Societe des Automobiles Simca - 1967 Foreign Automotive dated Stock Certificate

Stock printed by Imprimerie Chaix-Desfosses-Neogravure, Paris with full page of coupons. Great colors! Automobile stock!

Simca, founded in 1934 by Henri Théodore Pigozzi, initially started as an assembler of Fiat cars for the French market. Based in Nanterre, the company quickly gained prominence by producing localized versions of popular Italian models, most notably the Simca 5, a sibling to the Fiat Topolino. However, it was during the post-war era that Simca truly emerged as an independent force. In 1951, the launch of the Simca Aronde, the company’s first original design not based on a Fiat, propelled the brand to new heights. By the mid-1950s, Simca had become the second-largest automaker in France.

Simca’s later history is marked by a series of corporate acquisitions and a shift towards international influence. In 1954, Simca acquired Ford France, acquiring the Poissy plant and the stylish Vedette model line. However, by the late 1950s, Chrysler began purchasing shares in the company, eventually taking full control in 1963 to create Chrysler France. This era produced legendary vehicles like the Simca 1100, which pioneered the modern hatchback layout, and the award-winning Simca 1307. Despite its engineering achievements, the Simca brand name was phased out in 1979 after PSA (Peugeot Citroën) acquired Chrysler’s European operations. As a result, the remaining lineup was re-branded as Talbot, effectively marking the end of the Simca badge.