Simca

Enrico Theodore Pigozzi “Henri“ born 1898 is for most of us known as the man behind SIMCA. However before creating the brand that has made him famous he had to work hard. He didn't enjoy easy childhood as his father died when Enrico was 14. Having to provide for his mother and sister he was immediately enrolled in the small family transport business. After WW one selling military surplus was his first own business, quickly followed by importing coal and scrap métal from France for the Italian furnaces. One of his important clients being FIAT, he met Gianny Agnelli who thought that the resourceful and inventive Pozzi would be the right man to distribute FIAT in France. Pozzi raised the challenge and settled in Suresnes and took care of FIAT until 1934. In 1934 he founded SIMCA (Societé Industrielle de Mécanique et de Carrosserie Automobile) and took care of it up till 1963. Like many of his peers, he couldn’t handle the fact a third party had taken over the management (Chrysler in 1963) and died from a stroke in november 1964. After WW2 Simca is a brand that pleases a lot, the Aronde brings in money, there is room for projects and it is decided early '60 to decline the small succesfull sedan 1000 into a sports coupe. Facel Metallon and Bertone are approached for proposals and it is Bertone who wins the stake. The body proposed is attractive, a bit feminine, Italian up to the toes but lacking the knack, and alas the small engine of the 1000 cannot provoque a miracle. The 1000 Bertone coupé can not compete with the little sports wonders like Alpine A110, Lancia Fulvia, Panhard CT 24 and it is a demi succes with ten-thousand cars sold between '63 and 67. However the takeover of Chrysler also has it good sides as it is Chrysler who decides to change the 1000 into a real sports coupe. Equipped with a new engine, dual carburettors, a high compression ratio and a restyling of the body, the car is transformed. No more cute cut for ladies. The interior is also revamped and is equipped with the necessary assets of any self-respecting sportscar It is a succès. Rack and pinion steering and brake servo are introduced a bit later, but the times are changing fast in these years and in the early seventies we think of something else and the 1200S bows out in '71.