1955 Simca 9 Coupé de Ville
Highlights
- 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
The Appeal
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.
The History and Paperwork
- 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
The 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
The Mechanics
- 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 YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1955
- Make Simca
- Model 9
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 26,856 Kilometres
- Engine size 1221
Listing Details
- Seller type Trade
- Town Saint-Jean-De-Boisea…
- Location International
- Country France
The Gallery
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To take the hassle out of the whole process and to prevent any unnecessary squabbling we'll automatically decline anything less than 70% of the asking price so only offers that are worth considering will be accepted.
Make an offer listings include a “Make an offer” button. Simply click on this and enter the amount you’d like to offer and the seller will either accept, decline or counter. Easy peasy.
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