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Simca 1307
Simca 1307
Simca 1307
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Simca 1307
Simca 1307 GLS
Overview
ManufacturerChrysler Europe (1975–1979)
PSA Peugeot Citroën (1979–1986)
Also called
  • Simca 1308/1309/1508/1609
  • Chrysler 150 (Spain)
  • Chrysler Alpine (UK, Ireland, New Zealand)
  • Dodge Alpine (Colombia)
  • Talbot 1510/150
  • Talbot Alpine (UK, Ireland, New Zealand)
  • Talbot Solara
  • Talbot SX
Production1975–1986
Assembly
DesignerRoy Axe
Body and chassis
ClassLarge family car (D)
LayoutFF layout
RelatedSimca 1100
Simca Horizon
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission4 speed manual all-synchromesh[1]
5-speed manual
Automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase102.5 in (2,604 mm)[1]
Length167 in (4,242 mm)[1]
Width66 in (1,676 mm)[1]
Curb weight2,314 lb (1,050 kg)[1]
Chronology
PredecessorSimca 1301/1501
Hillman Hunter
SuccessorPeugeot 405

The Simca 1307 is a large family car produced by Chrysler Europe and subsequently PSA Peugeot Citroën from 1975 to 1986. Codenamed 'C6' in development, the car was styled in the United Kingdom by Roy Axe and his team at Whitley, and the car was engineered by Simca at Poissy in France.

A modern, front-wheel drive hatchback, it was one of the earliest such cars in the large family class along with the Renault 20/Renault 30 and Volkswagen Passat, and became the 1976 European Car of the Year.[2] It had been in development since 1972.[3]

The model was marketed variously as the Simca 1308 and 1309 models (with larger engines), Chrysler Alpine (UK,[4] Ireland and New Zealand), Dodge Alpine (Colombia), Chrysler 150 (Spanish market), and later Talbot 1510 / Talbot Alpine / Talbot 150 (a facelifted version launched by PSA after its takeover of Chrysler Europe) and Talbot Solara (the saloon version).

History

[edit]

Originally the car was powered by 1294 cc and 1442  cc versions of the "Poissy engine" with electronic ignition and a four-speed gearbox. From launch it was available in three trim levels: GL, S and GT. Equipment levels were high, with the later GLS version featuring central door locking and electric windows, accessories that up until then had only generally featured in larger more upmarket cars. Having won the Car of the Year award, it was initially a success both at home and in the export. Production levels shot up from a daily 400 at introduction in September 1975 to 850 in December of that year, to 1100 a day in late 1976.[5] The 1307 (7 CV) had the smaller engine, while the 1308 (8 CV) received the larger version. Unlike the other models, the more sporting 1307 S received twin Weber carburettors in continental European markets to provide a more powerful and revvy engine while remaining in a lower tax category. In the UK, the 1307 S has the same single Solex carburettor as the GL.[6]

Finnish-built Talbot 1510, facelifted version with new headlights

More upmarket models were designated 1308 (1508 in some markets, reflecting the size of the engine) and 1309 (similarly sold as a 1609 in a few markets). All of the models replaced the Simca 1301/1501 range in France, while on the British market it was sold alongside the ageing Hillman Hunter, a rear-wheel drive range of saloons and estates which would continue until 1979. This type of car was generally more popular in Britain in 1975, with the best-selling cars in this sector being the Ford Cortina and Morris Marina. The Chrysler Alpine was first sold in Britain in January 1976, going on sale just after the similar-sized Vauxhall Cavalier, a rear-wheel drive saloon which consistently outsold it.

Styled by Roy Axe, the Simca 1307, along with the recently introduced Volkswagen Passat, was one of several full-size European family hatchbacks inspired by the Renault 16 that had defined the sector back in 1965. In the 1970s the most popular mid-size cars in Europe were still traditional sedans like Ford Taunus (Ford Cortina in Britain), Opel Ascona B (Vauxhall Cavalier) and Morris Marina, and indeed it would be the next generations of those competing vehicles (the Ford Sierra and the Ascona C) before the concept became fully accepted in the mainstream.

Near the end of the original model's run, the Italian importer marketed a sporty and luxurious version of the bigger-engined 1308 GT. Called the "1308 GLS Superstrada", it featured alloy wheels, black striped along the lower flanks, and all chrome (aside from the pentastar logo) was blacked out.[7]

Facelift and Solara

[edit]

For 1980 the car, which was now sold under the Talbot-brand, received an extensive facelift. The new model, shown at the Frankfurt Show, was known as the Talbot 1510 (the Talbot Alpine name was used in the UK).[8] It received new front and rear lights and the new top of the range SX featured alloy wheels, cruise control, headlamp wash/wipe, power steering and trip computer. Automatic transmission and a five-speed gearbox also became available. The lineup became clearer, with the 1307 GLS replaced by the 1510 LS, the 1307 S by the GL, the 1308 GT by the GLS, and finally the 1309 SX by the 1510 SX (automatic transmission only at first).[9]

A four-door saloon version, called the Talbot Solara, was released in the same year, with either 1.3 or 1.6 engines, and was produced alongside the hatchback version. Trim levels were similar to the Alpine. It effectively took over from the Hunter, axed a year earlier, as the four-door large family saloon in the range. In the Benelux countries, a well-equipped "Ultra" special edition with metallic paint, alloy wheels, and velour interior appeared in December 1983.[10]

1985 Talbot Solara Rapier

French manufacturing of 1510, Alpine and Solara, along with the smaller Horizon, ended in 1986. In the United Kingdom, the last cars were rebadged as the Rapier and Minx which were badged depending on trim level rather than body style. Production of the Alpine, Solara and Horizon models had already finished at Ryton in the autumn of 1985 to make way for the Peugeot 309. The names were sourced from the corporate ancestor of Chrysler Europe, the Rootes Group, having been used on the Sunbeam Rapier and Hillman Minx. Supply of these models was limited and in 1986 production ceased, with the Talbot marque being shelved soon afterwards on all passenger vehicles. Thus, the Alpine/1510/Solara series was not directly replaced; however, the Citroën BX (already released in 1982) and the forthcoming Peugeot 405 (launched in late 1987) were effectively its de facto successors as PSA's entries in the D-segment. Both of these cars were very successful in Europe and helped Citroën and Peugeot increase their market share in the UK and many other export markets.

In early 1985, with the end of production nearing, Finnish assemblers Saab-Valmet began offering the Talbot 1510 GLD, using PSA's 1.9-liter XUD9 diesel engine with 65 PS (48 kW).[11] This was the only diesel-engined version of the Simca 1307 ever offered; PSA's Spanish branch had worked on such a model but work was never completed due to internal competition from the 305 and BX. Valmet did not offer the Solara with the diesel engine so as to avoid competing in-house with the 305 Diesel, as they were both saloons.[11]

Whilst the 1307 sold in big numbers in France, the Chrysler Alpine did not fulfil its potential in the UK, initially losing out to contemporaries such as the Ford Cortina/Sierra and the Vauxhall Cavalier primarily due to the lack of larger engines (Ford and Vauxhall offered 2.0L engines in their products, whilst the Alpine/Solara range topped out at a 1.6L unit). The Alpine's OHV Simca engines were particularly "tappety" and unrefined compared to the more modern overhead camshaft units of its rivals which further dented its appeal. In more recent years, due to corrosion problems similar to those of the Horizon[citation needed] few Alpines have survived in the UK. As of 2017, there were only 19 examples (including the later Talbot-badged versions) still licensed on British roads.[12] However, the car has fared better in its native France, where it still has a cult following among Simca enthusiasts and many hundreds are still in service.

The body styling of the Simca 1307 was the direct inspiration for the design of Russian Moskvitch Aleko (1986–2001)[13]

Manufacture

[edit]

The car was originally manufactured in Poissy in France, in Ryton in the United Kingdom, from 1977 in Villaverde by Barreiros, a subsidiary of Chrysler Europe in Spain, and assembled from CKD kits by Todd Motors (later Mitsubishi Motors NZ) in New Zealand between 1977 and 1984. It was also assembled in Colombia as Dodge Alpine between 1978 and 1982 at the Chrysler Colmotores plant in Bogotá.[14] Between 1979 and 1985 the car was also built by Saab-Valmet in Uusikaupunki factory in Finland. Saab-Valmet was only interested in building the smaller Horizon, but Simca-Talbot would only license that car if Valmet also agreed to assemble the larger 1307.[15] The Finnish-made cars gradually introduced some local changes, including the option of a diesel engine, and featured many Saab interior parts. The most visible Saab-parts were the seats, which began to use Saab's internal structure at the time that the Talbot name replaced Simca. This change also allowed for the fitment of a heated driver's seat, which was not originally available.[15] Talbot did not allow Valmet to export any Finnish-built cars; they were only meant for local sales.[15]

In New Zealand, Chrysler, Talbot, Alpine, and 1510 badges were used on the car during its lifetime, though it was officially in price lists as an Alpine, following the UK convention.[16][17][18] In 1982 the car was facelifted and renamed "Talbot SX" there.[19]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Simca 1307

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Simca 1307 is a car that was produced by from 1975 to 1979 and subsequently by PSA under the marque until 1986. Featuring and a five-door body style, it was engineered as a modern replacement for smaller models and became one of the pioneering hatchbacks in the European , offering spacious interiors and practical load space. The model earned widespread acclaim, including the 1976 award, for its appealing design, safe handling, and driving pleasure, though its pushrod engines were seen as somewhat dated even at launch. Development of the Simca 1307, codenamed project C6, began in 1972 at Simca's plant in to succeed the rear-wheel-drive Simca 1500, with styling handled by Roy Axe's team at Chrysler's Whitley design studio in the . Initially considered for dual rear- and front-wheel-drive variants to suit different markets, cost constraints led to a unified front-wheel-drive platform based on the Simca 1100's components, including suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. It debuted as the Chrysler-Simca 1307 (1.3-liter) and 1308GT (1.4-liter) at the October 1975 , with sales starting in January 1976 under the Chrysler Alpine name; the base model featured a 1,294 cc inline-four engine producing 68 hp, while the GT variant's 1,442 cc unit delivered 85 hp, both paired with a four-speed and offering top speeds of 94 mph and 102 mph, respectively. A 1,592 cc engine (88 hp) was added in 1979 with the 1309 SX trim, and later models included options like a five-speed gearbox, electric windows, and transistorized ignition for improved efficiency. Production occurred at the plant in and the Ryton facility in the , with output reaching 32,836 units in late 1975, 218,126 in 1976, and a peak of 258,195 in 1977, capturing about 7% of the that year. Following 's sale of its European operations to PSA in 1978, the car was facelifted and rebadged as the Talbot-Simca 1510 in 1979, then fully as the Talbot 1510 from 1980, with the introduction of the four-door Solara notchback variant aimed at the fleet market. production ended in 1983, while assembly continued until 1985 at Ryton, after which the line was replaced by the ; the model was exported to various markets, including as the Alpine, but faced challenges from rust-prone bodies, modest engine performance, and competition from more refined rivals like the . Despite these issues, the Simca 1307's innovative influenced the segment's shift toward versatile family vehicles and remains noted for its role in Europe's final independent projects.

Development

Design

The Simca 1307 featured styling developed by Roy Axe and his team at Chrysler's Whitley design studio in , , resulting in clean, crisp lines that reflected mid-1970s European automotive trends with a focus on modernity and practicality. The design emphasized a contemporary aesthetic and was selected from sketches by designer Keith Cockell in 1973. As a pioneering large family , the Simca 1307 adopted a five-door configuration, which provided versatile cargo space through a large rear opening facilitated by a sloping tailgate and roofline that enhanced . This body style was built on a scaled-up version of the front-wheel-drive platform, prioritizing family-friendly proportions with a spacious cabin accommodating five passengers comfortably. The interior design complemented the exterior's simplicity with a futuristic layout for 1975 standards and generous glass areas for improved visibility and openness. options included cloth or on higher trims and vinyl on base models, contributing to the overall practical and inviting feel aimed at everyday family use.

Engineering

The Simca 1307 emerged from the C6 project, initiated by in 1972 to develop a successor to the 1500 and address the need for a modern family car. Initially, dual rear- and front-wheel-drive variants were considered for different markets, but cost constraints led to a unified front-wheel-drive layout. This effort built on 's established engineering heritage while incorporating cost-effective adaptations under Chrysler's oversight. The platform originated from an enlarged version of the Simca 1100 floorpan, retaining its front-wheel-drive architecture but scaling up for larger dimensions and greater passenger space. was a core feature, with the front employing wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars complemented by an and telescopic dampers, while the rear used wide-based trailing arms, coil springs, an , and telescopic dampers. This setup shared components with the to streamline development and reduce costs, ensuring a balance of ride comfort and handling suited to European conditions. Development was primarily led by engineers at the technical center in , where the emphasis was on tuning optimized for varied European road surfaces. Although styling input came from the Whitley design team in the UK, the mechanical focus remained on French-led innovations to enhance drivability. Key advancements included rack-and-pinion steering, which provided precise handling with just four turns lock-to-lock, and servo-assisted disc brakes on the front wheels paired with rear drums for effective . Engineers also prioritized (NVH) reduction through refined suspension geometry and integral body- construction, contributing to a quieter cabin experience. Safety considerations reflected standards, with the unibody design offering a reinforced compartment for improved crash protection and a wear warning light integrated into the center console. Airbags were absent, as they were not yet common in production vehicles.

Models and Variants

Initial Launch Models

The Simca 1307 was unveiled to the press in July in , marking the debut of this front-wheel-drive family equipped with a 1.3-liter producing 68 bhp. Built on the platform derived from the , it represented a significant step forward in Simca's lineup with its spacious five-door configuration and modern transverse engine layout. The 1308 variant followed shortly thereafter in late , featuring an enlarged 1.4-liter delivering 85 bhp. Available from launch in trim levels that varied by market, with offering the base GLS (68 bhp), mid-level (82 bhp from the same 1.3 L ), and GT (85 bhp 1.4 L), while the market had the entry-level GL (68 bhp) and upper (85 bhp 1.4 L). The base models emphasized economy with essential features like cloth and basic , making them suitable for budget-conscious families. Mid-range options added comfort-oriented enhancements, including reclining front seats, improved heating controls, and higher-grade interior trim for greater daily usability. The sportier upper trims catered to enthusiasts with upgraded styling elements such as body-colored bumpers, sport wheels, and a , along with firmer suspension tuning for a more dynamic drive. In 1979, the 1309 SX variant was added with a 1.6-liter producing 88 bhp. In the UK market, the model was introduced in January 1976 as the right-hand-drive Alpine, adapted for local driving conditions with modifications to the and components. It was positioned as a practical alternative to traditional saloons like the , highlighting the versatility of its design for family transport and luggage space. Early buyers could opt for accessories such as a manual , lightweight wheels, and a factory-fitted radio-cassette player to personalize the vehicle.

Facelift and Solara

In 1980, the Simca 1307 underwent a significant mid-cycle facelift following Peugeot's acquisition of in 1979, which led to the rebranding of the model as the 1510 in most markets and the Alpine in the . The updates included a revised front grille with a more modern "lean back" , redesigned bumpers for improved and , and an enhanced interior that prioritized better , such as improved instrument layout and controls accessibility. These changes were introduced at the end of 1979 in and launched in Britain in January 1980, aligning with the transition to full badging by 1981 under PSA ownership. Concurrently, in April 1980, Talbot introduced the Solara as a three-box saloon variant to appeal to conservative buyers preferring traditional styling over the hatchback design of the original 1307 platform. Measuring 4.32 meters in length, the Solara featured a dedicated four-door body with a prominent trunk for increased luggage capacity and slightly more rear legroom (an additional 0.5 inches compared to the Alpine), while retaining the core front-wheel-drive mechanical layout. Positioned for the company car market, it offered similar engine options to the facelifted model, with trim levels including an enhanced GLS specification that incorporated better soundproofing, optional three-speed automatic transmission, and revised PSA-era badging. In some regions, it retained the Chrysler Solara name until the full rebranding to Talbot. The Solara remained in production until 1986, with minor updates in later years focused on practicality, such as improved rustproofing in the Series 2 models (available in LE, , GL, and GLS trims) and special editions like the Pullman and Executive variants that added luxury features for fleet buyers. Production volumes peaked at 69,226 units in in 1980 but declined sharply thereafter, reaching only 7,704 by 1984, reflecting the model's struggle in a competitive market before the Ryton plant shifted to assembly.

Technical Specifications

Engines and Drivetrain

The Simca 1307 featured a range of inline-four overhead valve (OHV) engines derived from the Type 315 family, initially shared with the smaller model. The base engine was a 1.3-liter unit displacing 1294 cc, producing 68 hp (51 kW) at 5600 rpm and 105 Nm of at 2800 rpm. A mid-range 1.4-liter variant with 1442 cc displacement followed; the base version delivered 75 hp (55 kW) at 5600 rpm and 112 Nm at 3000 rpm, while the GT trim offered 82 hp (60 kW) at 5600 rpm and 125 Nm at 3000 rpm. These engines emphasized reliability and everyday usability over high performance, with a conventional pushrod that contributed to the car's reputation for straightforward maintenance, though regular servicing was essential to avoid valvetrain wear. In , coinciding with the model's facelift, a larger 1.6-liter engine (1592 cc) was introduced for the 1309 SX trim, offering 88 hp (65 kW) at 5400 rpm and 134 Nm of at 3000 rpm. This update included refinements for better emissions compliance, aligning with evolving European regulations, while maintaining the OHV architecture. No diesel engine options were available during the Simca 1307's production run under , limiting the lineup to petrol powertrains focused on family-oriented efficiency. The drivetrain was , a configuration carried over from the platform to optimize space and handling in the compact body. A four-speed was standard, with gear ratios (3.906:1 first, 2.315:1 second, 1.524:1 third, 1.080:1 fourth) and a final drive ratio of 3.71:1 tuned for economical operation rather than outright speed. An optional three-speed automatic became available from , providing smoother urban driving at the cost of slightly reduced . Performance varied by engine, with the 1.3-liter model achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 16 seconds and a top speed of 152 km/h, while the 1.6-liter version improved to 13 seconds and 170 km/h. Combined fuel economy ranged from 7 to 9 L/100 km, depending on driving conditions and transmission, reflecting the engines' priority on moderate consumption for a mid-1970s .

Dimensions and Suspension

The Simca 1307 featured compact yet practical dimensions suited to its role as a , with an overall length of 4245 mm, width of 1680 mm, height of 1390 mm, of 2604 mm, and ground clearance of 130 mm. These measurements contributed to its maneuverability in urban environments while providing sufficient interior space for five passengers. The kerb weight varied between 970 kg for base models and 1070 kg for higher-trim versions equipped with larger engines or additional features, resulting in a capacity of approximately 400 kg.
DimensionMeasurement
Length4245 mm
Width1680 mm
Height1390 mm
Wheelbase2604 mm
Ground Clearance130 mm
The suspension system emphasized comfort over sporty handling, making it ideal for everyday family cruising. At the front, it employed an independent wishbone design with longitudinal torsion bars, an anti-roll bar, and telescopic dampers, anchored under the seats for adjustable ride height. The rear suspension utilized an independent setup with wide-based trailing arms, coil springs, an anti-roll bar, and telescopic dampers, ensuring stable ride quality on varied road surfaces. Braking was handled by servo-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle's weight class. Steering was via a rack-and-pinion mechanism requiring approximately 4 turns lock-to-lock, which offered precise control without excessive effort. Luggage capacity was a strong suit for practicality, offering 475 liters with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,300 liters when folded down, allowing versatile cargo accommodation for family needs. The mounting and varying engine weights had a minor influence on front-rear balance, but the overall design prioritized even for composed handling.

Production and Sales

Manufacturing Sites

The 1307 was primarily assembled at the plant in , the main facility of Simca and later , where production began in September 1975 and quickly scaled to a capacity of 900 units per day by early 1976, rising to 1,050 units per day by May of that year. The assembly process at involved welding bodies constructed from pressed steel panels, followed by on-site painting and the installation of transversely mounted inline-four engines derived from the series, produced at the same facility. This plant served as the core production hub, handling the majority of left-hand-drive models for European markets. Right-hand-drive versions, marketed as the Chrysler Alpine in the UK, were produced at the Ryton plant near , , starting in August 1976 to meet local demand after initial imports from proved insufficient. Assembly at Ryton followed a similar process to , adapting the platform for British specifications, and cumulative output there approached 200,000 units by the end of production in 1985. Additional assembly occurred at the Barreiros subsidiary plant in Villaverde, near , , beginning in 1977, where the model was localized as the 150 for the domestic market, focusing on variants like the 150 GT with a 1.4-liter engine. Further production of the 1510 and Solara took place at the Uusikaupunki plant in from 1979 to 1985, totaling 31,978 units. Following PSA Peugeot Citroën's acquisition of Chrysler Europe in 1978, production of the rebadged Talbot 1510 was consolidated primarily at the Poissy plant in France, where it continued until spring 1983, while Ryton output persisted under the Talbot Alpine name until mid-1985 before the site was retooled for other models.

Production Numbers and Market Performance

The Simca 1307, along with its variants such as the Chrysler Alpine, , and , achieved total production of over 1 million units across European facilities from 1975 to 1986. Production was primarily concentrated in at the Poissy plant, with additional assembly at the Ryton plant in the starting in 1976 to serve the British market. By 1979, cumulative output had reached approximately 779,000 units, reflecting strong early demand. Annual production peaked in 1977 with 258,195 units assembled, following a high of 218,126 units in 1976 when the model accounted for 7% of all car sales in —outpacing combined figures for the , Peugeot 304, , and Simca 1100. The following table summarizes key yearly production figures from the French plant, which represented the majority of output:
YearUnits Produced (France)
197532,836
1976218,126
1977258,195
1978156,875
1979112,966
1980116,530 (including Solara)
198160,509 (including Solara)
198243,608 (including Solara)
198326,892 (Solara only)
19847,704 (Solara only)
In , the Simca 1307 dominated the large family car segment initially, capturing a leading and ranking as the second best-selling overall in 1977 behind only the 5. It also performed well in the as the Chrysler Alpine, where it became a top seller in its class during 1976 and 1977 despite modest overall volumes of around 30,000 units annually by 1978. Sales were weaker in markets like due to strong local competition from models, limiting exports and adoption there. Post-1980, annual production declined sharply from around 113,000 units in 1979 to under 50,000 by , driven by intensified competition from rivals such as the , Renault 20, and , as well as Chrysler's financial difficulties leading to the 1979 sale to PSA Peugeot Citroën. In the UK, sales were further hampered by limited engine options and buyer preference for established models like the . French production lines for the Talbot 1510 ended in spring 1983, with Solara output ceasing in 1984; UK assembly at Ryton concluded in 1985 to accommodate the .

Reception and Legacy

Awards and Critical Reception

The Simca 1307 garnered significant acclaim upon its launch, most notably winning the European Car of the Year award with 192 points from 49 judges across 15 countries. The jury praised its innovative five-door design, which offered exceptional space efficiency and practicality in a large family car segment, setting it apart from traditional sedans. This accolade highlighted the model's modern front-wheel-drive layout and versatile interior, positioning it as a forward-thinking alternative in a market dominated by rear-drive competitors. Contemporary reviews from automotive publications lauded the Simca 1307 for its overall value and family-oriented features. These outlets emphasized the car's edge over rivals like the Audi 80 and in terms of interior versatility and affordability, though some early testers pointed to intrusive engine refinement issues. Public response was enthusiastic from the outset, with the model achieving immediate sales success across and earning a reputation as an accessible "people's car." By April 1976, production had reached 100,000 units, reflecting strong demand for its practical design and competitive pricing—around £2,500 in the UK equivalent for base models. Initial reports highlighted minor electrical glitches in some units, but these did little to overshadow the overall positive reception for its innovative approach to family motoring.

Reliability Issues and Long-term Impact

The Simca 1307 and its derivatives suffered from several common reliability issues that tarnished its reputation over time. Notably, the bodywork was prone to , particularly around the arches and sills, due to inadequate in early models, leading to rapid deterioration in damp climates like the . Electrical failures were also frequent, including wiring faults that could escalate to engine fires in some cases, while the manual gearbox often experienced wear, causing grinding during shifts after moderate mileage. The model was criticized for subpar French build quality despite later enhancements under PSA ownership. The 1980 facelift, rebadged as the Talbot 1510, introduced minor improvements such as revised rustproofing measures, including better underbody treatments, though these did little to fully mitigate ongoing corrosion concerns. In the long term, the Simca 1307 exerted significant influence on global compact car design. It served as the foundational platform for the and Plymouth Horizon in the market from 1978 to 1990, with the design adapted for American production and ultimately selling over two million units, helping popularize front-wheel-drive hatchbacks in . The model's bodyshell and engineering also directly inspired the Soviet (1986–2001), where engineers copied the Simca's structure from the A-pillar forward to accelerate development, adapting it for local front-wheel-drive needs. Today, the Simca 1307 holds collectible appeal among enthusiasts due to its rarity, with fewer than 20 survivors licensed in the UK as of 2025 according to DVLA records, and parts availability has become limited since production ended in 1986. Its legacy endures as a pioneer of the large format, being the first such model to win in 1976 and paving the way for subsequent PSA designs like the .
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