Simca Special

Vehicle Overview

The Simca Special, a masterpiece crafted by the visionary Virgil Exner Jr., was born in 1956 as his audacious interpretation of a sports car. As a student of fine arts at the esteemed University of Notre Dame, Exner Jr. poured his passion and creativity into this remarkable creation, which ultimately earned him the prestigious Gold Medal from the University of Fine Arts. From 1956 to 1958, fueled by the scholarship he received, Exner Jr. fearlessly transformed his visionary designs into a tangible reality, constructing the car with his own hands. With the invaluable assistance of Carrozzeria Ghia, the Simca Special came to life, boasting a sleek fiberglass body mounted on a modified Fiat 1100 chassis. Underneath its captivating exterior, the Simca Special housed a formidable 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, accompanied by a transmission derived from the renowned Simca Huit. This extraordinary vehicle made its grand debut at the illustrious Paris International Motor Show in 1959, captivating the hearts and minds of automotive enthusiasts. Following its public showcase, the Simca Special found its way into the hands of a Chrysler dealer, only to be later acquired by Exner Jr. himself in 1965, in collaboration with the esteemed driver Beau Hickory. Throughout the years, the original Simca engine was replaced with a powerful four-cylinder Datsun engine, yet the timeless essence of Exner Jr.’s original design remained intact, proudly displaying his distinctive styling cues. The Simca Special stands as a testament to Exner Jr.’s unwavering confidence and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate, forever etching its place in the annals of automotive history.