THE SIMCA ARONDE 1300 or 90A

The Aronde 1300 was produced between 1956 and 1958.

Main features:

A powerful engine for the time

Equipped with a 1290 cm³ "Flash" engine, the Aronde 1300 offered interesting performance for the time. With its 48 horsepower, it reached a maximum speed of 130 km/h, which was quite respectable for a car in this category.

Transmission

4-speed manual gearbox, sometimes equipped with an optional overdrive.

Performance

Maximum speed around 125-130 km/h, with an average consumption of 8 to 9 liters/100 km.

A functional and comfortable interior

The interior of the Aronde 1300 was simple but functional. The materials used were robust and the controls were easily accessible. Comfort was also a strong point of this car, thanks to its soft suspension.

A complete range

The Simca Aronde 1300 was offered in a wide variety of body styles: sedan, wagon, coupé, convertible... This versatility allowed it to meet the needs of a very wide clientele.

Aronde 1300 - De Luxe / Elysée / Grand Large (1955)

A renewed style: The "Ligne Océane" (Ocean line) made its appearance, characterized by more assertive rear fenders, vertical lights, and a panoramic rear window. This new aesthetic gave the Aronde a more modern and dynamic look. A more powerful engine: The 1300 cm³ "Flash" engine replaced the old 1200 cm³ one. With its 48 horsepower, it offered higher performance and allowed the Aronde to reach 130 km/h.
A redesigned interior: The dashboard was completely redesigned, with a new steering wheel and more readable instruments. The finishes were neat, especially on the Elysée and Grand Large versions.

The different versions

De Luxe:

The entry-level, offering good value for money. An intermediate version between the entry-level range and the more luxurious models (Élysée and Grand Large) which presents a higher level of finish than that of the standard models: moderate use of chrome and embellishments, but without reaching the refinement of the high-end versions.

Elysée:

A superior level of finish, the top of the range of a 4-door sedan, with more complete equipment and increased comfort:
Chrome grille and bumpers, chrome window frames and exterior details, body colors often more elaborate, sometimes two-tone.
Superior quality upholstery, often in imitation leather or refined fabric.
Dashboard enriched with decorative inserts.
Performance: still equipped with the 1,290 cm³ "Flash" engine with 48 hp, reaching approximately 125 km/h. 4-speed manual gearbox.

Grand Large:

The sporty version, distinguished by its more elegant look and specific equipment.
A 2-door hardtop coupé: embodying luxury and elegance thanks to a pillarless design that gives an impression of lightness and modernity.

The evolutions of 1955

Often two-tone colors, highlighting the fluid and harmonious lines. Hardtop offering better insulation while remaining sporty.
An interior whose finish is even more luxurious than the Élysée, with more ergonomic seats, upholstery often in imitation leather or high-end fabric.
Same technical specifications as the Élysée, with slightly different road behavior due to the more compact structure.

Common points between the three versions

Engine: All versions share the 1,290 cm³ "Flash" engine with an average consumption: 8 to 9 L/100 km.
Chassis and suspension: Monocoque chassis and independent front suspension.
Equipment: These models are distinguished by complete equipment for the time, even on the De Luxe version.

Aronde 1300 - Coupé de ville / Cabriolet week-end / All Utility vehicles (1956)

Lowering of the rear floor tunnel.

Coupé de ville

The Simca Aronde Coupé de ville is equipped with a special Flash engine developing 57 horsepower at 5300 rpm, this coupé offers appreciable performance for the time. Its autostarter carburetor facilitates starts, while the adjustable seats in length and inclination allow for comfortable driving.
The Aronde Coupé proudly sports its white-wall tires, giving it an elegant and sporty style. As an option, buyers could also choose the Simcamatic clutch, an innovative technology developed by the brand.
Design and style:
Coupé de ville body with fluid and racy lines
Chrome grille and meticulous decorative elements
Spacious and comfortable interior
This Simca Aronde Coupé de ville is distinguished by its powerful engine and its assertive design.

Cabriolet week-end

The Simca Aronde Cabriolet Week-End is a rare and elegant convertible version, based on the technical characteristics of the Coupé de Ville.
It combines performance, high-end equipment, and elegant style, while also offering the joys of top-down driving.

All Utility vehicles

The Simca Aronde Utility vehicles form a range of robust and reliable vehicles, designed to meet the varied needs of professionals. Developed from the platform of the famous Aronde, these models offered suitable solutions for transporting goods or light equipment, while retaining the performance and ease of maintenance that were Simca's reputation.

The range was available in several versions:
- The Intendante (covered), ideal for deliveries requiring protection from bad weather.
- The Messagère (sheet-metal van), with a fully enclosed loading space to ensure the safety of goods.
- The Commerciale (semi-sheet-metal van), which combined a comfortable cabin with a protected rear space.
- The Châtelaine (glazed wagon), a versatile model, perfect for mixed use between a utility vehicle and a family car.
All these models shared the same technical specifications. Equipped with the 1,290 cm³ Flash engine developing 45 horsepower, they could reach a maximum speed of 110-115 km/h, depending on the load carried. The carburetor with autostarter facilitated cold starts, and the solenoid starter offered increased reliability. The reinforced suspension, with semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear, made it possible to support loads of up to 500 kg.
With economical consumption (8 to 9 L/100 km) and great versatility, the Simca Aronde utility vehicles were very popular with craftsmen and traders.

Aronde 1300 - Elysée Matignon / Monthléry / Grand Large Spéciale / Rue de la Paix (1957)

Elysée-Matignon

Positioned as a high-end version of the Aronde, the Simca Elysée-Matignon was a sophisticated and elegant sedan. Using the same "special Flash" engine as the Coupé de Ville, its 1290 cm3 4-cylinder developed a power of 57 hp at 5300 rpm, offering respectable performance for the time.
On the chassis side, it had the same architecture as the other versions of the Aronde, with an independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear. The 4-speed manual gearbox transmitted power to the rear wheels. The drum brakes on all 4 wheels ensured effective braking.
The Elysée-Matignon was distinguished above all by its elegant and luxurious style. Available in a choice of colors, its 4-door body was directly inspired by the famous "Rue de la Paix" coach. The interior benefited from neat finishes and comfortable seats, to offer an exceptional environment to its passengers.
Despite these assets, the Simca Elysée-Matignon unfortunately did not meet with the expected success. Probably too expensive and positioned in a narrow market segment, this sophisticated sedan failed to convince customers against the competition.

Montlhéry

The Simca Aronde Monthléry entered automotive history in 1957 by breaking a world endurance record, covering 100,000 km at an average speed of 110 km/h. This model, marketed in tribute to this performance, is positioned as the sporty version of the Aronde range.