Puzzle #69 - Solved! Simca Projet 929

Otto Puzzell · October 30, 2006, 04:27:05 AM

Know what this prototype is? It never made it to production, but it gives ample clues to its heritage.

Please, respond below and let us know what make and model you think you see here.

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shamrock · October 30, 2006, 05:23:33 AM

Alancia or Peugeot 604 prototype.

Otto Puzzell · October 30, 2006, 06:00:38 AM

No.

MG · October 30, 2006, 10:41:44 AM

It sure LOOKS like a Dodge Dart in slightly different clothes. ???

shamrock · October 30, 2006, 04:56:41 PM

A 70s maseratti protype by ITAL DESIGN

SeaLion · October 30, 2006, 07:43:53 PM

A big Opel?

Otto Puzzell · October 31, 2006, 02:56:22 AM

Not an Opel, Maserati, or Dodge.

Tifosi · October 31, 2006, 03:50:02 AM

Maybe a Brazilian AMC prototype?

Dan

Otto Puzzell · October 31, 2006, 04:02:58 AM

No sir.

Stephen M · October 31, 2006, 10:33:42 PM

Looks vaguely eastern block to me. Maybe early 70's Russian?

Tifosi · November 01, 2006, 02:31:36 AM

Closer inspection shows what could pass for side marker lights on at least the rear quarter panels, and maybe on the front fenders, as well; so I'm guessing that this car is a Domestic prototype, or at least something intended for the U.S. market...I'm guessing from about 1968, by the shape of the "lights".

Could it be a Toyota Crown styling exercise?

Dan

Otto Puzzell · November 01, 2006, 03:56:45 AM

Not Russian; not a Toyota.

Tifosi · November 01, 2006, 06:02:42 AM

Ford Cortina?

Otto Puzzell · November 01, 2006, 06:14:11 AM

Not a Ford.

Tifosi · November 03, 2006, 03:57:59 AM

Leyland?

Dan

Otto Puzzell · November 03, 2006, 04:15:23 AM

No sir.

Ultra · November 04, 2006, 01:05:07 PM

Mopar?

Tifosi · November 04, 2006, 07:25:55 PM

There's no way it could be an early '70's Caddy or Buick prototype, is there? I remember Buick was flirting with building a "Diplomat 225" at about that time.

Dan

Otto Puzzell · November 05, 2006, 03:30:25 AM

Quote from: Ultra on November 04, 2006, 01:05:07 PM
Mopar?

Of a sort.

Otto Puzzell · November 05, 2006, 03:30:57 AM

Quote from: Tifosi on November 04, 2006, 07:25:55 PM
There's no way it could be an early '70's Caddy or Buick prototype, is there? I remember Buick was flirting with building a "Diplomat 225" at about that time.

Dan

It is not.

Tifosi · November 05, 2006, 05:42:29 AM

SIMCA Projet 929 XA, ca.1966-69...there were 2 other prototypes, one by [I think...] Bertone, and the other by Chrysler Detrroit, that looked like a 1967 Barracuda from the back.

Dan

Otto Puzzell · November 05, 2006, 06:38:12 AM

Correct!

After launching the ultra-successful SIMCA 1100, the French knuckled down to producing a new big car. It was christened Projet 929.

Following Chrysler's takeover of SIMCA, it was decided that either Projet 929 or Whitley's C Car project would become Chrysler Europe's definitive large car. In the end, Chrysler's management decided that the British effort was the preferable option and so, cancelled Projet 929. However, the engineering of C Car was taken over by the French, which alienated Rootes engineers anyway. SIMCA engineers had also been alienated by the cancellation of Projet 929 in the first place...

Here are the other 2. Guess which one was penned in Detroit!

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Puzzle #69 - Solved! Simca Projet 929