Simca 8
The French-built Fiat that outpaced its rivals with Italian engineering and Gallic flair.
- Power
- 32 bhp
- Top speed
- 68 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$22k
About the Simca 8
The Simca 8 was a French-manufactured version of the Fiat 508C 'Nuova Balilla', produced in Nanterre under the direction of Henri Pigozzi. It was technically advanced for its era, featuring independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and an overhead-valve engine with an aluminium cylinder head. Though it shared its chassis and mechanicals with its Italian cousin, the Simca 8 developed its own identity through endurance records at Montlhéry and a class win at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans. It remained a staple of French roads both before and after the war, eventually being succeeded by the Aronde in 1951.
Simca 8 specs
The Simca 8 produces 32 bhp (24 kW). It has a top speed of 68 mph (110 km/h).
| Make | Simca |
|---|---|
| Model | 8 |
| Trim | 1.1 |
| Years | 1937–1951 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 1.1-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,089 cc (1.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 32 bhp (24 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 68 mph (110 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 820 kg (1,808 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 39 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Simca 8 worth?
A typical Simca 8 is estimated to be worth $7,500 – $22,000 (about £5,600 – £16,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Simca 8 rarity in CarSpot
The Simca 8 is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Simca 8 fun facts
- In 1938, a single Simca 8 completed a 50,000-kilometre non-stop endurance run, breaking eight international records in the process.
- The '8' in the name did not refer to the cylinder count, but rather to its 8CV fiscal horsepower rating in the French tax system.
- A specially prepared Simca 8 won the Index of Performance at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Amédée Gordini and José Scaron.
