British Salmson
| File:British Salmson 12 70 4-Seater Tourer 1935 2.jpg 1935 British Salmson 12/70 S4C | |
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1929 |
| Fate | Defunct |
| Headquarters | Raynes Park, London, England |
| Products | Aero engines, Cars, Printing machinery |
| Parent | Salmson |
British Salmson was a UK-based automobile manufacturer active between 1934 and 1939. Initially established as a subsidiary of the French firm Salmson, it was subsequently acquired by British management. During World War II, the company transitioned to wartime production, ceased automobile manufacturing, moved operations to Glasgow, and specialized in producing printing equipment.
Foundation
The French company Salmson founded Moteurs Salmson in Raynes Park, London, in 1929 to produce radial aero engines for markets within the British Empire. In 1930, ownership transferred to Howard Martineau, a British racing driver, along with other investors, who renamed the enterprise British Salmson Aero Engines Ltd and continued manufacturing under license.
Due to limited success in aero engine sales, the firm expanded its licensing agreement in 1934 to include domestic car production.
S4C
The British S4C model utilized the identical twin overhead camshaft 1471 cc four-cylinder engine and chassis as the French original but featured an improved gearbox with synchromesh on the upper two gears. Coachwork designs were developed in Britain and offered in several body styles: four-door saloon, sports saloon, open tourer, and drophead coupé, with bodies supplied by Ranalah or Newns. Two engine configurations were available: a single-carburettor 12/55 and a twin-carburettor 12/70 capable of reaching speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h). Approximately 230 units were manufactured.
S4D
Launched in 1937, the S4D featured an increased engine capacity of 1596 cc along with hydraulic braking and independent front suspension using transverse springs. Despite the larger engine and added weight, performance improvements were marginal. This model was produced as a curved back saloon and drophead coupé. Production totaled around 75 vehicles before ending in 1938.
S6D
The S6D, also known as the 20/90, was exclusive to the British lineup from 1936 until 1939. It was equipped with a six-cylinder 2580 cc twin overhead camshaft engine and offered in Sports Saloon, two-seater sports car, or drophead coupé formats. Claimed top speeds approached . Early versions employed Bendix cable brakes, while later models switched to Lockheed hydraulic systems. About 15 units were produced prior to the suspension of manufacturing due to World War II.
World War II and subsequent developments
With the onset of World War II, automobile production ceased as the company redirected efforts towards general engineering tasks, producing components and sub-assemblies for various industries. After the war, car manufacturing was not resumed; instead, small 31 cc engines intended for bicycle conversion kits were produced. Eventually, operations relocated to Glasgow, Scotland, where focus shifted exclusively to manufacturing printing machinery.