Chrysler Alpine
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The Simca 1307 was a mid-sized hatchback car, sold by Chrysler in Europe and Talbot between 1975 and 1985. More upmarket models were designated 1308 and 1309. It was voted European Car of the Year in 1975. In the United Kingdom, it was known as the Chrysler Alpine. The car, styled by Roy Axe, was based mechanically on the Simca 1100, and ushered in a new format of vehicle - the full size family hatchback.
Following Peugeot's acquisition of Chrysler's subsidiaries in Britain and France, the car was rebadged as a Talbot in 1980 and given a facelift. The new model was known as the Talbot 1510 (the Talbot Alpine name was retained in the UK). A sedan version, called the Solara, was released that year, and produced alongside the Alpine at the former Rootes factory in Ryton, Coventry.
In New Zealand, both Alpine and 1510 badges were used on the car during its lifetime, though it was officially in price lists as an Alpine, following the UK convention.
The Alpine and Solara, along with the smaller Horizon, were dropped in 1985, following Peugeot's decision to discontinue the Talbot marque. Limited editions known as the Rapier and Minx were sold in the UK, resurrecting old Hillman and Talbot names. Production ceased in the summer of 1986 and the Talbot marque was scrapped for passenger vehicles. The former Rootes Ryton plant was turned over for production of the Peugeot 309 and subsequently, the 405.
The Russian-built Moskvitch Aleko, loosely based on the Chrysler/Talbot Alpine, was in production from 1989 until 2002.
External links
Simca Automobile Club Netherlands (in English and Dutch) (http://www.simcaclub.com/)