6. Simca GTX
This is one of the stranger cars in the South American muscle car world, but well worth mentioning. Simca was a French company that started operating in Brazil in the late ’50s, concentrating mostly on family sedans. At one point they used Ford engines. However, in the early ’60s, Chrysler bought Simca Brazil and introduced a redesigned sedan model: the Esplanada.
The Esplanada was an outdated car in the late ’60s when Simca wanted to enter the lucrative muscle car market. So, they renamed it the Simca GTX and gave it a fresh appearance package. Also, Chrysler produced the GTX as a sedan, which wasn’t an appealing body style. But, Simca thought that Esplanada had other qualities like the engine.
Under the hood was the tiny 2.5-liter V8 engine with Hemi heads they called “Emi Sul.” They delivered a decent 140 to 150 HP, as well as a great soundtrack. With an upgraded interior, graphic package and big GTX lettering on the side, the Simca looked like a serious competitor. Since it had such a high price, lukewarm performance and outdated mechanics, Chrysler kept the production numbers low. Finally, in 1970, Simca closed its Brazil factory.