Visitors can expect a fascinating slice of French motoring history when the SIMCA Club UK showcases a unique collection of vehicles spanning the life of the much-loved SIMCA 1100 light commercial range.

Produced from the early 1970s through to 1985, the club believes it will have two of the earliest and latest surviving examples in the UK on display, a customised 1971 SIMCA 1100 van and a 1985 Talbot 1100 pickup, the latter reflecting the rebranding that followed Peugeot’s takeover of Chrysler’s European operations in the late 1970s.

The 1971 van has a particularly colourful story. Originally purchased in 1977 from a Leeds Chrysler/SIMCA dealer as their former service vehicle, it was soon customised in the style of the day with a larger twin-carb engine and became a regular award-winner at local shows in the late ’70s and early ’80s. By 1982, however, it needed structural repairs and was parked up in a lock-up garage where it remained for decades.

Now, after years of careful welding, panel replacement and suspension rebuilding, the van is being brought back to life. The owner is aiming to drive it to the NEC and complete the finishing touches live at the show, fitting interior and exterior trim as the project edges closer to its first road miles in 44 years.

Alongside it will be two rear-engined SIMCA 1000 saloons a beautifully restored 1975 SIMCA 1000 GLS and a 1964 project car mounted on a rotating rig so visitors can see the underside and assess the extent of corrosion as restoration progresses.

Adding a quirky twist to the stand will be a small trailer built using SIMCA 1100 suspension, carrying a 1949 Ransomes mini crawler tractor powered by a transplanted SIMCA 1000 engine, a creative example of how classic components can find new life in unexpected places.

With rare vehicles, unusual engineering and live restoration work happening throughout the weekend, the SIMCA Club UK stand promises to be a must-visit for anyone interested in the lesser-known corners of classic car history.