1974 Simca 1100 1.1 gas engine
Summary:
Undestroyable
Faults:
Front wheel ball joints. Under dimensioned.
General Comments:
It was my first car that was supposed to last for the summer, but at last it ran for 7 years.
Only bad spot was the front wheel ball joints.
Engine underpowered, but always started.
Although almost an old timer, it asks for no service. In seven years, changed only petrol pump and ball joints. Starting on first go even at -15 degrees C.
If the French made a revival of this car, I would buy on sight.
Only remark was the poor brakes, but in those days no servoes were installed.
Made to last forever.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st January, 2010
7th Jul 2026, 08:27
As far as I can remember, these old Simcas were mechanically really reliable and durable. However, depending on markets, rust could be a serious problem. So why did Simca fail? They seemed a mix of old and modern. For example they didn't seem to have resources for new engines going into the 80ies, but got stuck using old engines designed in the 60ies that were underpowered.