The Simca 1100 (1967 - 1982) was an automobile built by Chrysler Europe's division Simca, sold in Europe and USA until 1982, when it was replaced by the Talbot Horizon!.
It was the result of the «Project 928»-project, started in 1962, finalized by engineers Philippe Grundeler and Charles Scales, being first shown on Sardinia and the Paris Auto Show in 1967. The 1100 was (along with the Renault 16), one of the first hatchback designs, with a folding rear seat, and in three and five-door variations. A station wagon was also introduced from the beginning, along with LS, GL, GLS and "Special" equipment classes.
The car was fitted with Simca Type 315 petrol OHV engines with 944, 1118, and 1294 cc variants, depending on year and market. A "stroked" 1118cc engine displacing 1.2-litres was introduced in 1971 to the UK market as the Simca 1204. It was also sold in the USA in limited quantities.
The 1100 had a four speed manual gearbox and room for five people. There was also a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox that required manual shifting but used an electronically activated clutch. The 1100's transmission configuration was revolutionary in that it was transverse and axial with the engine giving the "engine on one side, transmission on the other" layout copied on almost all hot hatches and front wheel drive vehicles ever since.
Simca Matra Rancho
A crossover derivation was called Simca Matra Rancho.
Two LCV versions with van and pick-up truck bodystyles was called Simca VF2, and was sold from 1973 to 1985, three years after the 1100 had been removed from the market. These models assumed the Dodge nameplate after 1976 in line with Chrysler Europe policy. In 1974, the sporty «TI» appeared with the 1294 engine (82 bhp), at the time when the car also saw a cosmetic redesign.
Range:
* 944 cc - 45 PS (33 kW)
* 1118 cc - 50/52/60 PS (37/38/44 kW)
* 1204 cc - 59 PS (43 kW)
* 1294 cc - 62/75 PS (46/55 kW)
* 1442 cc - 83 PS (61 kW)
A total of 2,2 million cars were made.
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