Simca 1307

Simca 1307
Simca 1307 GLS
Overview
Manufacturer	Chrysler Europe / PSA
Production	1975-1986
Assembly	Poissy, France Ryton-on-Dunsmore, United Kingdom Madrid, Spain
Designer	Roy Axe
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car
Layout	FF layout
Related	Simca 1100 Simca Horizon
Powertrain
Engine	1057 1294, 1442 1592  cc ohv straight-4
Transmission	4 speed manual all-synchromesh[1] 5-speed manual Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	102.5 in (2,604 mm)[1]
Length	167 in (4,242 mm)[1]
Width	66 in (1,676 mm)[1]
Curb weight	2,314 lb (1,050 kg)[1]
Chronology
Predecessor	Simca 1301 / 1501

Simca 1307
Simca 1308GT
Overview
Also called	Simca 1308 / 1309 Chrysler Alpine Chrysler 150
Production	1975–80
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Chronology
Successor	Talbot 1510

Simca-Talbot 1510
Overview
Also called	Dodge Alpine (Colombia)
Production	1980–85
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback

Simca-Talbot Solara
Overview
Production	1980–86
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon

The Simca 1307 was the name under which Chrysler Europe launched its new large family car in July 1975.

A modern, front-wheel drive hatchback, it was one of the first such cars in that class, the only earlier examples in Europe being the Austin Maxi, Renault 16, Volkswagen Passat. It was voted European Car of the Year for 1976.^[2] It had been in development since 1972.^[3]

The model was sold under a variety of names, including Simca 1308 and 1309 models (with larger engines), Chrysler Alpine (name used for the Irish, UK and New Zealand markets), Chrysler 150 (Spanish market), and later Talbot 1510 / Talbot Alpine / Talbot 150 (a facelifted version launched by PSA after its takeover of Chrysler Europe) and there was later a saloon version called the Talbot Solara.

Originally the car was powered by 1294 and 1442cc versions "Poissy engine" with electronic ignition and a four-speed gearbox. From launch it was available in three trim levels, GL, S and GLS. Equipment levels were high, with the GLS version featuring central door locking and electric windows, accessories that up until then had only generally featured in larger more upmarket cars.

More upmarket models were designated 1308 (1508 in some markets) and 1309. All of the models replaced the Simca 1301/1501 range in France, while on the British market it was sold alongside the ageing Hillman Hunter, a rear-wheel drive range of saloons and estates which would continue until 1979. This type of car was generally more popular in Britain in 1975, with the best selling cars in this sector being the Ford Cortina and Morris Marina.

Styled by Roy Axe, the Simca 1307, along with the recently introduced Volkswagen Passat, was one of several full-size European family hatchback inspired by the Renault 16 that had defined the sector back in 1965. In the 1970s the most popular mid-size cars in Europe were still traditional sedans like Ford Taunus (Ford Cortina in Britain), Opel Ascona (Vauxhall Cavalier) and Morris Marina. The car was originally manufactured in Poissy in France, in Ryton in the United Kingdom, from 1977 in Villaverde in Barreiros, subsidiary of Chrysler Europe in Spain, and assembled from CKD kits by Todd Motors (later Mitsubishi Motors NZ) in New Zealand between 1977 and about 1983. Between 1979 and 1985 the car was also built by Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki factory in Finland and assembled in Colombia as Dodge Alpine between 1978 and 1982 at the Chrysler Colmotores in Bogotá.

In 1980 the car, which was now sold under the Talbot-brand, received an extensive facelift. The new model was known as the Talbot 1510 (the Talbot Alpine name was used in the UK) received new front and rear lights and new top of the range SX featured alloy wheels, cruise control headlamp wash/wipe, power steering and trip computer. Automatic transmission and a 5-speed gearbox also became available. A four door saloon version, called the Talbot Solara, was released in the same year, with either 1.3 or 1.6 engines, and was produced alongside the hatchback version. Trim levels were similar to the Alpine. It effectively took over from the Hunter, axed a year earlier, as the four-door large family saloon in the range.

In New Zealand, Chrysler, Talbot, Alpine and 1510 badges were used on the car during its lifetime, though it was officially in price lists as an Alpine, following the UK convention. In 1982 the car was facelifted and renamed SX there.

French manufacturing of 1510, Alpine and Solara, along with the smaller Horizon, ended in 1985. In the United Kingdom the last cars were rebadged as the Rapier and Minx which were badged depending on trim level rather than body style. The names were sourced from the corporate ancestor of Chrysler Europe, the Rootes Group, having been used on the Sunbeam Rapier and Hillman Minx. Supply of these models was limited and in May 1986 production ceased, with the Talbot marque being shelved soon afterwards on all passenger vehicles. By this stage, Peugeot was developing a new large family saloon - the Peugeot 405 - to compete with the latest offerings from Ford, General Motors and Austin Rover, which would be launched the following year.

Whilst exceptionally popular in France the Chrysler Alpine did not fulfill its potential in the UK. Due to corrosion problems similar to those of the Horizon few Alpines have survived in the UK; according to the June 2009 issue of Practical Classics, only 15 remain in the country.

A body of the Simca 1307 was a direct inspiration for the design of Russian Moskvitch Aleko (1986–2001)^[4]

Notes

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Simca 1307/1308.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Talbot Solara.

• www.1307-1308.org (French)
• Simca Talbot Information Centre, featuring Chrysler Alpine and SIMCA 1307 / 1308, Talbot Alpine / Talbot 1510 and Talbot Solara
• Chrysler Alpine and related models @ Rootes-Chrysler.co.uk
• Club del Chrysler 150 (Spanish)
• Simca Automobile Club Netherlands (in English and Dutch)