Matt's Simca 1300, 1301, 1500, 1501 Page

In March 1963, the 1300-1500 lines were introduced at the Geneva Salon, middle class, 7CV and 8CV cars which were the replacement for the Aronde, now rather out-of-date. They preserved the traditional drivetrain layout, with four-cylinder motor at the front and rear-wheel drive. They also inherited the robust qualities of of the Aronde which had made SIMCA so successful. The 1300 (8,150F) featured four wheel drum brakes and gemmer worm and roller steering. Tires were 5.90 x 13, wheelbase = 99.2”, length = 166.9”, width = 62.2”, height = 55.9”, front track = 52.0”, rear track = 51.2”, weight = 2090 lbs. The last of the Ariane's were sold in 1963 and the 1,290cc (62 hp) Rush Super engine, with single barrel Solex carburetor, was used for several years on the new 1300. The introduction of the 1300-1500 took a lot of energy for SIMCA. The Aronde continued to be produced until 1964: with the last Aronde built carrying the serial number 1 425 329. The 1500 (9,550 F) was launched in 1964, shortly after the 1300 and featured a larger, all-new 1475cc engine with 81 hp (sae). A two barrel Weber carburetor was used, as well as front disc brakes. Weight was 2,222 lbs and top speed was 90 mph. The rear bumper of the 1500 wrapped around both sides, reaching almost to the rear wheel openings. Two new automatic models were offered for 1965: the 1000 GLA and the 1500 GLA and they were only available in metallic brown rosario. The SIMCA 1500 GLA featured a traditional Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission. The automatics were available on other and 1500 models as an option. The 1500 and 1300GL (8,600 F) featured such amenities as a key-lockable front passenger door and a switch to turn on the interior light automatically when that door was opened. The 1500GL (10,900 F) added still more luxurious touches, such as an electric clock, centrally mounted atop the dashboard, and designed to resemble a ½ scale version of the speedometer, a day/night rear-view mirror, a provision in the cigarette lighter to allow the use of an electric, plug-in razor, a center, fold-down armrest in the rear seat, and a stylized “swallow” emblem on the front, left fender. Three station wagon models were offered, using the same engine as the 1500. All wagons had driver-side exterior mirrors mounted. The 1500 wagon (9,900 F) carried the features of the 1500 sedan. The 1500 “familial” (10,500 F) added a roof-top luggage rack and two child seats mounted in the sides of the cargo area, which faced each other. The 1500GL wagon (11,700 F) included the same features as the 1500 GL sedan, but, in addition, the cargo floor could be removed, and, underneath, it’s legs could be unfolded to serve as a picnic table while camping! Production Totals for the 1300: 64,118 for the 1500: 54,713. In 1966, all 1300’s added front disc brakes, like those previously on the 1500. New this year was the option of front bucket seats with floor mounted shift lever. The 1300L replaced the previous 1300 and the 1300LS replaced the previous 1300GL. The new 1300GL (9,050 F) and 1300GLS (10,450 F) wore the front grille from the 1500 models. The 1500L (8,700 F) replaced the former 1500 and the 1500GLS (11,000 F) replaced the former 1500GL and featured fancier upholstery and full-length chrome side trim. The new, 1500LS (9,150 F) was added to the middle of the line-up. Station wagons were offered in the 1300 line: The 1300LS wagon (9,350 F), 1300LS familial (9,950 F) and 1300GLS wagon (11,150 F) The 1500 wagons returned in three levels: the 1500LS wagon and familial (replacing the former 1500 wagons) and the 1500GLS wagon (11,700 F) replacing the former 1500GL wagon. The 1500GLA (11,100 F) introduced in 1965, featured GL trim, plus the new transmission, of course. The selector was on the column, and the automatic could be had as an option on all 1500 models, including the wagons. Production totals: 1300 = 85,658, 1500 = 67,707. The 1300L and 1500L continued in production, only to use up remaining stocks of parts. In October, 1967, the new 1301-1501 lines were introduced. They featured revised styling and overall length increased by 8" (2 inches in front, 6 inches in the trunk) to 175.5". New, wide rectangular taillights were used. Trunk space increased by 10%. A new dashboard was seen this year, with a rectangular, strip speedometer replacing the pronounced round one. The L models were dropped. All the previous trim levels were retained, with the addition of a 1500GL and the 1301U (Universal) (9,200 F), which was a sort of delivery van. It did not include a rear seat, and the rear windows were painted body color, to facilitate the placement of commercial business advertising! Production totals: 1301 = 78,125, 1501 = 55,178. 1968 brought a slight increase in price for all models. The floor-mounted gear lever could still be had, on the condition that the separate front seats were ordered. Production totals: 1301 = 54,425, 1501 = 37,645. The line was trimmed somewhat in 1969. The 1301LS (9,735 F), 1301GL (10,395 F) and 1301GL wagon (10,995 F) remained as did the 1501GL (10,795 F), 1501GL wagon (11,395 F). New this year were the 1501 Special sedan (12,495 F) and 1501 Special wagon (12,995). All models featured radial tires as standard equipment. On the Specials, sportiness was emphasized, and top speed was now over 100 mph. A new combustion chamber increased horsepower from 81 to 95 (sae). Power assisted brakes were added, as well as two, long-distance running lights. The sporty steering wheel featured three spokes. A floor-mounted, center console held the shift lever and an optional tachometer. Production Totals: 1301 = 46,693, 1501 = 46,910. In Febuary, 1970, the 1301 Special (11,400 F) and 1301 Special wagon (11,995 F) were added to the line. All of the other models remained: The 1301LS (10,560 F), 1301GL (11,270 F), 1301GL wagon (11,920 F), 1501GL (11,995 F), 1501GL wagon (12,595 F), 1501 Special (13,220 F) and 1501 Special wagon (13,750 F). A new dashboard was seen this year, with circular instruments, two on the 1301LS and four on all others. The 1501GL received the motor from the 1501 Special. The 1501 Special received a new, sporty grille, with two, rectangular long-distance lights built in, and a tachometer in the left most of the four circular dashboard instruments. All hubcaps carried the Chrysler “pentastar”, replacing the Simca “swallow”. A new 7cv engine was introduced for the 1301. It was based on the 1501 engine, instead of on the old Aronde/Ariane Rush engine. The new engine produced a bit more power and was more economical. They lasted only into 1971, however and were replaced by the Special-engined models. In Feb 70, the 1301 Special was introduced with an additional ten horsepower and top speed was about 90 mph. It could be had with an automatic transmission, also, previously reserved for the 1500. The Chrysler 160, Chrysler 160GT and Chrysler 180 were introduced at the Paris Salon in Oct, 1970. Production totals: 1301 = 75,736, 1501 = 30,333. In 1971, the line was trimmed considerably – only the 1301 (10,845 F), with the previous, simplified LS trim, 1301 Special (11,995 F), 1301 Special wagon (12,745 F), 1501 wagon (13,645 F) and 1501 Special wagon (14,895 F) remained. The 1501 wagons were meant for export only, to use up remaining stocks, since the Chrysler 160 line was meant to replace it.. On 31 Aug 71, Chrysler France replaces SIMCA. The new, "blocked" badges completely replace the individual S.I.M.C.A. letters on the cars now. All that remained for 1972 were the SIMCA 1301 Special (13,295 F) and the SIMCA 1301 Special wagon (13,995 F). They received the new grille from the 1501 Specials. Production Totals: 1301 = 91,608, 1501 = 9,111