Best of Both Worlds?

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On the 1960 Simca Aronde range the rear suspension will be a combination of leaf and coil springs. The leaf springs are semi-elliptic, having four leaves while above the axle vertical coil springs are fitted. The leaf springs avoid the need for a Panhard rod and the coil springs give progressive stiffening under load. Normal inclined shock-absorbers are fitted to the axle and together with an absence of inter-leaf friction it is claimed that comfort will be improved.

A new model is being introduced in France by Simca and is to be called the Etoile. This is a sparsely finished version of the Aronde which is well known and selling well in this country. The Etoile will sell in France for about £470 using an engine which is of 1,090 c.c. and develops 40 b.h.p. at 4,800 r.p.m. The engines sold in this country are the “Flash” and “Flash Special” which are of 1,290 c.c. and develop 48 b.h.p. and 60 b.h.p., respectively.

The Aronde series of cars are now assembled at Kew by Chrysler Motors and a heavy advertising campaign is under way which is planned on rather American lines. Chrysler Motors seem to be one of the few manufacturers who consider that the medium of T.V. will sell cars. In one of their advertisements a Simca out accelerates a Meteor jet aircraft in no uncertain manner, although it must be admitted that the Meteor is not very quick off the mark. Another advert tells viewers that if they ring a certain number they can have a demonstration at their own home within a day or two. Judging by the activity at Kew this campaign is bringing results. It is interesting to note that more and more British made components are being used in the Chrysler assembled Simcas, although at present these are restricted to such things as tyres and other non-mechanical items.