Fascinating French Classic Cars: Simca Marly
In 1956, the Simca Marly, whose name derives from a Louis XIV residence near Paris, was the very first luxurious station wagon built in France. Another beautiful version will then be produced in Brazil.
This type of vehicle called station wagon in the United States, estate or shooting brake in British usage and « break de chasse » (shooting break) in French, was quite rare in France in the 50s. Most of the cars of this category were intended for commercial use and never reached such a level of quality and finish.
Period photo of the Simca Marly 1961
When Simca took over Ford SAF, the French subsidiary of the American company in 1954, they found a full range of new models due to replace the Ford Vedette. Along with the modern Versailles, Trianon and Régence of the new Vedette series, there was a luxurious station wagon called Marly, from the name of a former Louis XIV’s estate near Paris. It was however presented to the public only in 1956.
The Simca Marly could welcome 8 persons, offered two folding seats concealed in the rear flooring. The car was painted two tones of particularly well-matched colors and had that undeniable American look of the time with massive tail fins and chrome decoration. Needless to say that the difference with the usual black or grey cars was very significant.
This station wagon, like the other models of the Vedette series, was powered by the Ford 2,351 cc displacement sidevalve V8, had an independent front suspension of the Mac Pherson type and drum brakes on the 4 wheels.
In 1958, restyling led to an even more luxurious model whose name remained unchanged, whereas the names Chambord and Beaulieu appeared for the sedan (see illustrations). Only the front and side were changed on the Marly, the rear remained unchanged due to production costs and because this expensive version did not sell well. The level of finish was the same as on the Beaulieu. The Chambord was the most luxurious of the series. Mechanically, a few improvements appeared.
The Marly continued to be produced until 1961 in France and then in Brazil until 1966 with some modifications such as longer rear fins, new side decoration, colors and interiors. This even more luxurious car was called Jangada, from the name of a fishermen’s boat. Simca do Brasil built other superb models. By 1961, 98 per cent of parts were produced locally. A more powerful engine appeared on the Jangada in 1964.
Simca Chambord 1958, the top of the Simca Vedette series. This model here is lacking its original wire wheels. It shows the Beaulieu specific hub caps.
Simca Beaulieu 1958. Less luxurious than the Chambord, with a different presentation of colors, the Marly station wagon is based on this model.
Liked it
Francois Hagnere, posted this comment on Oct 27th, 2009
Please check out also my related articles on these models: Simca Vedette Series, the Simca Presidence and the Presidential Cars Museum in Burgundy. Thank you.