Simca 5 Topolino

History

The name SIMCA stands for Soci?t? industrielle de M?chanique et Carrosserie Automobile. Established by Henri-Th?odore Pigozzi in November 1934, the company was formed with the intention of building Fiats for the French market. One of the firm's most successful models was the gorgeous little Simca 5, a French copy of the Fiat 500 Topolino, manufactured from 1937 to 1955.

The Topolino (the Italian name for Mickey Mouse meaning 'little mouse') was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. It was equipped with a 569cc four-cylinder, side valve, watercooled engine mounted in front of the front axle. Its top speed was about 53 mph and it could achieve 40mpg.

The example you see here dates from 1950 and is said to be in exceptionally sound, unrestored condition throughout. It was imported to the UK in 1988 and was in regular use until it was put into storage some years ago. Bills with the car indicate that it had some work done to the brakes and the fuel pump in January of this year. We are led to believe that it is in good running order, but we have not heard the engine running.

These cars are now exceedingly rare and this is believed to be the only surviving Simca Topolino in the UK. More details to follow.