Fascinating French Classic Cars: Simca Grand Large

The Simca Aronde was produced from 1951 to 1964 and was the first uni-body car of the company. Many versions existed and it was restyled several times. The last model was the Aronde P60.

An Invitation to Travel

Simca Grand Large “Rue de la Paix”, 1956. All photos by author.

The ”Grand Large” (Open Sea in French)  is based on the Aronde and was produced from 1952 to 1958. The bulbous line of the Aronde with its bulging rear window was ideal for a coach. This elegant vehicle was very carefully assembled and the quality and number of special equipment for a series car were exceptional.  It is painted 2 matched  tones.

The panes can be totally lowered giving the coach its fabulous aspect and full visibility. The superb dashboard in harmony with the body tones and the steering wheel are characteristic. The front seats include a tilting system actuated by a lever with 10 different positions down to the horizontal. A clever advertising campaign compared the seats with those of an airplane. The system was then generalized to the whole Simca range. The presentation was very much appreciated by the public and widely developed during the following years.

Rue de la Paix: A Very Attractive Version

An even more extraordinary version called “Rue de la Paix”, a symbol of luxury in Paris, was produced, with an unequalled level of quality in the production of the ’50s for a popular car.  It namely included a clock in the center of the steering wheel, radio, special wheel caps and decorations. The 2 tones body was quite exclusive and existed in 8 different colors in 1956 and 22 in 1957-1958. Only the Renault “Frégate” offered this at the time.

Design and Creativity

The engine is the 1290 cc Flash, delivering 48 hp for the Grand Large and “Elysée Matignon”, the intermediate version and 57 hp Flash Special for the “Rue de la Paix”, the most luxurious version. The suspension is independent with coil springs at the front, a live axle at the rear with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The maximum speed is 73.9 mph (118,9 km/h).

A Symbol of Luxury and Good Taste

The Simca “Grand Large” is now rare and the special version “Rue de la Paix” even more! It was produced during 3 years only. At the end of 1958, the Aronde totally is redesigned and the more modern Aronde P60 appeared offering also a coach called “Monaco”.