The name Simca is taken from the initials of the original company, Ste. Industrielle de Mecanique et Carrosserie Automobile which had its headquarters and factory at Nanterre on the Seine in Paris.
In 1967, Bertone was commissioned to upgrade the body of the Simca 1000 Coupé which the then young Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone originally designed in 1962. In September 1967, the 1200S Coupé made its debut. It featured a larger engine of 1204 cc. By fitting two twin choke Solex carburettors, output was an impressive 80 bhp, giving a top speed of 109 mph. The car gained a more muscular appearance thanks to a clever restyle at the front, with the bonnet line extended over a matt black grille flanked by a pair of auxiliary driving lights. The wheels received stylish black centre caps (later to be used on other sporty Simcas) and the interior was upgraded with leather trim available as an option.
Despite a price double that of the Simca 1000 Rallye, the 1200S was even more successful than the 1000 Coupé. For the 1970 model year, power was increased to 87 bhp, giving almost 112 mph. This was the fastest standard production Simca ever built. October 1970 saw the fitting of a vinyl roof, and the offering of optional alloy wheels. Production ceased in 1971 after 14,729 examples had been sold. (imcatalbotclub.org, wikipedia & uniquecarsandparts.com)
(Photos from onlycarsandcars.blogspot.ca, flickr.com, kucarfa.nl,
history-of-cars.com, ams-classic.cz & oldiesfan67.canalblog.com)
history-of-cars.com, ams-classic.cz & oldiesfan67.canalblog.com)
