1962 SIMCA Abarth Berlinette 1300 red
Scale: 1/43
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This red 1962 SIMCA Abarth Berlinette 1300 is one of the most iconic models from the Franco-Italian collaboration between Simca and Abarth. This 1/43rd scale model perfectly captures the sporty elegance of this berlinette, which left its mark on the 1960s with its bold design and remarkable performance.
Designed for car enthusiasts and collectors and lovers of quality scale models, this faithful replica is a must-have for any collection dedicated to French sports cars of the 1960s.
The SIMCA Abarth Berlinette 1300 was launched in 1962, the result of a partnership between French manufacturer Simca and Italian tuner Carlo Abarth. This sports berlinette was meant to compete with the Alpine Renault and other sports coupés of the era, offering an affordable alternative for drivers who loved spirited driving.
Based on the mechanics of the Simca 1000, this berlinette featured a 1300 cc engine tuned by Abarth, producing around 85 horsepower. Its featherweight build of barely 700 kg gave it remarkable performance for the time, with a top speed approaching 170 km/h. The fiberglass body, styled by Allemano, combined lightness and aesthetics with its clean, sleek lines.
Despite its undeniable qualities, the SIMCA Abarth Berlinette enjoyed only a limited commercial run, with just a few hundred units built between 1962 and 1964, which makes it a particularly sought-after model among collectors today.
In the early 1960s, SIMCA (Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile) was one of the most dynamic French carmakers. Founded in 1934 by Henri Théodore Pigozzi, the brand initially specialized in assembling Fiat models before developing its own vehicles after the war.
The collaboration with Abarth was part of SIMCA's strategy to diversify its range and capture the market for affordable sports cars. This was the golden age of the brand, which was then producing the Simca 1000, a real commercial success, while exploring new segments such as sports berlinettes.
SIMCA was looking to rival the Alpines of Jean Rédélé and the Deutsch-Bonnets, drawing on Abarth's expertise in engine tuning and competition to create a credible, high-performance sports car.
The story of the SIMCA Abarth Berlinette is closely tied to that of Carlo Abarth, a brilliant mechanic of Austrian origin who revolutionized car tuning in Italy. A speed enthusiast since his youth, Abarth had been a motorcycle racer before turning to cars after a serious accident.
The collaboration between SIMCA and Abarth nearly never happened. Negotiations were long and difficult, as Carlo Abarth was known for his strong personality and demanding technical standards. It took all of Henri Pigozzi's charm to convince the Italian master to work on the foundation of the humble Simca 1000.
One story goes that during the first tests of the prototype, Carlo Abarth himself took the wheel at the Montlhéry circuit. Impressed by the performance of his creation, he declared: "This little French car has the soul of an Italian!" That line perfectly sums up the spirit of this berlinette, which combined French ingenuity with Italian passion.
Unfortunately, commercial disagreements between the two companies and the market's shift toward more affordable models brought this promising venture to an early end. Today, every surviving example of this berlinette tells the story of this Franco-Italian automotive love affair, which lasted only as long as a dream.
This red SIMCA Abarth Berlinette 1300 naturally fits alongside other iconic French sports cars in your collection. It pairs perfectly with Alpine Renault miniatures from the same era, creating a cohesive display dedicated to the golden age of French berlinettes.
Collectors will also enjoy pairing it with other models from the SIMCA range, especially the legendary 1000 it was based on, or with 1960s cars to recreate the atmosphere of a decade that revolutionized the automobile.
This miniature will appeal to automotive history enthusiasts as well as lovers of rare models. It is an excellent starting point for exploring sports coupé miniatures or for adding French cars to an existing collection. Its relative rarity and unique history make it a heritage investment as much as a pleasure for the eye, a faithful tribute to an era when audacity and creativity still drove the automotive industry.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.