Originally, Simca was founded in 1934 by Fiat to produce its licensed models in France. This is how the Fiat 500 Topolino was sold in France under the name Simca 5 to circumvent customs taxes.

Who is Henri Théodore Pigozzi ?

A charismatic and cheerful Italian, he convinced Fiat to manufacture its designs in France. Founder of Simca with Agnelli’s support, "Marketing" precursor, he exemplified his brand and made it the second biggest French manufacturer. He died shortly after Chrysler took control of his company in 1964.

What were the emblematic models of Simca ?

If the first model was the Simca 5, the Aronde, presented in 1951, marks the beginning of Simca as a serious French manufacturer.
Wishing to expand its range and production capacity, Pigozzi acquired Ford SAF in 1954 with all of its new Vedette range, representing the French luxury touch : V8 engine Versailles, Chambord or Beaulieu. The popular 1000 completed the entry range. But it was under Chrysler’s leadership and thanks to Georges Hereil, new company leader, that Simca’s bestseller was launched in 1967 : the very functional Simca 1100 with its hatch.