Misplaced Pages

Chrysler Horizon: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 07:09, 4 March 2014 editCharles01 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers103,735 edits Trying to summarize the name movements← Previous edit Latest revision as of 20:15, 9 December 2024 edit undoOnel5969 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Page movers, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers937,817 editsm Disambiguating links to Turbo (disambiguation) (link changed to Turbocharger) using DisamAssist. 
(167 intermediate revisions by 99 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Refimprove|date=March 2011}} {{More citations needed|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox automobile {{Infobox automobile
| name = Talbot Horizon
| boxcolor = darkgreen
| image = Simca_Chrysler_Horizon_GLS_1979.jpg
| name = Chrysler/Simca/Talbot Horizon
| caption = 1979 Simca Horizon
| image = Simca_Chrysler_Horizon_GLS_1979.jpg
| caption = Talbot Horizon | manufacturer = ]
]
| manufacturer = ]<br />]
| production = 1978&ndash;1990 | production = 1978&ndash;1987
| assembly = ], ]<br>], ]<br>], ] | assembly = {{unbulleted list |Finland: ] (]-])|France: ] (])|Spain: ] |United Kingdom: ] (])}}
| designer = ], ]
| class = ]
| class = ] (])
| layout = ]
| layout = ]
| platform = ]
| platform = ]
| body_style = 5-door ]
| body_style = 5-door ]
| engine = 1118cc ] ]<br />1294cc ] I4<br />1442cc ] I4<br />1905cc ] I4
| engine = {{ubl
| predecessor = ]
| ''']:'''
| successor = ]
| 1118&nbsp;cc '']'' ]
| aka = Simca Horizon (Most of Europe: 1978-79)<br>Chrysler Horizon (UK: 1978-79)<br />Talbot Horizon (Europe: 1979-1987)<br><br>Dodge Omni & Plymouth Horizon (North America: -1990) shared the shape but were in most respects very different)
| 1294&nbsp;cc '']'' I4
| related = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]
| 1442&nbsp;cc '']'' I4
| ''']:'''
| 1905&nbsp;cc '']'' I4
}}
| predecessor = ] <br />]
| successor = ]
| aka = Chrysler Horizon (UK: 1978–1979) <br> Chrysler Simca Horizon<ref></ref> <br> Talbot Horizon (Europe: 1979–1986)
| related = ]
}} }}


The '''Horizon''' was a ] automobile (or ]) developed by ] and was sold in Europe between February 1978 and June 1986 under the ], ] and ] nameplates. Derivative variants of the Horizon were manufactured and marketed in the ] as the ] and ] until 1990. The '''Talbot Horizon''' is a ] hatchback designed by ] and produced from 1978 to 1987. It was sold under the ], ] and ] nameplates. The successor to both the ] and ], the Horizon adopted a front-wheel drive, transverse-engine layout.

The model line was the Chrysler Corporation's first and only ], with the Chrysler Europe project developed in tandem with the American-market ]. While similar in appearance, and in one case even sharing a model name, the European and American Horizons had significant mechanical differences.


==Origins== ==Origins==
The Horizon was designed by ], the ] division of ] in the 1970s and introduced in summer 1978. It survived in various guises until 1990. In France it was initially sold under the Simca brand, whilst elsewhere in Europe it was initially badged as a Chrysler. As a result of the acquisition of Chrysler's European car division by ] in 1978, both the Chrysler and Simca brands were dropped and the car was then sold under the Talbot brand in all its European markets. The Horizon was developed by Chrysler Europe under the codename C2. It was designed in the United Kingdom at the Whitley design studio by ] and engineered in France at Poissy by Simca as a replacement for their ageing ]. It was introduced to market in summer 1978. In France it was initially sold under the Simca brand, whilst elsewhere in Europe it was initially badged as a Chrysler. As a result of the acquisition of Chrysler's European car division by ] in 1978, both the Chrysler and Simca brands were dropped and the car was sold under the Talbot brand in all its European markets.
]
]
]


The Horizon was intended to be a "world car" designed for consumers on both sides of the ], but in execution, the European and ]n versions of the vehicle have very little in common. Born largely out of the need to replace the ageing ] in France, the Horizon was essentially a shortened version of the larger ] model, giving the vehicle an unusually wide track for its length. Featuring transversely mounted Simca-designed 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5-litre ] ] ]s, 4-speed gearboxes, and ] suspension, the Horizon earned praise for its crisp styling, supple ride, and competent handling.
]
The Horizon, or Project C2 as it was known inside Simca during development, was intended to be a "world car", meaning that it was designed for consumers on both sides of the ], but in execution, the European and ]n versions of the vehicle actually turned out to have very little in common.


The SX version which joined the range for the ], in October 1978, attracted interest for its innovative trip computer.<ref name=Automobilia1979>{{cite journal| first = René | last = Bellu | journal = Automobilia | ref = RB1 | title = Toutes les voitures françaises 1979 | number = 84 | page = 12 | orig-year = first published October 1978 | date = 2006 |publisher=Histoire & collections|location=Paris }}</ref> The device took information from three sources, a clock, a "débitmètre" mounted on the fuel feed to the carburetor, and distance information from the feed for the ]. Using these three pieces of information the "computer" was able to report current fuel consumption and average speeds as well as information on distances and times, in either metric or imperial units.<ref name=Automobilia1979/> The trip computer later became an option on lesser models such as the GLS.<ref name=AC4459a>{{cite magazine | ref = RH1 | magazine = ] | title = Talbot Horizon 1.5GLS: Economical performer | editor-first = Ray | editor-last = Hutton | publisher = IPC Business Press Ltd. | page = 38 | date = 1982-06-05 | volume = 156 | number = 4459 }}</ref>
Born largely out of the need to replace the ageing ] in France, the Horizon was essentially a shortened version of the larger ] model, giving the vehicle an unusually wide track for its length. Featuring ] of transversely mounted, Simca-designed 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5 litre ] ]s, 4-speed gearbox and ] suspension, the Horizon gained praise for its crisp styling, supple ride, and competent handling. One novel feature for the time was the fitting of a trip computer. It was voted ] in 1979. Initially only available in LS or GL trim, its launch saw the end of the 1100 and the rear-engined Simca 1000. On the British market, the rear-wheel drive Avenger saloons and estates remained in production alongside it, giving British buyers a full choice of bodystyles in a market where hatchbacks still only counted for a minority of sales.
]


The Horizon was voted ] in 1979. Initially only available in LS or GL trim, its launch saw the end of the rear-engined ]. The ] remained in production in ] until 1981, being sold for a time as a low cost alternative to the Horizon, but the two cars competed in virtually the same segment and the older car, its model range drastically reduced, saw its sales plummet.<ref name=Automobilia1979Si1100>], p. 10</ref> On the British market, the rear-wheel drive Avenger saloons and estates remained in production alongside it, giving British buyers a full choice of bodystyles in a market where hatchbacks still only accounted for a minority of sales. There was never a three-door version of the Horizon. To fill this niche, the Simca 1100 remained on sale in continental Europe, while the rear-wheel drive ] was sold alongside the Horizon in the United Kingdom until 1981.
The Horizon was the first British-built hatchback of this size — launched two years before the ], three years before the ]an ] and five years before the ]. It did not officially replace any of the British Chryslers, despite being a similar size to the traditional rear-wheel drive ] saloon and estates which had been on sale since 1970 and did not finish production until 1981.


Although it didn't officially replace any of the British Chryslers&nbsp;– despite being a similar size to the rear-wheel drive Sunbeam and traditional ] saloon and estates which had been on sale since 1970&nbsp;– both of the latter finished production in 1981.
==North American variants — Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon==
{{main|Dodge Omni}}
The North American versions of the Horizon were known as the ] and ]. Although they appeared to share the same external bodywork as the European Horizon (the panels were in fact not interchangeable), they were vastly different mechanically &mdash; using a larger engine (of ], then PSA origins on the early versions, replaced by Chrysler's own 2.2L OHC "Trenton" I-4 later) and ] suspension at the front instead of the more complex torsion bar arrangement. They also featured larger reinforced aluminum ]s to comply with stricter US ] ]. Despite the car's European origins, then Chrysler chairman ] played this down, emphasizing that features such as the ] and electronic ] were of American design.
]
In the US, many variants were eventually produced, including three-door coupé versions ("Charger" and "TC-3 / Turismo"), econo versions ("America", "Miser"), and powered-up versions such as the GLH, GLH Turbo, and Shelby GLH-S (turbocharged, intercooled, 174&nbsp;bhp). Even a small pickup truck was based on the Horizon ("Scamp" and "Rampage"). Some of these cars had successful careers in racing venues such as Auto-X, road and endurance racing, and pro rallying.


==Production life== ==Production life==
After Chrysler Europe collapsed in 1978 and was sold to Peugeot, the Horizon was rebadged as a ] in 1979.
Subsequent to the collapse of Chrysler Europe in 1978 and its sale to Peugeot, the Horizon was rebadged as a ]. The Horizon was initially built in the former Simca factory in France but from 1980 production expanded to the former Chrysler Europe ] plant, near ] in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/content/articles/2006/04/18/ryton_history_feature.shtml |title=Coventry and Warwickshire - Features - The history of Ryton |publisher=BBC |date= |accessdate=2012-01-12}}</ref>


In 1981 the revisited models were introduced with minor improvements. By then however, the Horizon was becoming increasingly uncompetitive next to rivals such as the ], ]/] and the ]. The unrefined ohv engines which had been carried over from the Simca 1100 were largely to blame, while body corrosion was a serious issue, at least until Series II, giving many cars a short service life. In 1981, the revisited models were introduced with minor improvements. By then however, the Horizon was becoming increasingly uncompetitive next to rivals such as the ] (which was actually four years older), ]/] and ]. The unrefined overhead-valve engines carried over from the Simca 1100 were largely to blame, while body corrosion was a serious issue&nbsp;– at least until the Series II&nbsp;– giving many cars a short service life.


]
The series two Horizon launched in July 1982 had a 5 speed gearbox, and badged ''series II 5 speed''. The bumpers were painted black and the rear windscreen was smaller, because the parcel shelf was raised to increase the size of the boot. Some models had an electronic LED 'econometer' which lit up several lights around the edge of the speedometer dial, There was also an LED tachometer on top of the range models which was a row of green,yellow and red LEDs and was positioned atop the steering column.
The series 2 Horizon launched in July 1982 had a 5-speed gearbox, and was badged ''series II 5 speed''. The bumpers were painted black and the backlite was smaller, because the parcel shelf was raised to increase the size of the boot. Some models had an electronic LED 'econometer' which lit up several lights around the edge of the speedometer dial. There was also an LED tachometer on top-of-the-range models; this horizontal row of green, yellow, and red LEDs was positioned atop the steering column and lit up in 250&nbsp;rpm intervals.<ref name=AC4459b>], p. 39</ref>


The Horizon was then updated in 1985, with different interior trim again slight changes to instrument dials and door cards were to make the car look more modern. Fewer paint colours were available and fewer models. Many of the late cars, which were built between 1985 and 1987, were painted in an un-sympathetic pale green or cream. Horizons had initially been available in more adventurous colours including orange, but the 1970s era had passed. The Horizon was updated again in 1985, with different interior trim and slight changes to instrument dials and door cards to make the car look more modern, but with the ]/Strada, it was now one of the oldest mainstream family hatchback on sale in Europe, and faced competition from even more new competitors.


Fewer paint colours were available and fewer models. Many of the late cars, which were built between 1985 and 1986, were painted in an unsympathetic pale green or cream. Horizons had initially been available in more adventurous colours including orange, but many of these colours had gone out of fashion after the 1970s.
A Talbot Horizon ] concept car was produced in 1984 with a full cream leather interior and sporty body kit, the car was designed at the ], ]. The Turbo Horizon is very different to those models once seen out on the street and is kept at ], Coventry England.


A Talbot Horizon ] concept car was produced in 1984 with a full cream leather interior and sporty body kit, the car was designed at ], ]. The Turbo Horizon is very different from those models once seen out on the street and is kept at ], Coventry England.
Due to corrosion problems there are few left, Horizon is now a rare sight with possibly less than 200 surviving examples in the UK.


Due to corrosion problems the Horizon is now a rare sight, with just 20 examples still on the road in the UK at the end of 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/family/talbot_horizon|title=How Many Left? Talbot Horizon|access-date=2017-06-06}}</ref>
The main production lines of Talbot Horizon were ] factory in France and ] in England. It was also manufactured in ] and in ] by ]-] from 1979 onwards. The Finnish Talbot Horizons integrated many ] components, especially in the interior and electrical system. The Saab-Valmet factory also made a series of 2385 cars that ran on ] or ].


The main Horizon production lines were ] in France and ] in England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/coventry/content/articles/2006/04/18/ryton_history_feature.shtml |title=Coventry and Warwickshire - Features - The history of Ryton |publisher=BBC |access-date=2012-01-12}}</ref> British manufacture commenced on 4 January 1982, and soon thereafter the Ryton plant was working a full five-day week for the first time in sixteen months.<ref name=AC4459a/> At the time, British Horizons had 60% British parts content.<ref name=AC4459a/> It was also manufactured in ] in ] by ] Spanish subsidiary, and in ] by ]-] from 1979 onwards. The Finnish-made Talbot Horizons integrated many ] components, especially in the interior and electrical system. The Saab-Valmet factory also made a series of 2,385 cars that ran on ] or ].
The Horizon was produced in France and also Britain (where production had begun in the 1980s) until June 1986, and in Spain and Finland until 1987, when it was replaced by the ], a car developed in the UK, originally destined to be sold as the Talbot Arizona. The end of Horizon production in the beginning of 1987 also marked the end of the Talbot badge on passenger cars. However, the North American version of the car continued to be produced until 1990.


The Horizon was produced in France and also Britain (where production had begun in the 1980s) until June 1986, and in Spain and Finland until 1987. Its successor was the ], a car developed in the UK and launched towards the end of 1985, originally destined to be sold as the Talbot Arizona.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://curiositesautomobiles.blogspot.fr/2013/09/talbot-arizona-lhistoire-de-la-peugeot.html |title=Talbot Arizona - The history of Peugeot 309 |access-date=2014-11-22}}</ref> The end of Horizon production early in 1987 also marked the end of the Talbot badge on passenger cars. However, the North American version of the car continued to be produced until 1990.
The PSA XUD9 diesel engine of 1905&nbsp;cc ] was fitted to certain models of the Horizon, which was the first example of this engine available in the UK. All UK diesel Horizons were made in Spain. The Peugeot-Talbot brochure of October 1984 shows the only diesel Horizon being the LD1.9, the XUD9 engine only available in the ] GRD as well. The Horizon was not the first diesel in the Talbot family of cars with the ] in Spain being powered by diesel.


The PSA XUD9 diesel engine of 1905&nbsp;cc ] was fitted to certain models of the Horizon, which was the first example of this engine available in the UK. All UK-market diesel Horizons were made in Spain. The British Peugeot-Talbot brochure of October 1984 shows the only diesel Horizon being the LD 1.9, the XUD9 engine only available in the ] GRD as well. The Horizon was not the first diesel in the Talbot family of cars with the ] in Spain having been available with diesel power during the 1970s.
The Peugeot 309 continued to use the Horizon range of Simca based engines in early life, until replaced with the more modern Peugeot TU engine in 1992.

The Peugeot 309 used some of the Horizon range of Simca-based engines for most of its production life, until replaced with the more modern Peugeot TU engine in 1992.


==Horizon in the UK== ==Horizon in the UK==
In Britain, it was seen as a modern alternative to the existing Rootes-designed ] models, offering buyers a front-wheel drive hatchback alongside the rear-wheel drive saloons and estates. The Avenger was produced alongside it until 1981, by which time the company had come under Peugeot ownership and no new models were launched to replace it, as the front-wheel drive hatchback style was becoming more popular and Peugeot already had the similar-sized 305 saloon and estates in production. In Britain, it was seen as a modern alternative to the existing Rootes-designed ] models, offering buyers a front-wheel drive hatchback alongside the rear-wheel drive saloons and estates. The Avenger was produced alongside it until 1981, by which time the company had come under Peugeot ownership and no new models were launched to replace it, as the front-wheel drive hatchback style was becoming more popular and Peugeot already had the similar-sized 305 saloon and estates in production.


UK sales of the Horizon (which went on sale there in early 1978 and was badged as a Chrysler until 1 August 1979, when it became a Talbot) were initially quite strong, but by 1983 it was starting to lose sales in a segment dominated by an increasing number of newer models including the Ford Escort Mark III, Vauxhall Astra and Austin Metro. Foreign models like the ], ] and ] were also proving popular in the early 1980s. UK sales of the Horizon (which went on sale there in early 1978 and was badged as a Chrysler until 1 August 1979, when it became a Talbot) were initially acceptable, held back by the fact that it was a French import. Sales improved as manufacture was brought to the United Kingdom in 1982.<ref name=AC4459a/> Soon thereafter, however, it started to lose sales in a segment dominated by an increasing number of newer models including the Ford Escort Mark III, Vauxhall Astra, and Austin Maestro. Foreign models like the ] and ] were also proving popular in the early 1980s.


The last British Horizons were sold in 1986, soon after the launch of ] ] ] which had originally been intended for sale as the '''Talbot Arizona''', as a Talbot-branded successor to the Horizon, and went on sale in January 1986. The 309 continued the Simca heritage by using Simca-derived engines in its smaller models. The last British Horizons were sold in 1986, soon after the launch of ]'s ] ] which had originally been intended for sale as the '''Talbot Arizona''', as a Talbot-branded successor to the Horizon, and went on sale in January 1986. The 309 continued the Simca heritage by using Simca-derived engines in its smaller models.


The Ryton factory remained open until December 2006. The Ryton factory remained open until December 2006.


== UK Specifications range== == UK Specifications range==
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 85%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center; width: 50%;" {| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%; text-align: center; width: 50%;"
|- |-
|'''Capacity''' |'''Capacity'''
Line 85: Line 98:
==Models== ==Models==
The UK Horizon was available in the following trim levels: The UK Horizon was available in the following trim levels:
* 1100 GL * 1100 LE, LS, GL, GLE
* 1300 LS, GL, LX, GLS
* 1100 GLE
* 1500 LS, GL, EX, GLS, S, SX
* 1300 GL
* 1300 GL Auto
* 1300 LS
* 1300 LX
* 1300 GLX
* 1500 LE
* 1500 LS
* 1500 LS EXS
* 1500 GLS
* 1500 S
* 1500 SX Auto
* 1500 EX
* 1900 LD * 1900 LD


Most models were available with 4 or 5-speed gearboxes, which were initially a carry-over of the Simca gearbox, and then later the PSA BE gearbox. Automatic transmission was available on most 1500 models, and was standard equipment on the 1500 SX model. Most models were available with 4 or 5-speed gearboxes, which were initially a carry-over of the Simca gearbox, and then later the PSA BE gearbox. An automatic transmission was available on most 1500 models, and was standard equipment on the 1500 SX model. The lowest level LE had very meagre equipment, not even being fitted with a rear parcel shelf.<ref name=AC4459c>], p. 40</ref>


Some limited editions were: Some limited editions were:


* 1500 "Pullman" top of range model. This had upmarket trim and a design of alloy wheel similar to the Lotus Sunbeam and a wider tyre. The Pullman also had radio upgrade with 4 speakers, and rear seatbelts. Most had beige over brown metallic, two-tone paintwork. Around 20% of the Pullman models were two tone silver and blue. * 1500 "Pullman" top of range model. This had upmarket trim and a design of alloy wheel similar to the ] and a wider tyre. The Pullman also had radio upgrade with 4 speakers, and rear seatbelts. Most had beige over brown metallic, two-tone paintwork. Around 20% of the Pullman models were two tone silver and blue.
* 1300 "Summertime Special" This had red plastic trim in place of the usual black. * 1300 "Summertime Special" This had red plastic trim in place of the usual black.
* 1500/1300 "Ultra" (1985) an upmarket high-spec car in silver metallic, had its name 'ULTRA' on the front wings in black lettering. Ultra had grey velour interior with red piping. * 1500/1300 "Ultra" (1985) an upmarket high-spec car in silver metallic, had its name 'ULTRA' on the front wings in black lettering. Ultra had grey velour interior with red piping. The Ultra had been sold in the Netherlands since 1983.<ref name=krant>{{cite journal | journal = Autovisie | date = 1983-12-24 | volume = 28 | number = 26 | publisher = Folio Groep B.V. | location = Hilversum, Netherlands | language = nl | title = Autokrant | trans-title = Car Gazette | editor-last = de Jong | editor-first = Nico | page = 14 | ref = krant }}</ref>
* 1500 "Silver Fox" which had two tone paintwork half silver, half blue metallic. * 1500 "Silver Fox" which had two tone paintwork half silver, half blue metallic.

==Group B Talbot Horizon==
In 1982 Talbot and ] began work on a Group B rally car meant to succeed the ].<ref name="rootes">{{cite web|url=http://www.rootes-chrysler.co.uk/groupb-horizon.html|title=The Group B Horizon rally cars|work=rootes-chrysler.co.uk}}</ref> Based on the Talbot Horizon, the car was fitted with a ] Lotus ] engine driving the rear wheels.<ref name="groupbshrine">{{cite web|url=https://rallygroupbshrine.org/the-group-b-cars/group-b-prototypes/talbot-horizon/|title=Talbot Horizon - Group B Prototype|work=rallygroupbshrine.org}}</ref> The project was cancelled after two prototypes had been built. Peugeot subsequently began development of their ] ].

==North American variants==
{{main|Dodge Omni}}
]
The North American versions of the Horizon were the ] and ]. Although they appeared to share the same external bodywork as the European Horizon, the panels were in fact not interchangeable. They were also vastly different mechanically&nbsp;– using a larger engine (of ], then PSA origins on the early versions, replaced by Chrysler's own 2.2L OHC "Trenton" I-4 later) and ] suspension at the front instead of the more complex torsion bar system found in the European version. They also featured larger reinforced aluminum ]s to comply with stricter US ] ]. Despite the car's European origins, then Chrysler chairman ] played this down, emphasizing that features such as the ] and electronic ] were of American design.

In the US, many variants were eventually produced, including three-door coupé versions ("Charger" and "TC-3 / Turismo"), economy versions ("America", "Miser"), and high power versions such as the GLH, GLH Turbo, and ] (turbocharged, intercooled, 174&nbsp;bhp). There was even a small pickup truck based on the Horizon ("Scamp" and "Rampage"). Some of these cars had successful careers in racing venues such as Auto-X, road and endurance racing, and pro rallying.

{{clear}}


==References== ==References==
Line 120: Line 134:
* *
* *
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2011}}


] ]
Line 126: Line 139:
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 20:15, 9 December 2024

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Chrysler Horizon" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Motor vehicle
Talbot Horizon
1979 Simca Horizon
Overview
ManufacturerTalbot Peugeot
Also calledChrysler Horizon (UK: 1978–1979)
Chrysler Simca Horizon
Talbot Horizon (Europe: 1979–1986)
Production1978–1987
Assembly
DesignerPeter Horbury, Roy Axe
Body and chassis
ClassCompact (C)
Body style5-door Hatchback
LayoutFF layout
PlatformL-body
RelatedPlymouth Horizon
Powertrain
Engine
Chronology
PredecessorSimca 1100
Hillman Avenger
SuccessorPeugeot 309

The Talbot Horizon is a compact hatchback designed by Chrysler Europe and produced from 1978 to 1987. It was sold under the Simca, Chrysler and Talbot nameplates. The successor to both the Simca 1100 and Hillman Avenger, the Horizon adopted a front-wheel drive, transverse-engine layout.

The model line was the Chrysler Corporation's first and only world car, with the Chrysler Europe project developed in tandem with the American-market Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon. While similar in appearance, and in one case even sharing a model name, the European and American Horizons had significant mechanical differences.

Origins

The Horizon was developed by Chrysler Europe under the codename C2. It was designed in the United Kingdom at the Whitley design studio by Roy Axe and engineered in France at Poissy by Simca as a replacement for their ageing 1100 range. It was introduced to market in summer 1978. In France it was initially sold under the Simca brand, whilst elsewhere in Europe it was initially badged as a Chrysler. As a result of the acquisition of Chrysler's European car division by Peugeot in 1978, both the Chrysler and Simca brands were dropped and the car was sold under the Talbot brand in all its European markets.

Chrysler Horizon
Talbot Horizon in profile
Rear view of a Talbot Horizon

The Horizon was intended to be a "world car" designed for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, but in execution, the European and North American versions of the vehicle have very little in common. Born largely out of the need to replace the ageing Simca 1100 in France, the Horizon was essentially a shortened version of the larger Alpine model, giving the vehicle an unusually wide track for its length. Featuring transversely mounted Simca-designed 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5-litre "Poissy" OHV engines, 4-speed gearboxes, and torsion-bar suspension, the Horizon earned praise for its crisp styling, supple ride, and competent handling.

The SX version which joined the range for the Paris Motor Show, in October 1978, attracted interest for its innovative trip computer. The device took information from three sources, a clock, a "débitmètre" mounted on the fuel feed to the carburetor, and distance information from the feed for the odometer. Using these three pieces of information the "computer" was able to report current fuel consumption and average speeds as well as information on distances and times, in either metric or imperial units. The trip computer later became an option on lesser models such as the GLS.

Interior (1978 Chrysler Horizon GL)

The Horizon was voted European Car of the Year in 1979. Initially only available in LS or GL trim, its launch saw the end of the rear-engined Simca 1000. The Simca 1100 remained in production in France until 1981, being sold for a time as a low cost alternative to the Horizon, but the two cars competed in virtually the same segment and the older car, its model range drastically reduced, saw its sales plummet. On the British market, the rear-wheel drive Avenger saloons and estates remained in production alongside it, giving British buyers a full choice of bodystyles in a market where hatchbacks still only accounted for a minority of sales. There was never a three-door version of the Horizon. To fill this niche, the Simca 1100 remained on sale in continental Europe, while the rear-wheel drive Chrysler Sunbeam was sold alongside the Horizon in the United Kingdom until 1981.

Although it didn't officially replace any of the British Chryslers – despite being a similar size to the rear-wheel drive Sunbeam and traditional Hillman Avenger saloon and estates which had been on sale since 1970 – both of the latter finished production in 1981.

Production life

After Chrysler Europe collapsed in 1978 and was sold to Peugeot, the Horizon was rebadged as a Talbot in 1979.

In 1981, the revisited models were introduced with minor improvements. By then however, the Horizon was becoming increasingly uncompetitive next to rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf (which was actually four years older), Opel Kadett/Vauxhall Astra and third generation Ford Escort. The unrefined overhead-valve engines carried over from the Simca 1100 were largely to blame, while body corrosion was a serious issue – at least until the Series II – giving many cars a short service life.

The LED revolution counter of a series 2 Talbot Horizon

The series 2 Horizon launched in July 1982 had a 5-speed gearbox, and was badged series II 5 speed. The bumpers were painted black and the backlite was smaller, because the parcel shelf was raised to increase the size of the boot. Some models had an electronic LED 'econometer' which lit up several lights around the edge of the speedometer dial. There was also an LED tachometer on top-of-the-range models; this horizontal row of green, yellow, and red LEDs was positioned atop the steering column and lit up in 250 rpm intervals.

The Horizon was updated again in 1985, with different interior trim and slight changes to instrument dials and door cards to make the car look more modern, but with the Fiat Ritmo/Strada, it was now one of the oldest mainstream family hatchback on sale in Europe, and faced competition from even more new competitors.

Fewer paint colours were available and fewer models. Many of the late cars, which were built between 1985 and 1986, were painted in an unsympathetic pale green or cream. Horizons had initially been available in more adventurous colours including orange, but many of these colours had gone out of fashion after the 1970s.

A Talbot Horizon turbo concept car was produced in 1984 with a full cream leather interior and sporty body kit, the car was designed at Whitley, Coventry. The Turbo Horizon is very different from those models once seen out on the street and is kept at Coventry Transport Museum, Coventry England.

Due to corrosion problems the Horizon is now a rare sight, with just 20 examples still on the road in the UK at the end of 2016.

The main Horizon production lines were Poissy in France and PSA Ryton Assembly in England. British manufacture commenced on 4 January 1982, and soon thereafter the Ryton plant was working a full five-day week for the first time in sixteen months. At the time, British Horizons had 60% British parts content. It was also manufactured in Spain in Villaverde by PSA Peugeot Citroën's Spanish subsidiary, and in Finland by Saab-Valmet from 1979 onwards. The Finnish-made Talbot Horizons integrated many Saab components, especially in the interior and electrical system. The Saab-Valmet factory also made a series of 2,385 cars that ran on kerosene or turpentine.

The Horizon was produced in France and also Britain (where production had begun in the 1980s) until June 1986, and in Spain and Finland until 1987. Its successor was the Peugeot 309, a car developed in the UK and launched towards the end of 1985, originally destined to be sold as the Talbot Arizona. The end of Horizon production early in 1987 also marked the end of the Talbot badge on passenger cars. However, the North American version of the car continued to be produced until 1990.

The PSA XUD9 diesel engine of 1905 cc diesel engine was fitted to certain models of the Horizon, which was the first example of this engine available in the UK. All UK-market diesel Horizons were made in Spain. The British Peugeot-Talbot brochure of October 1984 shows the only diesel Horizon being the LD 1.9, the XUD9 engine only available in the Peugeot 305 GRD as well. The Horizon was not the first diesel in the Talbot family of cars with the Chrysler 180 in Spain having been available with diesel power during the 1970s.

The Peugeot 309 used some of the Horizon range of Simca-based engines for most of its production life, until replaced with the more modern Peugeot TU engine in 1992.

Horizon in the UK

In Britain, it was seen as a modern alternative to the existing Rootes-designed Avenger models, offering buyers a front-wheel drive hatchback alongside the rear-wheel drive saloons and estates. The Avenger was produced alongside it until 1981, by which time the company had come under Peugeot ownership and no new models were launched to replace it, as the front-wheel drive hatchback style was becoming more popular and Peugeot already had the similar-sized 305 saloon and estates in production.

UK sales of the Horizon (which went on sale there in early 1978 and was badged as a Chrysler until 1 August 1979, when it became a Talbot) were initially acceptable, held back by the fact that it was a French import. Sales improved as manufacture was brought to the United Kingdom in 1982. Soon thereafter, however, it started to lose sales in a segment dominated by an increasing number of newer models including the Ford Escort Mark III, Vauxhall Astra, and Austin Maestro. Foreign models like the Volkswagen Golf and Datsun Sunny were also proving popular in the early 1980s.

The last British Horizons were sold in 1986, soon after the launch of Peugeot's Ryton-built 309 which had originally been intended for sale as the Talbot Arizona, as a Talbot-branded successor to the Horizon, and went on sale in January 1986. The 309 continued the Simca heritage by using Simca-derived engines in its smaller models.

The Ryton factory remained open until December 2006.

UK Specifications range

Capacity 1118–1905 cc
Power 59–90 hp
Max. speed 147 km/h (91 mph) – 175 km/h (109 mph)
Acceleration 0–60 mp/h: 17.9–11.4 seconds

Models

The UK Horizon was available in the following trim levels:

  • 1100 LE, LS, GL, GLE
  • 1300 LS, GL, LX, GLS
  • 1500 LS, GL, EX, GLS, S, SX
  • 1900 LD

Most models were available with 4 or 5-speed gearboxes, which were initially a carry-over of the Simca gearbox, and then later the PSA BE gearbox. An automatic transmission was available on most 1500 models, and was standard equipment on the 1500 SX model. The lowest level LE had very meagre equipment, not even being fitted with a rear parcel shelf.

Some limited editions were:

  • 1500 "Pullman" top of range model. This had upmarket trim and a design of alloy wheel similar to the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus and a wider tyre. The Pullman also had radio upgrade with 4 speakers, and rear seatbelts. Most had beige over brown metallic, two-tone paintwork. Around 20% of the Pullman models were two tone silver and blue.
  • 1300 "Summertime Special" This had red plastic trim in place of the usual black.
  • 1500/1300 "Ultra" (1985) an upmarket high-spec car in silver metallic, had its name 'ULTRA' on the front wings in black lettering. Ultra had grey velour interior with red piping. The Ultra had been sold in the Netherlands since 1983.
  • 1500 "Silver Fox" which had two tone paintwork half silver, half blue metallic.

Group B Talbot Horizon

In 1982 Talbot and Lotus Cars began work on a Group B rally car meant to succeed the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Based on the Talbot Horizon, the car was fitted with a mid-mounted Lotus type 911 engine driving the rear wheels. The project was cancelled after two prototypes had been built. Peugeot subsequently began development of their all-wheel drive 205 T16.

North American variants

Main article: Dodge Omni
1981 Dodge Omni

The North American versions of the Horizon were the Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon. Although they appeared to share the same external bodywork as the European Horizon, the panels were in fact not interchangeable. They were also vastly different mechanically – using a larger engine (of VW, then PSA origins on the early versions, replaced by Chrysler's own 2.2L OHC "Trenton" I-4 later) and MacPherson strut suspension at the front instead of the more complex torsion bar system found in the European version. They also featured larger reinforced aluminum bumpers to comply with stricter US safety legislation. Despite the car's European origins, then Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca played this down, emphasizing that features such as the trip computer and electronic ignition were of American design.

In the US, many variants were eventually produced, including three-door coupé versions ("Charger" and "TC-3 / Turismo"), economy versions ("America", "Miser"), and high power versions such as the GLH, GLH Turbo, and Shelby GLHS (turbocharged, intercooled, 174 bhp). There was even a small pickup truck based on the Horizon ("Scamp" and "Rampage"). Some of these cars had successful careers in racing venues such as Auto-X, road and endurance racing, and pro rallying.

References

  1. 1978 1979 Chrysler Simca Horizon, Large Brochure, German, www.autolit.com, as archived at web.archive.org
  2. ^ Bellu, René (2006) . "Toutes les voitures françaises 1979". Automobilia (84). Paris: Histoire & collections: 12.
  3. ^ Hutton, Ray, ed. (5 June 1982). "Talbot Horizon 1.5GLS: Economical performer". Autocar. Vol. 156, no. 4459. IPC Business Press Ltd. p. 38.
  4. Bellu, p. 10
  5. Hutton, p. 39
  6. "How Many Left? Talbot Horizon". Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  7. "Coventry and Warwickshire - Features - The history of Ryton". BBC. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  8. "Talbot Arizona - The history of Peugeot 309". Retrieved 22 November 2014.
  9. Hutton, p. 40
  10. de Jong, Nico, ed. (24 December 1983). "Autokrant" [Car Gazette]. Autovisie (in Dutch). 28 (26). Hilversum, Netherlands: Folio Groep B.V.: 14.
  11. "The Group B Horizon rally cars". rootes-chrysler.co.uk.
  12. "Talbot Horizon - Group B Prototype". rallygroupbshrine.org.

External links

Categories: