SIMCA 9 Classic Cars for Sale

Introduction and History of the SIMCA 9

Simca, founded in 1934, originally manufactured Fiat models under licence for the French market. Their real breakthrough came with the SIMCA 9 Aronde, introduced in 1951, which marked the company's transition from licensed production to original design and development. The word 'Aronde' means swallow, and the car symbolised the brand's new ambitions; it was both the first self-supporting body from Simca and a milestone towards modern car construction. The SIMCA 9 emerged as a medium-class saloon, succeeding the Fiat-based SIMCA 8, and was quickly recognised for its innovative unibody design and comprehensive range of versions, including saloon, estate, sport coupé, cabriolet, and panel van. Its success established Simca as a major player in the French car industry of the 1950s.

Model History

The SIMCA 9 Aronde followed the SIMCA 8, which was itself a licensed iteration of the Fiat 508 C Nuova Balilla. The SIMCA 9 was produced from 1951 to 1955, when it was succeeded by the Aronde 90A. Later, the range was further developed into the P60. Over its production run, the SIMCA 9 was offered in several configurations, from four-door saloon to estate, sport coupé, convertible, and van. The sport coupé version was initially built by Facel before Simca switched to in-house production under the name Grand Large. With over 60,000 units produced until 1955 and an extended family line leading to a total of 1.4 million Aronde models by 1964, the SIMCA 9 played a pivotal role in Simca’s ascent to becoming France’s second-largest car manufacturer in the late 1950s.

Highlights of the SIMCA 9

The SIMCA 9 broke new ground with its self-supporting body, moving away from the older, heavier chassis-based designs. The introduction of front-hinged doors on all four sides increased ease of use and safety. The robust chassis took inspiration from the Fiat 1400, while its suspension system anticipated elements later found in the Fiat 1100-103. Engine options remained true to Simca's reliable inline-four, already proven in the SIMCA 8, ensuring approachable maintenance and durability. The SIMCA 9 was available in a surprisingly wide array of body types for its segment, further underlining its versatility.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The sport coupé was an early highlight, initially built by the boutique manufacturer Facel before Simca took over production using their own saloon-based platform. The reworked coupé variant was introduced as the Grand Large, differentiated by its more elegant bodywork and ambition to capture a more exclusive clientele. The Aronde cabriolet also represented a coveted highlight, combining open-top motoring with the model’s solid mechanical package.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific weak spots or common issues are documented in the current data. However, as with many cars from the 1950s, attention should be paid to the integrity of the self-supporting body structure, potential rust in sills and suspension mounting points, and the condition of legacy electrical systems. Sourcing certain trim pieces may require specialist suppliers due to the diversity of models.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The SIMCA 9 inherited and slightly uprated the proven 1.2-litre inline-four from its predecessor. Output ranged from 45 to 50 PS depending on the version. The four-speed manual gearbox was known for straightforward operation and reliability. The independently sprung front axle and well-damped chassis offered surprisingly modern driving comfort for its period, while the compact size and light build made it agile in urban conditions. The overall driving experience was improved further in sport versions via engine tuning and revised gearing. Noteworthy variants include the Grand Large coupé and the convertible, both offering unique bodywork with the same robust underlying mechanics as the saloon and estate models.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

The SIMCA 9's design stands out for its integration of a self-supporting body—a technique that was not yet widespread in this segment at the time. Influences from contemporary Fiat models are visible but the execution is distinctly French, with smooth curves and a well-resolved profile. The four-door layout, with all doors hinged at the front, was an innovation over the SIMCA 8, simplifying both access and everyday practicality. The interior featured materials appropriate to its mid-market position, with options varying by trim level. Special model variants, like the Grand Large coupé and cabriolet, added flair with distinct window configurations, colour schemes, and details. Accessories were available to suit family and commercial needs, especially in the estate and van versions.

Other relevant features

The SIMCA 9 Aronde established Simca as a genuine innovator in the French automotive industry. It set new standards for comfort and modernity in the early 1950s. Its success paved the way for subsequent models and contributed significantly to the brand’s reputation.

Summary

The SIMCA 9 Aronde represents a pivotal chapter in Simca’s history as their first fully independent design and a catalyst for the company’s growth in the post-war period. Praised for its engineering advancements, versatile body styles, and strong market presence, the SIMCA 9 remains not only a symbol of 1950s French automotive progress but also a fixture among classic car listings today.