Our Aronde de Luxe

Our SIMCA Aronde 1300 de Luxe

Year of manufacture 1959. The car has been completely restored “from the ground up” and is in excellent condition. This vehicle, which I admired since my youth and finally bought from my neighbor in 1995, was my first classic car – and I jumped straight into a full restoration. My perfectionism and attention to detail turned it into an almost never-ending project, a true personal challenge. Without the technical help of the sons of the original owner, it would have been impossible. Spare parts were a major issue.

As for the car itself – although I occasionally despaired over some of the odd engineering solutions, as a whole the car feels timeless compared to Czechoslovak post-war models, almost as if it came from a different era. Its modern concept, driving characteristics, design, materials, workmanship, and overall practicality clearly surpass the Škoda Octavia. I must admit, despite my affection for our domestic cars, that Czech automotive development had already stagnated by the time of the Octavia. The true leap forward came only with the Škoda 1000 MB, especially thanks to its advanced engine and world-class production technology. After that, unfortunately, came another dark period.

In terms of durability, the Octavia may have the upper hand, although this Simca served in regular use (outside the winter months and under a careful owner) until 1995 – for the entire family, often towing a trailer. Corrosion affected it only slightly. Czech cars, however, often show more refined and carefully engineered small components – sometimes even overcomplicated, but durable even after repeated disassembly. On the other hand, when assembling the Simca’s doors, I sometimes suffered from what I’d call “engineering showmanship” – or perhaps the designers’ artistic freedom – and from the overly complex linkages between components: rod, lever, clamp, extension, another arm, and its bracket…

In summary: The Simca was a car created by designers – using modern technology and aimed at the spoiled Western customer. Škoda, on the other hand, was a car built by engineers with limited means, focused on durability rather than comfort.
The car was eventually sold after a decision to reduce the collection.