€29,750
offers 0
1968 Simca 1200S Coupe
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***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Excellently preserved
- Good mechanical health
- Rear-engined excitement
The Appeal
A true gem from the golden era of automotive excellence. The Simca 1200S exudes sportiness in a compact package most would call cute - but don’t let that small frame fool you. These rear-engined coupes are an absolute blast to drive, based on an excellent French chassis and laced with Italian design from Bertone. The drivetrain configuration ensures a harmonious balance between weight distribution and handling prowess, making for an exciting and connected driving experience.
This lovely little example remains in wonderful condition thanks to a professional complete restoration at some point in its life, handsomely preserved inside and out with an excellent underside as displayed in the photos. These lesser-known coupes are an absolute treat, both to look at and to drive, especially when they remain so handsomely presented.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered in 1968
- Simca owners manual
- Simcha technical manual
- Professional vehicle review for insurance classification, stating the vehicle is in perfect condition
- Professionally restored by the son of a Simca dealership owner some years ago
- Entire engine overhaul with documentation from 2012
- The vehicle remains with German titles, not yet registered in Denmark
- Stowed away in dry storage since the last evaluation in 2015, preserving it excellently
- Recently passed Danish MOT with no problems
The Interior
- Excellent throughout
- Leather upholstery extremely well presented
- Dashboard in lovely order with great woodwork
- Brightwork in handsome condition
The inside of the little Simca is just as handsome as the rest of it - the only problem with being in here is you don’t get to gawk at the lovely exterior like the lucky onlookers do. Believed to have been restored entirely under the wing of the Belgian who did the rest of the vehicle, it remains to this day in beautiful condition thanks to careful storage conditions.
Both front seats appear to remain in very well maintained condition, the leather shows no signs of any damage or age and virtually no signs of any use. All of the stitchwork remains entirely intact, and are still a pleasure to sit in!
Just ahead of the driver, the three-spoke steering wheel is in lovely shape, the wooden trim presents no damage or delamination, and the centre spokes have a wonderful sheen. Behind the wheel, all of the gauges are reported to be entirely operational and remain in lovely condition - no fading of the lens covers or the lettering, and the brightwork trim looks to be in handsome shape.
Moving across the dashboard, it remains entirely undamaged with no signs of any cracks or scratches, and the wooden fascia which runs the length of it looks to be fantastic too. All of the central switchgear is operational with good trim, and the glove box opens and shuts like new!
All of the floor carpets are handsomely kept, showing no signs of wear in high contact areas like most would expect there to be, and the headlining is in excellent order. Both door cards have well maintained leatherwork and great brightwork trim with functional handles and winders.
The Exterior
- Excellent metallic blue paintwork
- Lovely brightwork throughout
- Excellent bodywork with no corrosion reported
- Extensive restoration at some point in its life
The exterior of this Simca is in absolutely outstanding form. In 2015, the vehicle was submitted for inspection for insurance classification and graded on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is perfect and 5 is poor. After the inspection, the paperwork came back with a grade 1 classification and a very high valuation - ever since then, the car has been stored away in dry storage, preserved in the same wonderful condition throughout.
Starting at the front of the lovely Simca, the paintwork remains in great condition with no damage or blemishes to be seen. The bodywork panels all remain as good as factory, and the brightwork headlight trims as well as the brightwork bumper are all very well maintained with a high level of shine. All of the headlamp housings and indicator lenses are free from any damage, and all bulbs are reported to work as they should.
Moving to the side of the vehicle, bodywork remains excellent with nicely fitting panel gaps front to back, no dings or dents are noted, and the paintwork remains as good as it was all those years ago. Brightwork trim around the windows has a wonderful shine and reportedly no blemishing. All four wheels have been well preserved, with no kerb marks present!
To the rear of the car, much of the story remains the same. Great paintwork, lovely body panels, handsome brightwork and undamaged throughout. There really isn’t anything to grumble at with this example, thanks to an extensive restoration and some long-term storage, it is a true time-machine.
The Mechanics
- 1,204cc engine
- Manual transmission
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- Rear-engined
- Complete engine overhaul in 2012
With a newer, larger capacity inline-four engine with a displacement of 1,204 cc, featuring two carburettors, the 1200S produced a respectable 85hp of reliable power allowing for a claimed top speed of 111mph.
The engine in this example had an entire overhaul back in 2012 with an invoice to show the work carried out from BAMOTEC, with a complete rundown of the carried out steps taken by them. The engine is reported to remain in very good health with no running issues known by the keeper, and the manual transmission is reported to be in great condition also allowing for confident rowing between the gears on spirited journeys.
The steering, suspension, and everything in between appears to be in very well preserved manner - as can be seen by the images of the underside of the chassis. Every mechanical component looks excellent, with the rails, sills and subframe look to be untouched. This is a very well cherished example, and arguably one of the best you’ll be able to find on short notice.
Summary
With the limited run of this little 1200S before it was quickly replaced, finding a well kept example with good mechanical health is not an easy task. Prices for these have been on the rise, and may continue to do so with less and less being on the roads. Don’t let this wonderful piece of automotive history get away from you!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Simca
- Model 1200
- Colour Blue
- Odometer
- Engine size 1204
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Frederikshavn
- Location International
- Country Denmark
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