152 - 1978 SIMCA 1000 RALLYE 3

1978 SIMCA 1000 RALLYE 3 Chassis No. 8P365092 Serial No. 657 French vehicle registration certificate (not yet transferred) Registration process in progress - Same owner for 36 years - Only 11,100 km on the odometer - Unique history - Exceptional performance for the car: 103 chevaux and 183 km/h Unveiled in December 1977 to bring the Simca 1000 saga to a spectacular close, the Rallye 3—often associated with the Talbot name following PSA’s acquisition of Simca—represents the final evolution of the line. With only 1,000 units produced in 1978, it was primarily designed for Group 1 racing homologation. Mounted in the rear, its 1,294 cm³ four-cylinder engine produced 103 ch thanks to two dual-barrel Weber carburetors, enabling it to reach 183 km/h. Visually, it stood out thanks to a particularly aggressive body kit, featuring square fender flares and a distinctive transverse exhaust system. Designed primarily for competition, it marked the end of an era and is now recognized as one of the rarest and most sought-after models in French automotive heritage. Our example is a Talbot Simca Rallye 3, first registered on November 15, 1978. It is the 657th unit produced, as attested by its identification plate, which is still present on the vehicle. In 1983, the car came into the possession of Mr. Meyer. It was then disassembled to install a roll cage, as was done with many Simca 1000 Rallye models intended for competition. Following the owner’s death, however, the project was abandoned at that stage, and the car remained in that condition for many years. It was finally acquired in 1990 by its current owner—himself a former Simca mechanic—with the intention of restoring it to its original configuration. The Rallye 3 was finally reassembled and restored in the 2010s. A photographic record documents the various stages of this work. The interior has retained its original “chocolate” color. The engine, meanwhile, underwent a complete overhaul, including the removal of the cylinder head, as documented in a photo album. The reassembly was carried out with care, using Simca-specific fasteners. The original air box was removed but will be included with the vehicle. As of the writing of this catalog, this Rallye 3 has only 11,106 km on the odometer. This mileage seems consistent with its unusual history, although there are no documents to verify it. Since vehicle inspections did not become mandatory until 1992, the Histovec service cannot provide additional information regarding this car’s mileage. A true swan song for the Simca 1000, the Rallye 3 brings the saga of Poissy’s small sports cars to a close. Having become a particularly sought-after collector’s item over the years, it remains today one of the most iconic symbols of that era. 1978 Simca 1000 Rallye 3 Chassis No. 8P365092 Number 657 French vehicle registration document (not yet transferred) Registration process underway - Same owner for 36 years - Only 11,100 km on the odometer - Unusual history - Exceptional performance for the car: 103 chevaux and 183 km/h Unveiled in December 1977 to bring the Simca 1000 saga to a spectacular close, the Rallye 3—often associated with the Talbot name following PSA’s takeover of Simca—represents the final evolution of the line. With only 1,000 units produced in 1978, it was primarily designed to meet Group 1 racing homologation requirements. Mounted at the rear, its 1,294 cm³ four-cylinder engine produced 103 ch thanks to two twin-barrel Weber carburetors, enabling it to reach 183 km/h. Visually, it stood out thanks to a particularly aggressive body kit, featuring, in particular, square fender flares and a custom transverse exhaust system. Designed primarily for competition, it marks the end of an era and is now recognized as one of the rarest and most sought-after models in France’s automotive heritage. Our example is a Talbot Simca Rallye 3, first registered on November 15, 1978. It is the 657th unit produced, as attested by its identification plate, which is still attached to the vehicle. In 1983, the car came into the possession of Mr. Meyer. It was then stripped down with the intention of installing a roll cage, as was common with many Simca 1000 Rallye models intended for competition. Following the death of its owner, however, the project was abandoned at this stage, and the car remained in this condition for many years. It was finally acquired in 1990 by its current owner—himself a former Simca mechanic—with the goal of restoring it to its original specifications. The