The Simca Présidentielle designed for Gen. de Gaulle and the Simca Présidence. (Photos by the author).

When the Citroën DS was launched in 1955, it soon became successful and somewhat eclipsed  the Simca models. With the new and luxurious Vedette series unveiled at the 1956 Paris Motor Show, Simca knew they had to be very offensive in the post-war competition in automotive industry.

Henri-Théodore Pigozzi, the dynamic President of Simca,  had a wonderful idea in 1957: providing the Presidency of the French Republic with cars. The Simca Chambord, already a luxurious model, was ideal. A prestigious car was created from this latter with a unique and outstanding equipment and naturally called « Présidence », Presidency.

The new Simca was unveiled in 1957 at the Paris Motor Show at the same time as the Chambord. It immediately surprised by its high level of finish (hand-made upholstery, hand-polished painting) and its Continental kit like on the Lincoln MK I and II, which is retractable to access the large boot. The two distinctive exhaust pipes are concealed in the bumper buffers.

The interior is available in two versions: « Classique » with separation from the chauffeur, Pullman velvet seats and even a telephone, and « Grand Tourisme » with two separate seats at the front and opened to the rear. The dashboard is covered with black leather, the on-board instruments and steering-wheel imitate tortoise shell. The assembly-line will produce only 7 cars a week. The engine is the same as on the Simca Chambord and Beaulieu, that is the side-valve V8 of 2.3 liters delivering 84 hp at 4800 rpm. It is not very powerful, but really pleasant and robust. The chauffeurs of the time appreciated the high level of comfort and handling of the Simca Présidence. This model was intended for the rich and famous and was available in black only. Ten whites were delivered to African States Heads.

Some religious dignitaries were granted a few models with a white roof or totally metal-grey. These prestigious cars disappeared in 1961 along with the Simca Chambord, but were still manufactured by Simca do Brasil with superb modifications as to the design and engine. The power namely was upgraded to 112 hp with a 2.5 liters « Super Tufao » engine including two carburettors, in 1966. The Brazilian Presidence model even received a bar offering a crystal carafe and 3 glasses. These rare limousines enjoyed an incomparable attraction and are today in keen demand. They are the witnesses of a certain French prestige and a tradition of good taste.

A happy few drove this Simca Présidence whose price was high. Ministries and administrations received many. Mrs. de Gaulle had one for her personal use. Some ministries and embassies requested one with a sunroof in canvas. And for the Elysée, two magnificent 4-door convertibles were designed and used by Gen. de Gaulle. President Georges Pompidou also used this convertible, namely for Queen Elizabeth II. It is now in the Presidential cars Museum in Monjalin, Burgundy, France. Two exclusive convertibles with two doors were also manufactured.

The Citroën DS was also very much used by Gen. de Gaulle who greatly appreciated the car. A special version was also made for the Presidency. 

Please see my other related articles:

Presidential Cars Museum in Burgundy
An Amazing Exhibition Made in Chambord
Fascinating French Classic Cars: The Simca Vedette Series
Fascinating French Classic Cars: Simca Marly