenses.
A CLASSIC DESIGN EVEN FOR ITS MOMENT
For a large part of the fans, the sixties represent the best time for historical motorsport after the Second World War. In this sense, everything related to the World Championship of Brands - with the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the forefront - adds reasons together with the enormous proliferation of performance and tourism models.
All this, of course, at the gallop of economic growth where manufacturers found more and more market niches related to the sportsmanship, youth, leisure or simple family and urban use.
A context where habitability was increasingly necessary, being essential not only to improve access to the cargo space - something seen with the appearance of the third or fifth door - but also the open-plan character of the vehicle itself. cabin.
A design that was decisively helped by the replacement of rear propulsion with front wheel drive, thus making the appearance of the drive shaft unnecessary. transmission running along the car longitudinally.
That said, from the bare Mini to the most familiar Autobianchi Primula were increasingly the models responsible for moving to front-wheel drive just as the Traction Avant had done decades before. Something that, however, did not prevent brands like Simca or Fiat from continuing to cling to the classic scheme with front engine and rear propulsion.
SIMCA 1300/1500, A WIDE RANGE FOR A DEMANDING PUBLIC
As we have said, economic expansion created possibilities for an increasingly diversified offer. Something seen in all segments because, regardless of the vehicle to be purchased, the public was no longer satisfied with a single, monolithic possibility regarding mechanics or equipment.
Thus, the engines of the Simca 1300/1500 - the first with 1.120 cc for 52 HP and the second with 1.474 for 69 HP - were added various endings In relation to the finish and equipment, starting with the basic one (L) to continue with the Grand Luxe (GL) and, two years later, even add two more.
Likewise, the offer was completed in 1965 with the appearance of the ranch body; a good example of how families demanded space in order to cover their cargo needs on increasingly longer leisure trips.
UPDATES IN 1967 AND 1970
Although it has commonly gone down in history as the Simca 1300/1500, the truth is that in 1967 the 1301 and 1501 evolutions appeared with slightly increased powers - although the most notable thing is actually the greater progressivity in the torque curve– and slight changes to the grille, rear and instrument panel.
Furthermore, in 1970 Simca - already controlled by Chrysler like Barreiros in Spain - presented the Special versions of the 1301 and 1501 with a double-body carburetor as well as a higher compression ratio to reach 70 HP and 81 HP respectively.
In our opinion the most interesting versions if you want to look for a unit as a classic collectible. And, compared to the well-known character of the compact 1100 - manufactured in Spain since 1969 as 1200-, the Simca 1300/1500 stands out as a more than interesting option if what you are looking for is a credible historical vehicle for family use.
Oh, and remember: since 1971 it has been manufactured in Portugal with a circulation of around 3.200 units per year. He has it very very close.
