Description
French registration document
4-cylinder engine of 1, 944 cm³
11 hp – 4-speed manual transmission
In perfect condition
The Simca-Fiat 518 Ardita (known in France as the Simca-Fiat 11 CV) is a rare and elegant piece of Franco-Italian automotive history. Produced between 1934 and 1937, it was one of the first models assembled by Simca under Fiat licence at the Nanterre factory.
The Cabriolet model is today particularly sought after by collectors for its refined Art Deco style and relaxed luxury.
History and Context
In the early 1930s, Henri Théodore Pigozzi founded Simca to assemble Fiat models in France in order to dodge heavy import duties. The Simca-Fiat 11 CV was the French version of the Fiat 518 Ardita. While the mechanics remained Italian, the French versions often wore sleeker and more elegant body details.
Technical Specifications
The Ardita positioned itself as a mid-to-upper mid-range car, offering more power and comfort than the small Balilla (Simca-Fiat 6 CV).
Engine: inline 4-cylinder of 1, 944 cm³ (2. 0 L) with side-valve configuration.
Power: approximately 45 to 54 hp (depending on whether the cylinder head was cast iron or aluminium).
Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox.
Performance: top speed of around 115 km/ h
Design and Style
The Cabriolet was the choice of the bourgeois clientele of the time, prioritising driving pleasure:
Suicide doors: doors swing open toward the rear, a typical feature that facilitated onboard access while adding panache.
Interior Luxury: meticulous finishes with leather upholstery, dash often finished in a wood-like paint and distinctive chrome.
Roof: a thick, lined canvas hood that allowed all-season use.
Rarity and Production
Production of the Simca-Fiat 11 CV remained limited. It is estimated that around 2, 200 units across all bodystyles (saloon, limousine and cabriolet) were produced in France. The cabriolet, being a more expensive niche version, today’s surviving examples are extremely rare at classic car gatherings.
