About tough to crack puzzle #104

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You took our hints about last week’s puzzle car. Yes, it looked a lot like a Simca and/or a Chrysler, which it was. But the question was: who built it, as the French/American saloon was made by a number of licencees. John Elema described it very well: “Ford Poissy (France) sold out to Simca that subsequently was acquired by Chrysler.” Till Jauernig added: “I am not sure, but I think it’s an Ambassador (of the fifth generation) made in Australia. It’s not an AMC and it’s also not one from RCASA Costa Rica or Kaiser Argentinia. I think it`s one from Australian Motor Industries.” Wrong guess Till!

Robbie Marenzi came closer: “1968 Chrysler Regente made by Chrysler do Brasil”. Very well, although that was a bit short for an answer. The car was an Brazilian built Simca Esplanada or the slightly more luxurious Esplanada Regente and was based on The Simca Chambord with Ford's flat V8, converted to overhead valves. Timo Laitinen wrote: “Simca Esplanade made in Brazil in 1968 - ‘69. This appears to be the basic Esplanade model - there were also better-equipped Esplanade Regente and Esplanade GTX versions. It is a long story but I leave the details for younger enthusiasts to reply.” It was spot on, never the less, Timo – well done!

(Picture courtesy The truth about cars)
 

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