Simca Esplanada

The Simca Esplanada was a large car designed by the Brazilian subsidiary of French automaker Simca. Launched at the 1966 motor show in São Paulo (Salão do Automóvel), it replaced the models Présidence and Rallye, and was manufactured until 1969 at the São Bernardo do Campo factory. It was a radically restyled version based on the originally Ford designed Ford Vedette (later rebadged Simca Vedette) and its successor, the Simca Présidence and Rallye.

Simca Esplanada
Overview
ManufacturerSimca do Brasil
Production1966–1969
Body and chassis
ClassLarge car
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFR layout
RelatedFord Vedette
Simca Vedette
Simca Chambord
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L Emi-Sul V8
Transmission3-speed manual[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,690 mm (105.9 in)[1]
Length4,520 mm (178.0 in)[1]
Width1,750 mm (68.9 in)[1]
Height1,480 mm (58.3 in)[1]
Curb weight1,150 kg (2,540 lb)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorSimca Rallye / Présidence

French origin, Brazilian styling

While technically pretty much identical to its predecessors, the Esplanada featured radically restyled front and rear ends. The interior featured reclinable leather seats and fine Jacarandá wood trimmings on dashboard and doors. The top Models 3M and 6M could easily be recognized by their vinyl top. The 140 hp (104 kW) engine now was fed by an electric fuel pump and featured a 34-Ampère alternator. A newly introduced hydraulic clutch improved gear changing and driving comfort significantly, the gearbox was upgraded with an overdrive.

The Chrysler touch
Facelifted (1968-1969) Esplanada

From August 1967 on, the Simca Esplanadas featured a small badge at the rear end with the writing "fabricado pela Chrysler" ("built by Chrysler") following the takeover by the American auto manufacturer.

Stringent quality tests dictated by the Detroit headquarters lead to improvements on 53 items on the Esplanada’s mechanical side being introduced at once, including a power reduction to 130 hp (97 kW) for the sake of higher durability. The visual was also slightly updated with new headlamps, a new grille and different chrome items and new rear end lights. In 1968, for the 1969 model year, the simplified Regente and the sporting GTX were added to the lineup.

The significant mechanical improvements allowed Chrysler the confidence to shock their main up-market competitor, Ford, by offering a novel 2-year or 36.000 km warranty. The production of the Esplanada ceased in 1969 as Chrysler decided to introduce a better competitor for the Ford Galaxie, the roomier Dodge Dart, with the intention of taking a larger share of the market from then on.

Production figures
  • 1966 -
  • 1967 -
  • 1968 -
  • 1969 - [1]

Total Production
  • Esplanada - 12.040
  • Regente - 4.778
  • GTX - 631
  • Total production - 17.449 cars

References
  1. Bellu, René. Toutes les Simca. Le Conquet: Studio Gernot. (published and distributed privately, no ISBN)
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