Talbot Solara
| Simca 1307 | |
|---|---|
Simca 1307 GLS
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Chrysler Europe (1975–79) PSA Peugeot Citroën (1979–86) |
| Also called | Simca 1308 / 1309 Chrysler Alpine Chrysler 150 Simca-Talbot 1510 Dodge Alpine (Colombia) Simca-Talbot Solara |
| Production | 1975–86 |
| Assembly |
Poissy, France Ryton-on-Dunsmore, United Kingdom Madrid, Spain |
| Designer | Roy Axe |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large family car (D) |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related |
Simca 1100 Simca Horizon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.3 L Type 315 ohv I4 1.5 L Type 315 ohv I4 1.6 L Type 315 ohv I4 |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual all-synchromesh 5-speed manual Automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 102.5 in (2,604 mm) |
| Length | 167 in (4,242 mm) |
| Width | 66 in (1,676 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,314 lb (1,050 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Simca 1301 / 1501 |
| Successor | – |
The Simca 1307/ Chrysler Alpine was the name under which Chrysler Europe launched its new large family car in July 1975. 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 first such cars in that class, along with the Volkswagen Passat, and became the 1976 European Car of the Year. It had been in development since 1972.
The model was sold under a variety of names, including Simca 1308 and 1309 models (with larger engines), Chrysler Alpine (UK, 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).
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. 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.
More upmarket models were designated 1308 (1508 in some markets) and 1309. 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 went on to consistently outsell it.
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Wikipedia