Simca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et de Carrosserie Automobile) was founded in 1934 by Enrico Teodoro PigozziSimca (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et de Carrosserie Automobile) was founded in 1934 by Enrico Teodoro Pigozzi, who later changed his first name to Henri Theodore, and was initially nothing more than a French subsidiary of the Italian Fiat. Simca built affordable Fiats under licence to bypass the high import duties of the time. After the Second World War, Pigozzi's ambition was to give Simca a more distinct identity. |
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Simca Abarth 1300 GT: The Collaboration Between Simca and AbarthTo enhance the brand's image, the development of distinctly sporty models was considered. Abarth was called upon for this. The negotiations between Abarth and Pigozzi were facilitated by Rudolf Hruska, who acted as an intermediary. This Austrian engineer was a technical consultant at Simca but had previously – in the late '40s – worked with Carlo Abarth at Cisitalia. He was therefore the perfect connection. The collaboration between Abarth and Simca led to several concrete achievements. One of these was the Simca Abarth 1300 GT. The floorpan, transmission, steering, and suspension were taken from the Simca 1000. |
Simca Abarth 1300 GT: Innovation in Design and PerformanceThe aluminium bodywork was entirely new, designed by Abarth employee Mario Colucci, and is characterised by rounded contours and a gently sloping rear. In the Corsa, as seen in the museum, the bonnet is left open to allow better heat dissipation from the engine. An additional advantage is aerodynamical. The airflow on the bonnet creates downward pressure on the driven rear wheels. In addition to the Corsa, there is also a Stradale version with a closed bonnet. Not only the bodywork of the Simca Abarth 1300 GT is original, but so is the braking system with four discs and the 1288cc engine with a dry sump and two overhead camshafts. This four-cylinder engine is fed by two double Weber 45DCOE carburettors and features dual ignition. |
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Simca Abarth 1300 GT: Exceptional Performance and HistoryDespite its limited engine capacity, the power peaks at 125 hp. Combined with a total weight of just 630 kg, this results in impressive performance, including a top speed of 230 km/h. The 1300 GT was particularly successful in competition. Of the 535 victories Abarth recorded in 1963, 90 were attributed to the Simca Abarth 1300 GT. Only 55 examples of the Corsa version were built, and the racing accolades were achieved in both America and Europe. Two examples of the Corsa are on display in the museum. The yellow car has a special history. When the museum purchased the car in England, the bodywork was red, but beneath the lamp covers, the original yellow colour was discovered, and it was decided to respray the car in its original livery. |
Belgian Legacy: The Simca Abarth 1300 GT Corsa and its Le Mans HistoryThe yellow colour indicates a Belgian connection, specifically with the "Ecurie Nationale Belge" (Belgian Team), founded by Jacques Swaters, which later became "Ecurie Francorchamps." In 1962, the Belgian team entered an Abarth Simca 1300 GT Corsa for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With drivers Claude Dubois and Georges Harris, they achieved 14th place in the overall standings. This was probably with the car in the museum. Based on the chassis number, it is confirmed that it is an original Abarth. Belgian driver Théodore Pilette, better known as Teddy Pilette, also made a name for himself in 1963 with the Abarth Simca 1300 GT Corsa. He won the race at the Solitude circuit in Germany. |
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