Simca 1100 TI

In 1964, Simca began work on their first compact model with front-wheel drive. To best realize the advantages of this drive concept, Simca combined it with a transversely mounted engine. Unusual for the time, however, was the body shape with a large trunk lid. Since there was a clear crease in the rear section between the rear window and the sheet metal below, it was officially referred to as an articulated rear end. In addition to the three- or five-door compacts, there was also a three-door station wagon or a delivery van with metal sheets instead of rear windows (VF1) as well as the high top van (VF2). In the front, torsion bar springs and shock absorbers with stabilizer bar were used. At the rear, a torsion bar suspension and a further stabilizer were attached to a separate subframe with trailing arms. The equipment also included front disc brakes, rear drum brakes and rack-and-pinion steering.

First hot hatch

Under the hood were four-cylinder engines with 944 or 1,118 cc of displacement. From 1970, there was also the 1100 Special with 1,204 cc and 75 hp. Displacement increased to 1,294 cc two years later. This was followed in 1974 by the sporty 1100 TI, which from today’s perspective can be seen somewhat as a harbinger of modern “hot hatches” such as the Golf GTI. Alloy wheels, additional headlights, fog lights, seats with more lateral support and a three-spoke steering wheel were all part of the package. In addition, the large engine here now delivered 82 hp and enabled a topspeed of 105 mph. For the sprint from a standstill to 60 mph, Simca quoted around 12 seconds. The body received a small fron spoiler and another spoiler lip above the rear window. There was never a right-hand drive variant, which triggered the hot hatch boom in the UK a few years later.

Beautiful specimen at Artcurial

While the Simca 1100 in all its guises including the Matra-Simca Rancho certainly brough in good sales figures, it is a rarely seen part of traffic today. In total, more than 2.2 million examples were built. If you want to have one now, you have to search for a long time. The best chances are undoubtedly on the domestic market in France. At the Paris auction house Artcurial, an 1100 TI will go under the hammer on November 22. This vehicle has enriched Richard Romagny’s car collection since 2014, which will now be auctioned off in its entirety. Romagny’s first own car was an identical 1100 TI and so it was logical that such a car in good condition would return to his collection. Based on its good general condition, the mileage of around 58,000 kilometers on the five-digit odometer seems quite believable. Despite its rarity, Artcurial only expects between € 10,000 and € 15,000 as the highest bid. Less is possible, as the Simca is offered without reserve.

Images: Artcurial, Peter Singhof