Fetching Barn Find: 1950 Simca Cabriolet

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I’m drawn to two types of cars. Those best described with words like “muscular” or “brawny”, and those that “adorable”, or “fetching” best fit. This 1950 Simca 8 cabriolet barn find, found here on eBay, might just be the definition of “adorable” in my eyes. It’s hard not to be swept away in the purely European lines, the stance, and the style of this little beauty.

This cabriolet comes from a wonderful heritage, but a broken family. Designed by Pininfarina, these soft-tops were crafted by renowned French coach building firm Facel Metallon, which was best known for its glorious Facel-Vegas. So it’s good looks come from some of most amazing style influences of the time. The French auto company Simca , however, was founded in 1934 as a marriage with Fiat to enter the French market, then had divorces and marriages with Ford, Chrysler and Peugeot until the last of the Simca’s (also marketed at Talbot) were produced until the late 1980’s.

This particular survivor, which is back on the market after being offered a year ago without the asking price being achieved, stirs the blood of anyone who wants a truly amazing little convertible to drive, show, or both. However, according to the seller in Texas, you’ll have to get the oil stirring first – as it needs mechanical attention to get running. Offered at $50k, it seems a bit pricey for a rebuild, but it is interesting to note that in just a week or so, a running twin Simca 8 is being offered at auction at the Coys Grandes Marques in the Netherlands, with an expected fetch of $70k to $90k.

So perhaps an offer with a bit of a discount will start your 2018 as the 3rd owner of this 1950 Simca cabriolet project – with it’s amazing examples of design and style purity. I love the well-worn interior, the ultra-simple dash and adorable center instrumentation. In an era where cars are generic, computer-aided, twins to each other – you can’t help but appreciate the Deco influences, the joy, and the love its creators poured into this sprite little convertible!

 

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Comments

  1. Redwagon

    Cute from the front 3/4 view.
    However the ask is not so cute.
    Having said that I’m not sure what would be appropriate.

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  2. Jeff

    One of my favorite cars/models…but so beyond my reach…

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  3. fahrvergnugen

    Quel fromage. Non.

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  4. DRV

    It Seems cheap. It’s brother was driven on the French Riviera by Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief. That car inspired me to look up every Italian car that one could in the late ’50s.

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    • Ice Axe

      Nope. that was a Sunbeam Alpine

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    • Simon

      No the car in To Catch a Thief was a Sunbeam Alpine

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  5. Joe Haska

    When I first saw the picture , I thought what a neat car, after seeing the price, I see, I am not the only one that thinks that. I have no idea of the price ,high / low or whatever, but when you imagine this car restored, it is just beyond “COOL”. I would think it would be an easy restoration, not cheap, but very doable.

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  6. Mark Evans

    According to most movie websites the car Grace Kelly drove was a Sunbeam Alpine.

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  7. Ken Carney

    Looks like the sports car Tippi Hedrin drove in The Birds. I like it a lot!
    But I don’t like it $50K worth. Very nice indeed!

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    • PaulB

      That was an Aston Martin DB2 and yes they do resemble each other except in price. It would be $300k in that condition as an Aston

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    • ScottMember

      Tippy’s car from the Birds is an Aston Martin DB2/4, what I would not give to find one the those

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    • Larry

      The car in The Birds was an Aston Martin DB2.

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  8. waynard

    “Nothing has been done to the car” ??? Except it’s been repainted and the engine has been replaced and the bumpers have been removed .

    Value, at least in my books, looks to be about 1/3 of the asking here. Perhaps somewhat more, but….

    Cute though. I’d love to put this in my garage

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  9. george

    @WAYNARD- i think you need to read the description again. THIS CAR HAS HAD 2 OWNERS BEFORE ME FROM 1970 TO 2017. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE CAR IN ALL THAT TIME. IT HAS BEEN REPAINTED . i think what the seller was saying is that nothing was done during that time period. he stated it was repainted and did not have the original motor etc. why are you attacking him??? as for your value of 1/3 . the ask. PLEASE find me one for that and i will give you a healthy finders fee. i want one too.

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  10. Neal

    That’s one of the cutest cars I’ve never seen before.
    Does it have a little 1liter engine? Will it move once rebuilt?

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  11. hillman

    It has now a 1300 cc engine from a newer Simca . Outpu is around 58hp.

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  12. Jimbosidecar

    Probably one of the prettier sports cars from 1950. Lets see, in 1950 we have the MGTC which really was a pre-war design, the Jaguar XK 120 but at a higher price/market, and maybe the Crosely Hot Shot. This should have been a big seller unless it was priced way above people’s means back then. Cool car nonetheless

    Like 0

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