1 (edited by smackela 2009-10-25 03:37 PM)

Topic: Behold the Simca Aronde!

So I picked up the Simca yesterday and brought it home, much to the delight of my neighbors.  It's a 1960 Aronde "Grand Large" coupé with a fire-breathing 1300cc pushrod four, four on the tree, four-wheel drum brakes, factory front and rear sway bars, and leaf and coil springs in the rear.  It's got only 35,000 miles on the clock, and it hasn't run in 37 years.  I think it's worthy of a place in the pantheon of the very worst crapcans.

Without further ado, some pics:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4043677495_a3e87588a9_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/4043672173_68a76cb598_m.jpg
Pillarless hardtop style!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/4043673301_ff40a43864_m.jpg
The battery appears to be nearly as large as the engine.  Relocating it may change the weight distribution drastically.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/4043674063_a2272bf0f8_m.jpg
Glass master cylinder reservoir (empty) and four-circuit fuse panel.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4044407214_ae51b29237_m.jpg
"Interesting" wiper setup.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/4043663741_dba9324bdd_m.jpg
Interior is actually in decent shape.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/4044413706_26150d4721_m.jpg
Body is in surprisingly good shape for a 50-year-old French car.  This is probably the worst damage.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4044409076_310d813c12_m.jpg
Dammit! Now the battery warranty is voided!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/4043677829_255694a9b9_m.jpg
How thoughtful--the original owner left the original brake shoes in the trunk.  Taste the asbestos!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/4044423820_245ae8e4dd_m.jpg
Yellow(?!?!?) ground wire attached to body with a glorified alligator clip--even 40 years ago, this car was destined for Lemons.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4044421662_30e930e187_m.jpg
No mice in here.  That's a plus, then.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/4044423462_d78259e45a_m.jpg
I wonder what the treadwear rating is on this sucker?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4043675669_fe8da91b07_m.jpg
My favorite pic.  A little scrubbing with Simple Green reveals proof that Simca's engineers (or at least the marketing men) had a sense of humor.

Edit: Sorry I linked to the thumbnails.  Larger pics are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/smackela if that sort of thing excites you.

Enjoy every sandwich.

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

That is the coolest thing I've seen in a while.
Good on ya for digging it out of the dustpile!

Volvo PV544 (RIP) - now with Chevy 3.9 power!
2007/2012/2013 Driver's Championship (what was I thinking!?) 142 races and counting.
2/25/24

3 (edited by dculberson 2009-10-26 07:33 AM)

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

I love it so much.  It seems so eager to please.

I can't help but notice the original Range Rover in your driveway.  You must be a thoroughly committed masochist.

Quad4 CRX - Wartburg 311 - Civic Wagovan - Parnelli Jones Galaxie - LS400 - Lancia MR2 - Boat - Sentra - 56 Ford Victoria
Known Associate of 3pedal Mafia, Speedycop, and the Russians.  Maybe even NSF.

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

See, now that's a Lemons car!

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

dculberson wrote:

I love it so much.  It seems so eager to please.

I can't help but notice the original Range Rover in your driveway.  You must be a thoroughly committed masochist.

Yeah--what you don't see in the pics is the Triumph TR6 and MG Midget in the garage.  Thoroughly committed masochist?  You might say that.

The Range Rover is the most reliable vehicle I own.  Make of that what you will.

Enjoy every sandwich.

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

Too nice to Lemons!

Freshen it up, and drive it around the street!

"Don't mess with Lexas!" LS400. We survived another one! See website link for build details.
Maker of the "unofficial Lemons fish!" - If you ask nice, I'll likely give you one at the track.

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

I love it!!  what events are you hoping to run?

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Chevy Camaro (Tiger striped #38)  (1989-2017 RIP old friend)
Chevy Corvette 1984......and still racing!

Re: Behold the Simca Aronde!

Hoping to run Gingerman I, Gingerman II, and Autobahn.  However, since I'll be finishing up law school and taking the bar next summer, my hope of making three races is probably just a tad optimistic.

Enjoy every sandwich.