Simca 1000 and 1200 Coupe (1963 – 1971) Review

The Simca 1000 Coupe is one of those appealing hidden gems that really deserved to do better than it did. After all, it was a rather appealing Franco-Italian combination. In its desire to create a sporting version of the 1000, Simca turned to Bertone – and chief stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro – to fashion this chic coupé’s outline.

Under the skin, changes from the 1000 saloon were limited to the adoption of all-round disc brakes, with the donor car’s robust 944cc engine/gearbox package being carried straight over. The model was upgraded to 1200S specification in 1967, and it developed a very useful 80bhp from its 1204cc engine. Consider it a Simca 1000 Rallye for those who enjoy their thrills coupe shaped.