Simca – Henri Théodore Pigozzi – was the founder of Simca in 1935 in the
outskirts of Paris. Pigozzi was sponsored by Fiat Director Giovanni Agnelli who
wanted the Fiat cars built in France. Production started initially with the Fiat 508
Balilla, but only really got going with the Fiat 500 Topolino, which was also
sold as the Simca Cinq.
7’282 cars were built in 1936, which increased to 12’925 in 1937. During 1937
the Cinq was replaced by the Simca Huit, which was based on the Fiat 1100.
After the Second World War, Simca was one of the fist companies to re-start
car production. Even a racing car known as the Simca Gordini was made
available. The Simca Gordini was quite successful, but really made its mark
by winning its class at the 24-hour Le Mans race.
After the death of Pigozzi, Chrysler acquired the Simca car company.
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