| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1966 |
| Production Years: | 1966 - 1976 discontinued in 1976 |
The Talbot Simca 1501, produced between 1966 and 1976, is a classic mid-sized sedan reflecting the automotive design and engineering standards of its era. This generation stands out for its balanced proportions and practical dimensions typical of European sedans of the 1960s. While specific dimension data can vary slightly based on production year and trim, the Simca 1501 generally features a length of approximately 4.3 meters (around 169 inches), a width close to 1.6 meters (about 63 inches), and a height near 1.4 meters (around 55 inches). Its weight hovered in the range of 1,000 to 1,100 kg (2,200 to 2,425 lbs), making it relatively lightweight compared to many contemporary sedans, contributing to its nimble handling and fuel efficiency. The sedan body style provided comfortable seating for up to five passengers, emphasizing a practical yet elegant design suited for families and professionals alike. The Simca 1501's size made it suitable for urban and suburban driving environments, offering enough interior space without sacrificing maneuverability. Overall, the Talbot Simca 1501 remains a noteworthy example of mid-20th-century French automotive craftsmanship, combining modest dimensions with functional design to deliver a vehicle that was both stylish and practical during its decade-long production run.
Discover the standout features that make the 1966 Talbot Simca 1501 a leader in its class
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The Talbot Simca 1501 sedan measures approximately 4,400 mm (173.2 inches) in length and about 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) in width. These dimensions make it a mid-sized sedan typical for the late 1960s and early 1970s, providing a balanced footprint suitable for urban and suburban environments while allowing for comfortable interior space. The length gives adequate legroom for rear passengers, while the width ensures reasonable shoulder room without making the car too bulky for narrow European streets.
The height of the Talbot Simca 1501 sedan is approximately 1,430 mm (56.3 inches). The ground clearance is around 150 mm (5.9 inches), which provided sufficient clearance for a smooth ride on typical road surfaces of the period. This relatively moderate height contributes to stable handling while allowing enough cabin headroom for passengers, adhering to the sedan design conventions of the era.
The Talbot Simca 1501 weighs roughly 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) curb weight. This moderate weight was typical for a mid-sized sedan from its production period, helping balance performance, fuel economy, and drivability. The weight allows the car’s engines, usually between 1.3 to 1.5 liters in displacement, to deliver adequate power without requiring excessive fuel consumption. Moreover, the manageable weight contributes to decent handling characteristics and reliability.
The Talbot Simca 1501 sedan is designed to seat five passengers comfortably, with two in the front and three in the rear. Its cabin layout emphasizes practicality and space utilization within its mid-size footprint. The relatively long wheelbase for the era helps maximize rear legroom, making it suitable for family use or group travel. The seating positions offer a good balance of comfort and visibility, supported by the sedan’s upright roofline and generous window area.
Yes, the Talbot Simca 1501 sedan generally fits within a standard European garage. Most European garages have widths of about 2,400 to 2,700 mm (94.5 to 106 inches) and lengths around 5,000 to 6,000 mm (197 to 236 inches). Given the Simca 1501's width of approximately 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) and length of around 4,400 mm (173.2 inches), it comfortably fits inside such a garage space, allowing extra room for opening doors and maneuvering around the vehicle. However, interior garage dimensions and clutter could affect usability.
Compared to its predecessor, the Simca 1301/1500 series, the Talbot Simca 1501 features modest increases in overall length and width. While the predecessor models measured approximately 4,280 mm (168.5 inches) in length and 1,570 mm (61.8 inches) in width, the 1501 model extends to about 4,400 mm (173.2 inches) long and 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) wide. These dimensional increases enhanced interior comfort and cargo capacity. The additional space also improved road presence and ride stability without substantially increasing weight or compromising nimbleness.
The Talbot Simca 1501 fits well within the size category of mid-sized European sedans of its era, comparable to cars like the Peugeot 404 or the Ford Taunus 17M. With a length of around 4,400 mm (173.2 inches) and a width near 1,640 mm (64.6 inches), it matches or slightly surpasses many contemporaries in cabin space without becoming too large for typical European roads. Its balanced dimensions allow competitive interior comfort and practicality for families or daily commuting, making it a solid option in its segment during the late '60s and early '70s.
The Talbot Simca 1501 sedan offers a trunk volume of approximately 400 liters (14.1 cubic feet), which was generous for its class and time. This capacity allows for convenient storage of luggage, groceries, or moderate-sized cargo, enhancing the vehicle's versatility for everyday use and travel. The traditional sedan trunk design also ensures a secure and covered cargo area. Rear seatbacks might fold or at least allow access to the cabin for longer items in later variants, supporting practicality.
Throughout its production from 1966 to 1976, the Talbot Simca 1501 was primarily equipped with four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.3 to 1.5 liters in displacement. These engines delivered modest power outputs between approximately 70 to 85 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration and cruising capability for the era. The vehicle was known for smooth and reliable performance, suited to both city commuting and longer drives. Fuel economy was reasonable given the car's weight class, and the transmissions included manual and optional automatic gearboxes.
The Talbot Simca 1501 utilized front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, a common setup for sedans of its time, providing reliable stopping power appropriate for its moderate weight and modest engine outputs. The car's dimensions—length around 4,400 mm (173.2 inches), width 1,640 mm (64.6 inches), and moderate height—contributed to balanced handling dynamics with good stability. The relatively wide track and low center of gravity helped reduce body roll, making it comfortable for daily driving and highway cruising. The suspension was tuned for comfort, ensuring a smooth ride on varied road conditions.
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