The Simca 1000: A Car So Quirky, It Inspired Stunts and Risqué Songs!
Have you ever found yourself drawn to a car that, while perhaps overlooked in your region, boasts a surprisingly rich history and a certain European charm? For me, that car is the Simca 1000. Though it might not have made a huge impact here in America, it was a genuine success across the pond. And how can I prove that without drowning you in boring sales figures? Simple: someone actually wrote a song about it, and it wasn't exactly a ballad for the faint of heart!
It's easy to forget that the Simca 1000 even made its way to the US, sold through Chrysler dealerships as part of Chrysler's European ventures. It would have been a bold choice for the American market, primarily due to its compact size. However, its styling was quite familiar, as it followed in the footsteps of many cars that were inspired by the iconic Chevrolet Corvair.
You might recall seeing charts that illustrate these design similarities. The Simca 1000, positioned third from the top in such comparisons, clearly exhibits that Corvair-esque flair.
But let's dive into the Simca 1000's American presence, which brings us to our first peculiar anecdote. I stumbled upon this gem in one of the Simca 1000's early brochures aimed at the US market. While most of the brochure presented typical early '60s European design sensibilities – think clean lines and functional aesthetics – one particular image stood out:
This image is pure gold! The visual of a Simca 1000 teetering on two wheels is incredible. But the accompanying text revealing that the driver maintained this precarious position for a staggering 60 miles? That elevates it to a whole new level of astonishing! I can only imagine the driver was in that car for well over an hour, navigating turns, all while defying gravity.
And the driver's posture within the vehicle is quite something, isn't it? They appear to be almost cornered, maintaining a vertical orientation to the road. It looks as though a significant portion of their weight would have to be supported by the door!
What makes this so delightful is not just the impressive stunt but also the baffling marketing strategy. What exactly was this meant to convey to potential buyers? Were families in 1964, while comparing a Volkswagen or a Pinto to a Simca, really considering the car's ability to handle a 45-degree, two-wheel tilt? Were they thinking, "It's fuel-efficient and spacious, but what if we lose a whole side of our wheels?"
Okay, that's our first amusing tidbit. Now, for the second: a song from a 1988 Spanish pop-rock band called Los Inhumanos. Titled (in translation), "It's so difficult to make love in a Simca 1000," this track offers a rather… intimate perspective on the car. (I believe a reader suggested this, but I can't find the original reference – my apologies if that's the case!)
Here's a glimpse into the lyrical content:
*"How difficult it is to make love in a Simca 1000"
*"The seat does not go back"
*"and the position to be sought is difficult."
*"Put your leg here, I’ll put it there, we’ll have to open the back door."
*"The steering wheel annoys me again."
*"That’s not the whistle you should blow."
*"When I’m rich I’m going to buy a bus to catch."
Now, the song laments the difficulties, but the Simca 1000 does have a back seat, my friends! That could certainly alleviate some of the steering wheel woes. Let's take a peek at a cutaway of the interior:
It seems the core issue here is their attempt at this amorous endeavor happening upfront. My suggestion? Head to the back! It's a bench seat, and I'm confident you can get creative. It can't possibly be much smaller than the rear seat of a Volkswagen Beetle, and I know people have managed to make that work.
Still, kudos to them for trying, regardless of the outcome. It's likely the band is referencing the Spanish-manufactured Simca 1000, which began production in late 1965 by Barreiros Diesel, a Spanish truck and car maker. Interestingly, Barreiros also produced Dodge Darts, a car with its own fascinating story that I might share someday.
I hope these two peculiar Simca 1000-related anecdotes have brightened your day. If not, perhaps a chat with your local clergyperson might offer further enlightenment!
What do you think? Is the Simca 1000's legacy more about its engineering or its unexpected cultural impact? And regarding the stunt driving, was it a brilliant marketing ploy or just plain reckless? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear your take on these wonderfully odd tales!
