1951 Simca 8 Sport – Classified of the Week

To find a rare classic is always a cause for celebration, but to find one in immaculate, concours condition is simply on another level. Happily though, that’s exactly what we have here care of this utterly magnificent 1951 Simca 8 Sport. Rare, desirable and ready to wipe the floor at any show you should wish to take it to, classics don’t come much more exquisite than this.

Considered by many to be the most beautiful French car of the period, the Simca 8 Sport was a world away from its Simca 8 origins. The largely aluminium body was all hand made, the engine delivered 50bhp, and the whole package was light and agile. It was the perfect little sports car. Designed by Stabilimenti Farina, the company founded by the older brother of Battista Farina (of Pininfarina fame), the Simca 8 was dripping with Italian style. The design also bore more than a passing resemblance to that of the legendary Ferrari 166 Inter, which should tell you something. Basically, the design was out of this world.

The Simca 8 Sport wasn’t just a looker though. In race trim, two coupes took to the 1950 Monte Carlo Rally and finished the gruelling event in fourth and fifth position, which for a limited run vehicle is more than impressive. Despite this competition prowess though, and of course, the killer looks, the Simca 8 Sport was only ever built in small numbers, and as such, stands today as one of the rarest cars out there. All the more reason then to pounce on this one.

Restored to concours condition, this black 1951 model is the best of the best. No nut has been left unturned in the pursuit of perfection. Having undergone a full restoration, this car is in effect brand new. The flawless black bodywork is complemented by black wire wheels, smoke chrome details and a contrasting red leather interior. Furthermore, the engine has been upgraded to a 70bhp Rush Super M unit, giving the featherweight car even more kick. Though the vendor does state the original engine is still available, should you wish to return the car back to standard.

Rare, beautiful and in flawless condition, classic cars like this represent an exciting and rare opportunity. Is it cheap? No, but at £60,000 this 1951 Simca 8 Sport is also nowhere near as expensive as you may think. Buy this, and you’re buying a slice of automotive history, and automotive art. What’s not to like?