Topic: SAC#886 :prototype Simca Ariane 1958

[SACO]

The Simca projet 903 with the same bumper and same roof :

[fyreline]

 . . . Well done SACO!   And the plot thickens.



While the only real similarity in the front bumpers is the oval rubber bumper guard inserts, that's one of the styling features I was looking for in my search. I agree that it's the same top - the slight difference in appearance is likely due to the different camera angle. So then . . . is Projet 903 a Simca factory job, or from a coachbuilder?  And if so, which one?

Inquiring minds want to know . . .

[pguillem]

Thanks for this very interesting image.  Maybe it could be the missing link, as the 903 project was intended to replace both the Aronde and the Ariane. However, this car looks rather different, judging from these other views. So the mystery remains.  I hope that we can solve it.

[fyreline]

I'm still leaning more towards Michelotti as a possible body builder . . . they seem to have been one of the few that favored the slanted headlight feature, and they used it on more than a few designs. So far I haven't been able to find anything further, but the search continues. Did Simca frequently do the bodies themselves for their styling prototypes?

[Otto Puzzell]

The Simca projet 903 with the same bumper and same roof :

Same pic, with the deleted caption:

[pguillem]

I'm still leaning more towards Michelotti as a possible body builder . . . they seem to have been one of the few that favored the slanted headlight feature, and they used it on more than a few designs. So far I haven't been able to find anything further, but the search continues. Did Simca frequently do the bodies themselves for their styling prototypes?

The front view of the 903 project looks very Figonish...

[fyreline]

It does indeed . . . and again, it begs the question: did Simca make their own styling prototypes?

[Koen Vantomme]

De juiste voorkant van de 903 zag ik nog niet. Het is deze! https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10221473731734796&set=pcb.3136244343105167

[Carnut]

Thanks. Here's the picture from your Facebook page:

(Please stick to English for this worldwide site!  Thanks.)