LOT 303 ¤

1957 Simca Vedette Versailles Chassis no. 202056

Sold for US$6,720 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 303^¤

1957 Simca Vedette Versailles

Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|7 October 2019, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

1957 Simca Vedette Versailles
Chassis no. 202056

2,351cc Sidevalve Aquilon V8 Engine
Single Two-Barrel Zenith-Stromberg Carburetor
75bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Original Ford flathead V8 drivetrain
*Having been in a climate-controlled environment since 1990
*The European saloon of an "American" style

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Early on in the 1950s whilst enjoying great success with the popular Aronde, Henri Theodore Pigozzi set his sights on a grand expansion of his Simca operations. Ford was seeking to divest itself from its French subsidy which at the time, produced a larger model than the Aronde, the Vedette. Fortuitously, Pigozzi plans and Ford's divestment of the plant lined up, and the Vedette project took place in summer of 1954. With references to the grand period of French baroque, Simca, Trianon, Regence, Marly and Versailles models hit the streets as early as 1954. Indeed a European saloon body of an "American" style, the Versailles trimmed Vedette we see offered here, offers its owner a gracious level of appointments without being overly opulent.

Chassis 202056 was purportedly delivered new to an American woman whilst in Paris. Perhaps with plans to live abroad or simply on holiday, 1950s travel decals affixed to the rear window suggest she would go on to enjoy the Vedette across the European landscape for the subsequent years before returning to her home in California. She would go on to retain the Vedette until roughly, 1990.

We believe the Simca was purchased and then sold in rapid succession to a 3rd owner in that time, who almost immediately went through the 2.4 flathead Ford. While finishing the motor and its compartment in factory correct colors and markings, the block was magnafluxed, custom-made pistons and rings applied, machined heads, a polished crank, new rod bearings and wrist pins as well as a rebuilt carb, starter and generator all adorn the revised car. Resprayed in its original black paint to a very nice standard, we note the interior restoration has been done rather sympathetically: the headliner, floormats and seat fabric appear original. Included with the sale are the vehicle's original French License tags.

The natural choice for a weekend of fall motoring, the unrepeatable charm and style of this Vedette is sure to be noticed. Much like Lady Liberty, this Franco-American saloon possess the very best both nations have to offer.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the correct chassis number is F72A141104 and the correct engine number is 7F42A202056. Also note, the title will be in transit.

Additional information

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