A period photo of Richard’s Simca 8.Back of photo reads: 1951 Simca 8 Sport, 1100cc, 4 cyl Fiat based Gordini modified engine. Farina Envelope Aluminum body. Restored and owned by T.A. Glendening 1953-1955
Reader Richard Plavetich writes:
When you started the As Found Classics column on VeloceToday, I submitted photos of my Simca 8 Sport I bought a few years ago. (see above). Well, suddenly, the story has become much more interesting!
This week I was contacted by the son of the (deceased) prior owner. His mother found a poster from the 1950 Sebring 6 hour race listing the results. She said the prior owner of the Simca was named John Bentley. His name was on the poster, shown as having finished the race in a Simca, in 21st place (out of 23).
I found a March 1951 issue from Road & Track in my archives showing the Bentley Simca at Sebring. The car shown is dark (black?).
Bentley at Sebring with the Simca 8. Is it the same car?
My car is white – having been painted in the early 50’s. However, from some flaking paint on the front of the car, clearly it was originally painted black. Additionally, it is fit with a period fabricated dual-carb manifold.
In doing some further research on John Bentley’s racing career online I learned that he also ran a Simca in the 5/12/51 Giants’ Despair Hillclimb.
While this information is very exciting, I am trying to find additional images or information linking the Simca to John Bentley, Sebring 1950, or the Giants’ Despair Hillclimb of 1951. I never imagined that the car had such a past! Any help with this mystery would be much appreciated!!!
Many thanks,
Rich Plavetich
Laguna Beach CA
949-606-5791
That car seem the same as the ex Barlow Simca, but ABARTH, not Gordini.
It had a compresseur Scot, and was proudly engraved on the back “Extra Lusso”.
I’ve photos, if possibly to pass them, but of our time, not of périod.
Hervé