Simca Aronde green - The Nationale 7 - The blue route
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 magnificent green Simca Aronde from the "La Route Bleue" collection captures the very essence of French miniature cars of the 1950s. Faithfully recreating Simca's iconic saloon in its signature green livery, this miniature evokes the spirit of great road trips along the legendary Nationale 7. It is the **25th car in this prestigious collection**, corresponding to stage No. 50 linking Mâcon to Lyon, an emblematic section of the "Route des Vacances".
This exceptional piece is aimed at passionate collectors of French automobiles and lovers of France's road history. A true witness to an era when driving your Simca Aronde on holiday was the height of family modernity, this miniature instantly brings to mind the great summer departures and the carefree spirit of the Trente Glorieuses.
Launched in **October 1951**, the Simca Aronde marked a decisive turning point in the history of the French automobile. Henri Théodore Pigozzi, founder of Simca, wanted to create a modern car capable of rivalling European production while remaining affordable for French families. The name "Aronde", derived from the old French word for "swallow", perfectly embodied this ambition of lightness and elegance.
This four-door saloon stood out for its modern, aerodynamic lines, breaking with the pre-war aesthetic. Powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 45 horsepower, the Aronde offered remarkable performance for its time, reaching a top speed of 120 km/h. Its unitary body, a major innovation, provided greater rigidity and safety than its rivals.
Commercial success was immediate and lasting. With over **1.3 million units produced** between 1951 and 1963, the Simca Aronde became one of the most popular French cars of its generation, even outselling certain Peugeot and Citroën models in several market segments.
The Simca brand was born in 1934 from the vision of Henri Théodore Pigozzi, an industrialist of Italian origin based in France. **Società Italiana per la Motorizzazione Civile e Automobilistica** - that was its full name - reflected the dual culture that would always define the brand. Pigozzi wanted to make the automobile accessible to all in France by drawing on Italian technical expertise, notably that of Fiat, whose models Simca initially assembled under licence.
At the time of the Aronde's launch in 1951, Simca was going through a pivotal period. The company had just severed its ties with Fiat to develop its own models. This **creative independence** allowed the team led by engineer Jean-Albert Grégoire to design a truly French car, suited to the tastes and needs of French customers. The Aronde embodied this new philosophy: modern without being revolutionary, elegant without being ostentatious.
This strategy proved successful. During the 1950s, Simca quickly became France's **third-largest carmaker** behind Renault and Citroën, a position it would hold until the 1970s. The Aronde played a central role in this rise, establishing the brand's reputation for reliability and innovation under its red diamond logo.
The history of the Simca Aronde is closely tied to that of paid holidays and the democratisation of travel in France. Launched in the early 1950s, it arrived at the perfect moment to support the rise of family car touring. Its sturdiness and reliability quickly made it the ideal companion for the first big holiday departures of the French middle class.
A delightful anecdote perfectly illustrates this era: in **summer 1955**, a Simca dealership in the Paris region organised an original contest. It invited its customers to photograph their Aronde in front of France's most famous monuments during their holidays. The response exceeded all expectations: over 800 photos were received, showing green, blue and grey Aronde proudly posing in front of the Eiffel Tower, the Pont du Gard, the Loire castles or the beaches of the Côte d'Azur.
This initiative revealed the French people's special attachment to their Aronde. Unlike the austere **company cars** of the period, the Aronde embodied the joyful modernity and optimism of the Trente Glorieuses. It became the symbol of a France rediscovering the pleasure of travel, of setting off on family adventures along the newly tarmacked national roads.
The Nationale 7, nicknamed "la Route des Vacances", saw thousands of Aronde pass along it every summer. These cars, often loaded to the roof with suitcases, bicycles and parasols, drew the outlines of a French art of living that would leave a lasting mark on the collective imagination. Even today, the mere mention of a **green Simca Aronde** is enough to awaken nostalgia for that golden era when going on holiday still meant an extraordinary adventure.
This green Simca Aronde from the "La Route Bleue" collection holds a prime place in the world of French automotive miniatures. It fits perfectly alongside other iconic models such as the Citroën 2CV or the Renault 4CV, forming a coherent set representative of the golden age of the French automobile.
Collectors will particularly appreciate how this piece complements other models from the same era. It pairs harmoniously with the Peugeot 403 and Citroën DS, offering a complete overview of French car production in the 1950s and 1960s. This Aronde is also an excellent starting point for newcomers wishing to discover the world of French miniature cars.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this miniature is a wonderful **vehicle for cultural heritage**. It allows younger generations to discover an era when the French automobile shone around the world, while giving older enthusiasts the chance to relive childhood or youthful memories. Whether you are passionate about 1950s automobiles, an experienced collector or simply a lover of fine saloon miniatures, this Simca Aronde will find its place in your collection and in your heart.
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.