This Simca 1100 was once very modern – In the Wild

The French car industry has several revolutionary creations to its name. The Renault 16, for example, is one of them, as the founder of the modern hatchback. Not long after the 16, another innovative model with an extra door appeared: the Simca 1100. It caused a sensation not only with its tailgate, but also with its technical design. It was a front-wheel drive car with a transverse engine and independent suspension. You could also get it in many flavors, from hatchback to station wagon and from pick-up to van. The most remarkable creation on a 1100 basis was undoubtedly the Matra-Simca (later Talbot-Matra) Rancho, a kind of crossover avant la lettre. An adventurer who certainly looked quite modern for his time. Within the 1100 range, the 1100 Ti was without a doubt the most appealing variant. With its 82 hp strong 1.3 and sporty decoration, it is seen as (a) founder of the hot hatchback.

We have previously had a Simca 1100 Ti on the shelves in this section, today it is the turn of a Simca 1100 GLS thanks to AutoWeek forum member XBXG2. Engine-wise, it is significantly more modest, with its 58 hp 1.1. Still, it was a fairly complete 1100, also to look at, with its spotlights in the grille and the bumper rosettes. Inside a GLS you are treated to bucket-shaped seats and a clock. Furthermore, all doors are fully lined on the inside. This copy from 1979 has been further decorated with mud flaps and numerous stickers. The latter shows a lot of passion and it could hardly be otherwise if you still have a Simca. Simcas have actually only grown old with a lot of love, because no matter how progressive the 1100 was on paper, it certainly was not qualitatively, because the sheet metal in particular was very susceptible to rust. This 1100 has been cherished by the same owner for at least 25 years now and it appears he has taken very good care of it. Cheers!