IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 1959 Simca Aronde P60
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ส.ค. 2024
- In today's video, I'm taking out the gorgeous 1950s 1960s French classic car - the Simca Aronde. In this video, I'll be taking the Aronde P60 out for a drive and reviewing it. Video includes:
Simca road test
Simca car review
Simca Aronde review
Simca Aronde driving
Simca Aronde P60
French classic car review
French car review
French classic car road test
French classic car
voiture classique
voiture anciennes
Simca road test
Simca driving
Foreign classic car
European classic car
1950s classic car road test
1950s classic car review
1960s classic car road test
1960S classic car review
girl driving french car - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
I love your films , I honestly believe you would be a mega TV star , your voice and style and of course you are immensely watchable
I totally agree
It's big brother around the same time as this Simca Aronde was the Simca Vedette. A bigger car with very distinct styling ,especially the rear end with angled tail lights. It had a lumbering side valve V8 engine, which was a Ford V8 side valve inspired design. Extremely rare now even in France
Greetings from Adelaide, Australia, the home of the Simca station wagen. Love watching your videos, and love the Aussie mentions. Keep up the good work! cheers
Thanks so much David! I have a lot of Aussies who tune in so only seems fair to give the AU connection a mention xx
I simply adore you! Your delivery is pure perfection! No other video on TH-cam makes me smile the way you! You have a huge fan, in Western Washington St, USA. The best to you, Dear ❤️, and thank you!!!
When they asked Brian Wilson of 'The Beach Boys' what car he'd buy, apparently he said I'd get Aronde
The other Beach Boys wanted a 409...
A blast from the past. My Dad was an expatriate when we lived in Zambia and had an Aronde, my Mum had a Viva HA, I learned to drive on both of them and passed my test in the Viva. Great memories
No way! That’s a decent collection
My father was in the US Army stationed in France from around 1956 thru 1960 and purchased 2 Simcas and was able to ship them back to the US. I still remember cruising around France in the Simca. I have no idea what happened to them. I enjoyed your video it brought back fond memories of a much simpler time. I live in Southern Indiana, USA. Keep up the good work 😂
Love your dedication Steph in seeking out here great classic cars for us to all enjoy. Love your channel and your style. You’re a naturally talented presenter. Great detail and background as usual.
Great review of a lovely little French Car. Our neighbour had one of these, as a replacement for his Hillman California. I LOVE your videos - keep them coming please :-)
Wow this brought back so many memories for me as my Uncle had the same model Simca Aronde in red and cream. I used to love sitting in the front and watch him driving down those long straight Lincolnshire B roads .
Thank you for this lovely nostalgic video.
I always look forward to your latest vlogs popping up. Always interesting and informative and showing some lesser known classics
Aww thanks Chris 🥰🥰🥰
Hey! Another lovely car. Lovely to see.
I never really got into the Top Gear TV show but I am into your channel greatly and I am really enjoying your videos and enthusiasm.
I love these cars.
I have been working on my 1961 Humber Hawk Series II over the last seven years as I inherited from my father after he passed away suddenly.
He bought it in 1964 and used it well until he stored it away in a basement about 30 years ago. It had become derelict and I have been working on getting it back on the road.
I am not going to take away its age, I'm going to keep its patina. But I have reconditioned the brake system throughout and front suspension. And I made a complete new sill for one side and have done other work on it.
The engine had remained healthy but the fuel lines had corroded through.
It's a lovely car and I have known it all my life as it was the family car all my childhood.
I love the bench seats and walnut dash and column change.
It still has the chrome face radio that it was sold with when new.
If you ever travel to New Zealand for a holiday by the time I have it finished I would like you to take it for a while, several days even. A road trip through Central Otago perhaps.
I hope to make it to NZ eventually! I have family in Australia so they are of course, my first priority.
I’ve read the comments to avoid repeating what’s already been said. I grew up in a Tourist Resort where in the 70’s the Tourists would leave when summer ended. The streets became empty and there were no cell-phones etc. For entertainment it wasn’t uncommon for my friends and I to use the roads, many of which were dirt, to just, what most would consider completely nuts, drive like complete maniacs. We raced, we chased each other around and just had an absolute blast.
I worked on and off as a Gas Attendant and a guy came in with a 60 Simca Aronde one summer. He knew I liked it and agreed to sell it to me when he left at summer’s end. He wanted $194.00 for it as that’s what he paid for it when he arrived here. I knew the obvious, that I’d be getting what was left of it.
Finally it was mine. Yes the shifter had issues, as stated it’s a complicated mess of rods and cables. I’ve fixed worse things but parts here at that time just didn’t exist. If it ran and drove that’s all there was and off to School I went, little 36hp Flash 4 cylinder and all.
What I found unique about this Unicorn of a car was, the speedometer read like a thermometer, a few U.S. cars had that but very few. The turn signal, ‘flap’ was odd as you pointed out so well. That leads me to something that’s probably normal to you but I believe is a feature that the U.S. hadn’t, ‘’borrowed’’ from you yet. What’s always been the turn signal lever here, on the Simca it’s the headlight switch and dimmer. You turn the knob on the end of it for ‘’lights on’’ two clicks, the second one I’ve forgotten but then a light touch on the end of it is the switch for, Hi - Low beam. I don’t believe U.S. cars had that until the 70’s, I may be wrong though. It’s a safe and easy to use design for sure.
Had you noticed this car is slightly wider in the middle? I did but thought nothing of it. A buddy and I were exploring some really old dirt roads one afternoon and came upon a pair of trees that seemed quite close together, we looked at each other, with a smile he said, ‘’awe it’ll fit’’. Well it did, at least until the doors and with a loud thud we stopped like we hit a brick wall. With a tree outside both of our side windows, I had a moment of horror. We were now locked in tight as a drum, in the middle of nowhere. If it hadn’t been a four door we would’ve been kicking out a rear window at the very least.
Obviously this little car gave me lots of great memories, they are quite cheaply made and lightweight but it’s all in the name of gas mileage. I made the mistake of teasing a buddy while standing in a parking lot with it, he grabbed it by the rear wheel-well and if I hadn’t jumped up and pulled it back down by the rain gutter, he would’ve rolled it over. Sadly the metal is so thin it buckled right above where he grabbed.
In the end I had acquired the drivetrain of an Opel GT and before getting it together life got in the way in a major way. Sorry for carrying on. Thanks for triggering a million memories….
So happy you were able to drive such a fine example as this one. What a special car and a great review to go with it!
Had a 1960 Simca. My father, a Chrysler employee, bought one that was imported by Chrysler for $1200. Four speed on the column. Took my driver's license test in that car. Beautiful upholstery and peppy 4 cylinder.
Awww lovely little story glen x
@@Rick-S-6063
My neighbor had a 1959 Simca in their garage. They wanted to sell it to me for 160 dollars around 1970. It supposedly had an out 20k miles on it.
I was 16. I thought the car was too weird, so I declined.
My dad had a Simca 1000. We all learnt to drive in it. Great little car.
They really are aren’t they 🥰
This was in New Zealand. When we moved house once. My dad hooked up a trailer that was bigger than the Simca. The little thing pulled it all with no trouble. Lol
@@brentfairlie9159 was that car safe to drive ?
@@julienbee3467 yes it was for back in the day. It couldn't go fast enough to get I to any trouble
Love the review!!! My daughter and I are working on a 58 Aronde Elysee that has been sitting for 40 years!
What an excellent presentation. Delighted by your enthusiasm as I've just bought an Aronde in France. Haven't seen it or driven one but at least I know now I'll like it 😊
The advertising slogan for these in Australia was "Some Car, that Simca." Who could resist?
The estate / station wagon version was an Australian conversion. -Sedan CKD kits were imported, and a locally-developed package consisting of new roof, side windows, tailgate and so on was used to make the car a wagon on the production line. I have read (can't promise its true, but it's a good story..) that the Aussies didn't inform Simca HQ in France that this was happening. When the French found out they were livid and sent a posse of angry management to give a stern lecture to the impudent Aussies who were mucking about with their fine cars.... When the Frenchies arrived and saw the station wagons they were impressed and let production continue. The french used the tailgate design in the wagon/estate version of the Simca 1300 and 1500 series that was under development at time time.
I simply love your videos, so much fun.
My dad had two of these here in Australia, he was a mechanical engineer and was impressed by this car and the workshop manual also impressed him and I still have it.
Lovely car and another great review Steph! Your second car review down here in Hampshire too! Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much John! I was doing a flying visit for Brighton pride and made sure to review this Simca and the Snuggy whilst I was down in the area. Such a privilege.
Lovely car, enjoyed your video as always wanted to see those wipers in action though 😀
Aww sorry! It was so hot the wipers were the last thing on my mind 😂😂😂
the simca owners club is fantastic. Again, I'm not a member but they've been so helpful with the restoration of my Talbot Alpine Minx
Yeah the Facebook page members were so helpful
My frst car was a 1960 P60 very low milage . The gear change in Australia was poor it had 11 linkage joints to get to right hand drive . I converted it to a floor change , witch was quite simple and very succesful. Had the car for years , passed it on to my brother for a few more years , and sold it as a going car . Fond memories, except it threw a gudgen on our honeymoon, limped home ok . Thanks for your video.
Wonderful review Steph, your passion for the Aronde is clear to see. Keep up the amazing reviews, you are a breath of fresh air ❤️
Aww thanks so much 🥰🥰🥰
Fine and informative Vid/Review, what a nice and elegant little classic, all the best and greetz from Germany, Tom
Well researched as always. You mastered that gear change quickly ! Nice vid as always !
Thanks Martin!!! I did have a little dummy run before I set off properly 😂
I love the column shift on my 61 mercedes w111 220sb. It's convenient to only move your hand an inch from the giant wheel and I find I'm much faster to change gear and its always a special treat from second to third coming out of a corner, you push it up out of second the spring snaps it into position and then into third it's so smooth.
What a lovely car Steph. You look really at home in it :) Such a attractive vehicle. Its a shame all the passion and classic designs France put into its cars has been replaced with bland euro boxes.. Sadly the same of most manufacturers now. Bring back chrome! :)
I wish they’d make more cars like this. I’ve been born too late I swear 😂😂😂
@@idriveaclassic maybe you could test the Matra Rancho
Hi Steph, great video as usual. I remember my eldest sister working at a Simca dealership in the early sixties and bringing me home a little Simca Aronde enamel pin badge. Needless to say, I bloody lost it! 😊
Aww can’t believe you lost it!!! They are brilliant cars aren’t they
YAY!!! you finally found one!!
Hahahahah. I knew you’d be pleased 😂
What a beautiful little Aronde, you certainly don't see many of those on the road! Thanks again Steph, lovely video.
Thanks so much Mike! X
well done steph as always love your vlogs girl cracking cars
Thanks so much Richard!!!!
Excellent video & a lovely car - I'm from Adelaide, so really appreciated the info on local production. Well done.
Cheers Karl!
Hi from Down Under Steph.Totally love your channel and reviews.
Thanks so much Barry!
Been to Hayling Island a few times - lovely place. The Aronde is quite easy on the eye too ! Living on Hayling Island driving an Aronde - some luck bugger is living the dream.
What a beautiful car and another amazing video , well done Steph !
Thanks ever so much Martin. Glad you enjoyed it xxx
Honestly This Channel gets better and better. Really can not wait to see what you Get to drive next! This is a very intresting car indeed. Superb Video as always 👍
Aww thanks so much! Some interesting cars are booked in actually 😀
@@idriveaclassic I cant wait to see! I am quite envy in some ways. I would just love to drive some of these wonderful cars.
lovely, brought back memories My Mum purchased from the London Motorshow in 1960 the 1 and only Simca aronde estate, she bought it off the stand at Earls Court.
Oh my god that’s amazing!!!! I didn’t know you could do that
Yes think I was there that year and remember seeing that car
Brand new subscriber here. You popped up on my feed with the fiat 500 review and I have now watched several of your videos.
I have never seen or indeed heard of one of these cars, was fab learning about it.
Looking forward to watching more of your videos Steph, keep up the good work x
Great video. Loved it
Thankyou Steph really love all your videos you looked so beautiful as always x never seen a car like this before I found it really interesting thankyou Steph
Thanks so much 🥰
Fun and good looking classic car. All the style elements of 1950's American cars with a dash of French practicality.
My father bought one when we first arrived in Australia from UK in 1967. I have to agree with your noting how quiet they are, the reason ours was so quiet was that it was always breaking down and was sent back after 3 weeks. With that in mind I have to withhold any comment as to performance or handling. Love your videos keep up the good work
Hahahahah I love that. This is like me and MK2 Golfs. Had a bad one and now hate them forever. Sometimes it takes one to put you off.
I agree, Stephs’s vintage style which i love, her passion for older cars and learning as she goes and giggles. For me finding out how big the ashtray to smells which is unique to other car review. Keep going you funky chick
Wow, Simca.. Totally forgot about Simca's.. I remember when I was a kid in the 60's an uncle or friend of the family had a Simca... Thanks Steph for an amazing bit of nostalgia..great video very underrated classic car of the period.... I also remember the Simca 1000 Coupe?... very stylish looking car.
Cheers Chris! This is my first Simca but I’d be open to more :)
Lovely little car. You look right at home behind the wheel. Thanks for the video
Ahh I felt it. Cheers Jeffery
My Great Uncle had one of these rusting away in the middle of his back garden in Devon. I remember playing in it when My family went for a holiday in the mid 1970's.
Aww no way really?!
Great review of a very interesting car thank you x
Thanks Martin 🥰🥰🥰
Great car and a great review Steph
Cheers!!!
Many Thanks for this video showing us the same car that I have too!!
My pleasure 🥰🥰🥰
Great video of lovely classic well done.
Thanks Michael!
Nice review Steph
Loving the really original Aronde.
It's great to look at all different cars an appreciate them for what they are.
Can tell you're taken with French😁
Let's look you out a nice little Renault Dauphane or a snazzy Caravelle 🤔
Look forward to you next review. 😊
Oh honestly if I could jump in an old Renault I’d be the happiest girl alive x
Yeah nice car .The old: column change quite good when you get used to them , thanks for posting👍
Thank you!
Well you’ve taught me something today that Simca was a French brand, I thought it was a eastern block brand like Polski Fiat. For me it’s a classic I’d like to see on display and not to drive it, I think the column change and the indicators must be so difficult.
Another interesting video, cheers Steph.
PS looking forward to seeing the beautiful Green MG Metro video 😃
Thanks so much! Lots of interesting videos coming up soon! Yeah it wasn’t the easiest to drive but I reckon give me a few days I could’ve been winging it!
It's got a very nice face that car 😄😄 well done on another great vid and and excellent knowledge 🏁🏁🏁🏁
Thanks so much Ade. Had to do a fair bit of reading on this one x
What a rare beauty and you really suit that car Steph 😎👍🏼
Cheers!
Nice looking classic car! Although, this car was never shipped to the U.S. but I first saw one in a classic cars book I bought in 1983! I thought they looked unique! Anyway, I have never driven a column manual shift, but it reminds me of my Uncle's used 1967 Toyota pickup truck of which that thing too, had a 4 speed column shift! Anyway, beautiful little car all around!
i had respite care in Hayling Island once i don't remember much about it though, what a lovely car you are reviewing
Yeah it was a smashing little car xx
@@idriveaclassic i think you only review cute and quirky cars which is great because you are amazing at these reviews and you are a natural at it.
Never seen this car before, namez familiar. Great review Steph.
Cheers Eddie!
Nice wee review of a nice car not sure I could get grips with the column change. 👍👍
It took some thinking but got there in the end x
Steph,good vid as always....to open that quarter light window, press the button in and the lever will unlock the window
Thanks! Don’t like to force these things unless it’s my own car 😂
Another good video Steph. Lovely car. My neighbor had one when I was a kid. ( and I’m in Australia).
Ahhh I was going to ask if you were an Australian when you said your neighbour had one. Brilliant stuff!
idriveaclassic Sure am. And we had a series MM convertible, A series MO Morris oxford and a 1952 2-5 Riley at the time. Aussie with all English cars. Love your videos so much. Really look forward to all of them.
Great vid.Rare car, lovely motor.
Cheers Neil!
Great video. Great car. It would be super interesting to do a back to back comparison with a Hillman Super Minx. Throw in a Humber Sceptre for the trifecta. Rootes Group and Simca were both owned by Chrysler at the time, and the 3 cars are of similar sizes, with similar sized engines, but designed and developed completely apart from one another. The Sceptre, of course, simply a fancier Super Minx.
My dad had a dark blue one of these in 1960, owned for 10 years.
Fabulous natural presentational style driven through passion and enthusiasm coupled with knowledge
Aww thanks so much Malcolm!!!
What a lovely car. I wouldn't be able to get my head around that column gear change.
Yeah it was so hard. I really had to think.
@@idriveaclassic Forgot to add - I like the little interviews with the owners. Thumbs up!
Lovely and a lively car. My father had a 1960 when I was a kid ( in Sri Lanka), I would buy one now if I can find an original car.... but it is very rare in Sri Lanka now.
The car is as old as I am. I remember my dad had a dark grey (and white?) one. Cars form part of my earliest memories.
Aww really?! Cool cars aren’t they
@@idriveaclassic Yes and this one is in a remarkable condition. I remember the look of the inner doors and sharp tail lights😃
Nice car, nice video. Good job! When driving older cars, don’t panic! Just slow down! 😂😂😂 one thing at a time.
Thanks so much Andrea 😀😀😀😀😀
Thank you for this video. I have seen a Simca Aronde in France and have always wanted to know what it is.
Aw well I’m pleased I fixed that for you 🥰
Simca Aronde with right hand drive is a seriously rare car. You were very lucky to find one. As you said, they weren't a big seller this side of the channel which is a shame.
I used to have a mk4 Ford Zephyr six with a column gear change. It was weird for the first afternoon I used it but it was easy enough to get used to. I can't understand why they didn't catch on in the UK, they were massive in America and Australia.
Once you get used to them, they're a very relaxing way to drive and you don't have to move your hand far from the steering wheel. Also, as in the Simca, they enable a bench seat to be fitted in the front instead of individual front seats, making the car a six seater.
The Simca Aronde was available in some wonderful period colour schemes. Simca was actually a fairly high quality manufacturer when it was independent (perhaps like a French version of something like Triumph) and they were very well regarded. Unfortunately they became a shadow of their former selves after the Chrysler buyout, they were still well specified, stylish cars but rampant bodywork corrosion and the rattly overhead valve engines of the later 60's and 70's gave them a bad reputation. Such a shame because the designs were still basically good.
Your attitude to classic motoring is superb. You'll try anything and not let personal bias and preferences cloud your judgement. An open minded approach to classic cars leaves the way clear for suprises to be had!
Myself, I have to admit to liking some truly terrible cars just because I like the way they look. After all, why pay good money for a car if you don't like it's aesthetics? Rust can be repaired, engines and gearboxes can be overhauled or replaced and dodgy handling ensures you don't let things get out of hand!
Paul this is one of my favourite comments of all time - thanks for truly appreciating the channel ☺️
Yeah I like some terrible cars. Big fan of micro and small cars and anything tragic. Really enjoyed the Snuggy actually.
I’d love a bench seat in a morris Minor. Would allow me to carry more rubbish with me 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Then in that case, what you need is a Morris MO Oxford. Same wonderful styling as the Minor but in a slightly bigger size with a 1489cc B-series engine and crucially with a column gearshift and a bench seat! Very popular with bank managers and headteachers in the 1950's.
@@paulbennell3313 The MO Oxford did NOT have the B-series engine.
By the time it was introduced (1948) there was no such thing as BMC and Morris made its own engines.
In this case a rather anaemic side-valve engine of 1476cc was fitted. If you were patient almost 70mph were possible.
Apart from that, a wonderful car and its column change was the best I've ever sampled. (owned one for a couple of years)
All other Oxfords (Srs. II through Srs. VI) had the B-series engine, except of course, when they were fitted with a Diesel...
I had a Renault 16 in the 70s with a column gearchange, had no issues with it at all..
You’re better than me. I struggled at first!
Excellent vidéo merci à vous madame
Who downvoted?? Fantastic video and a superb piece of motoring exotica!
Hahaha there’s always somebody 😂
The recent Austin a35 video has over 20 down votes.
idriveaclassic whaaaa? Who doesn’t like an A35? That was a great vlog!
Nice car, thanks for the review. I notice that the ground clearance is usefully high - and for anyone interested, the Aussie You Tube channel Shannons Club TV do a great review too. I'll keep my eyes peeled for this particular Simca P60 Aronde around the streets of Hayling where, as it so happens, I live... cheers, Steph!
Thanks Tim! Owner was a really nice guy too so definitely worth a chat with him. He knew his stuff about cars and we had a brilliant chat off camera :)
Lovely presentation of the Simca Aronde. In my country, Simca was a car that was a strong selling small to medium size French car locally assembled in Australia.
I'd really love to see a presentation of the Aronde's bigger brother, the Simca Vedette V8, a unique semi prestigious car with the prewar Ford designed Side Valve 2351 cc V8 delivering 80 bhp. If it's possible, would you be able to cover this stylish, sleek classic car.
My Bro in Law had the Verdette. Which had a little V8 under the hood. These were quite common in Australia at the time. All gone to God now I'm afraid.
Wow love it!
Thanks!!!
Stéphanie😚 you have splendid exeptionel car👍 .god bless you✒💖 .Simca à car from an era of dreams😃
Merci beaucoup 🥰🥰🥰
Would like to see you driving a Borgward Isabella.
Fair play for mastering the column change there steph most people born after the mid 80's can't get there head round a choke let alone changing gear with a column, Bit more practice you'll be as slick as hub nut :-)
Hahahaha yeah it was day one and I always get a wee bit nervous in a car as special as this!
Also I sadly nearly fall into the mid 80s bracket. I AM SO OLD 😭😭😭😭😭
Another cracking video steph any plans to drive to drive any Eastern European cars like fso, yugo, lada etc 👍👍
Hey Nick! I’m after a Yugo and I’ve secured a Lada. Just waiting for it to get an MOT x
Would love you to test other Simcas such as the Simca 1000 and the Matra Simca Baghera.
Not too uncommon sight here in Southern California in the 1960s. I remember as a very small child witnessing a conversation between two coed college students showing off her new black Aronde.
Reminds me of dad's auto workshop in Uganda in the 60's and we had a couple of Arondes every now and then for servicing. Personally, I like French engineering, it has build quality and good design. I like this car, back in 1998 I came across a good example Aronde here in New Zealand.
We needed to see the engine and engine bay and know more about the brakes - disk, drum setup. Also if you could make your videos shorter, like max 10 mins. Thank you and thumbs up!
Thanks so much x
@@idriveaclassic wellcome x
Another one my dad had, that makes two. Peugeot 204 one day, perhaps?
Simca was a French automaker, founded in November 1934 by Fiat and directed from July 1935 to May 1963 by Italian Henri Pigozzi. Simca was affiliated with Fiat and, after Simca bought Ford's French activities, became increasingly controlled by the Chrysler Group.
So that Simca was imported super rare million dollar car if fully & properly restored to it's glory.
Superbe !!!
Interesting car . On the subject of column change, I have always had column change vehicles . It isn't old fashioned at all. A lot of modern vehicles still have it. I have a Toyota Hilux with 5 speed on the column . Column change is still very common in Japan . We have a Mazda van with it in Japan and my daughter has a Nissan Gloria in Japan with 6 speed on the column.
I LOVE column change . You can shift gears with one , or a couple of fingers , without taking your hands off the wheel.
Really?! I had no idea it was still a thing. I swear I learn so much in the comments section x
@@idriveaclassic YES , It's still common in Japan . You will see it immediately in Tokyo if you visit Japan and get a Taxi - a Toyota Crown Comfort. Many are auto but also many are manual column-change . 6-speed on the recent models.
I LOVE columnchange . I always feel it is much more "natural" and intuitive than reaching down to a floor mounted gear shift , (it is when you are used to it) .
I failed my first driving test spectacularly because the driving school car I took my test in (a Fiesta) was floor-shift that I wasn't used to . I did most of my "learning" to drive on a column change (A Toyota van and a Toyota pickup belonging to the company I worked for).
That was 1988! lol. Always had column-change since. (Plus a few autos - but all of those on the column!)
That's such a pretty little car!
Tell me about it 😭😭😭
J'adore !!!
Good video
Cheers mark!!!
I do know a bit about Simcas - the 1000/1100/1300/1500/1301/1501/Bagheera/Matra-Simca Rancho etc., but I'm not familiar with these. I'm surprised (and delighted) that a RHD example has survived (although there may be more for all I know) - there's definitely more in Australia. 👍🏻
They are amazing aren’t they. 10/10 wanted to take it home.
They were everywhere in France
Best cornering car I have ever driven.
Really? To be fair, I loved it
As a former associate once observed, "Whatever you knew first is 'right'." Believe me, if you'd grown up in the U.S. you wouldn't find American cars "off-putting" due to their size. Indeed, they would be quite normal. And, as a result, you'd have been astonished at how small those "furrin" cars were (which, obviously, didn't keep a lot of Americans from, first, appreciating them on their merits -- and then buying them!). The first Simca I remember seeing (in the company of my father) was at a Plymouth dealer around 1960-61....about the same time I saw an Opel at a Buick dealer (such were known as "captive imports" because of the corporate ownership). He bought a VW instead.
Hahahaha yeah I’ve grown up with smaller cars
Thanks for reviewing a Simca I never heard of. I guess the BMW Driver (10:23) didn't appreciate you being on the road?
That kind of gearshift was common on American cars with three speed, called 'Three on the Tree'