1966 Talbot Simca 1301 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The wheelbase of the Talbot Simca 1301 is approximately 2,600 mm (102.4 inches). A wheelbase of this length provides a reasonable balance between interior space and handling dynamics. It contributes to a spacious cabin for its class, enhancing legroom for both front and rear passengers. Additionally, this wheelbase length supports ride comfort by offering predictable stability and absorbing road irregularities effectively. While it helps maintain compact external dimensions, the wheelbase is long enough to avoid the overly cramped interiors common in smaller cars of that era, making it a practical choice for families needing a comfortable daily sedan.

With a width of approximately 1,590 mm (62.6 inches), the Talbot Simca 1301 sits comfortably within the compact sedan segment of the 1960s. This width allowed it to fit easily on narrow European streets and into small parking areas. Compared to similar sedans from the era, such as the Peugeot 204 or Renault 12, the Simca 1301 was competitive, providing enough cabin space without being excessively wide. This balance between maneuverability and interior room is significant for drivers prioritizing urban usability without sacrificing passenger comfort.

The Talbot Simca 1301 stands at about 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) tall. This relatively low height enhances aerodynamic efficiency for the car’s time, contributing to better fuel economy and a more planted feel on the road. Simultaneously, the cabin design ensures adequate headroom, balancing comfort with a sleek silhouette typical of mid-60s European sedans. Passengers benefit from a roomy feeling without compromising the car’s stylish external proportions. The height also aids in reducing wind noise at higher speeds, thus improving overall driving comfort.

The Talbot Simca 1301 weighs approximately 950 to 1,000 kg (2,094 to 2,205 lbs), which is relatively light for its class and era. This modest weight contributes favorably to its fuel efficiency, as less mass requires less energy to move, especially with the engine configurations available. In terms of performance, the lighter curb weight helps the car maintain nimble handling and quicker acceleration compared to heavier competitors. It also influences braking distances positively, making the Simca 1301 a practical and responsive vehicle for urban and suburban driving conditions.

Yes, the Talbot Simca 1301 typically fits comfortably within a standard household garage. With an approximate length of 4,155 mm (163.6 inches) and a width of 1,590 mm (62.6 inches), it requires less space than many modern vehicles that tend to be larger. Standard garages usually have dimensions at least around 6,000 mm (19.7 feet) long and 2,400 mm (7.87 feet) wide, providing ample room for the Simca 1301 along with some extra space for opening doors and storage. Owners should consider the height clearance as well, but the car’s moderate 1,375 mm (54.1 inches) height poses no special issues for classic garage structures.

Compared to its predecessor, the Talbot Simca 1100, the Simca 1301 offers a bit more refined and spacious interior, although both cars belong to similar compact segments. The 1301 benefited from design improvements that slightly increased cabin length and offered better seating ergonomics, resulting in enhanced legroom and comfort for four to five passengers. In addition, interior amenities were updated to provide a more pleasant driving environment. While the Simca 1100 was technically a hatchback and the 1301 a sedan, the latter’s design focused more on passenger comfort and trunk space, marking a practical evolution over its forerunner.

When compared to contemporaries like the Peugeot 204 and Renault 12, the Talbot Simca 1301 holds its own in terms of size and comfort. Its length of 4,155 mm (163.6 inches) is slightly longer than the Peugeot 204 (about 3,995 mm / 157.3 inches) and on par with the Renault 12 (approx. 4,070 mm / 160.2 inches). The 1301's width and height also sit comfortably within this group. Comfort-wise, the 1301's cabin is designed for family use, with sufficient legroom and headroom for its class. The sedan body style emphasizes a larger trunk compared to the smaller hatchback Peugeot 204, while sharing similar urban practicality and ride quality with the Renault 12. Overall, it balances size and comfort effectively in the competitive compact sedan market of the 1960s and 1970s.

The Talbot Simca 1301 was equipped with various four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 liters throughout its production. These engines produced moderate power outputs, emphasizing reliability and economy rather than outright performance. Fuel efficiency typically averaged around 7 to 9 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 26 to 32 miles per gallon), depending on engine choice and driving conditions. Given the car's relatively lightweight construction and modest power output, owners enjoyed good fuel economy for the era. The 1301 was suitable for daily commuting and longer trips, striking a fine balance between performance and economy in a practical family sedan.

Maintaining a Talbot Simca 1301 today can be a mixed experience. While the car is mechanically straightforward and built with durable components typical of the 1960s, sourcing specific parts can be a challenge due to the brand's complex history and the car's relative rarity. Talbot vehicles were once produced under different corporate entities, which complicates parts availability. However, a dedicated enthusiast community and specialty suppliers often provide reproduction or second-hand parts. Routine maintenance is generally straightforward thanks to simple engine designs and accessible layouts, but long-term ownership usually requires patience and a good network for spare parts or classic car specialists familiar with Simca and Talbot models.