Key Features

Ultra-rare model, designed and mostly hand-built by Facel
Previously exhibited at the Simca Museum in Martinique
Subject to extensive recent mechanical work following an independent professional appraisal
Offered in good running and driving condition

A plus

The market for Simca's new 9 Sport two-seater coupe wasn't going to be the biggest. But that didn't deter the company. Working with Jean Daninos at Facel, they designed a car that was both highly detailed and beautiful.

Each one was hand-built in aluminium and steel with advanced monocoque construction. The result was a car that cost three times as much as the Simca Aronde Quotidienne and more than a Porsche 356. Sales were inevitably reduced.

From 1955, Simca began using the name Coupé de Ville, which was more appropriate for a car that was less sporty and more celebratory of comfort and design.

The 9 is a tribute to the lost art of giving car designers and engineers free rein. The result is evident in the photos: a magnificent car with beautiful details inside and out.

This 1955 Coupé de Ville has spent time in the Simca Museum in Martinique. A considerable amount of money has been invested in a complete mechanical overhaul and the car is said to start and run well. The exterior and interior are in very good condition and driveable in their own right, although there is still room for improvement.

These cars rarely come onto the market, as owners tend to want to keep them. We are told that only 1,500 were made, including this 'Coupé de Ville' model and the 'Weekend' model. Few of those in existence have the provenance of this one.

History and documentation

1955 Coupé de Ville
We are informed that the new registration is GF-887-KA
26,857 km indicated and apparently accurate according to the seller
Numbers match according to information provided
Collector's registration document
Acquired by the seller from the Simca Museum in Martinique
The bodywork was redone a few years ago, without any supporting documents
An appraisal at the time of purchase in 2017 announced a value of €38,000
Some servicing and maintenance work was carried out in June 2017, after the appraisal.
Further works completed in December 2023, costing €1,400
A very rare car with subsequent improvements to the Coupé de Ville
The 9 was manufactured by Facel and is believed to have been designed by owner Jean Daninos
Seller notes traces of maintenance, only since 2017; CT recorded 1994-2000-2001-2004-2017 with consistent mileage

Condition

Magnificent uprightless design in aluminium and steel with great detail inside and out
Midnight Blue paintwork in good condition with some light but not unsightly marks.
These include a scratch on one door and a small dent on the boot
Bodywork presents well with some micro-bubbles, light abrasions and visible blistering
Rides on steel wheels with attractive chrome hubcaps and a matching spare wheel in the boot
The structure appears to be in good condition, with a very solid boot floor and underside
The seller states that the bumpers have been re-chromed
The bumpers are in good condition and the other chrome elements have retained a good appearance with some tarnishing
Velour interior in generally good condition
There are signs of ageing to the interior, including discolouration to the seats and carpets
The vendor notes some dampness on the door mats, to be cleaned
The vendor indicates that the interior would benefit from refurbishment, but could be used as is
Interior elements, including dashboard and chrome switches very well preserved
Custom Jaeger oval dials in good condition, showing a slight patina of originality
Beautiful two-spoke chrome steering wheel in very good condition, a highlight of the cabin
Two-seater layout with large individual bench-style seats at the front and ample storage space at the rear

Mechanicals

4-cylinder Simca 1,221 cm³, 45 bhp engine
4-speed manual gearbox
We are told that the car has been regularly maintained
Previously serviced and maintained by the Simca Museum
Solex carburettor system
Some maintenance work carried out in June 2017
Further work extended in December 2023
The vendor notes that the vehicle starts and drives well, the gears shift correctly and the brakes are in good working order

Since purchase, the car would have undergone the following maintenance:

Change of battery
Fuel pump changed
Various hoses renewed
Lighting
Capacitor failure
Change of water pump
Exhaust
Carburettor replaced
Complete ignition system replaced
Master cylinder changed
Front and rear wheel cylinders changed
Engine, gearbox and axle oil changed

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].