Salmson Randonnée
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1950 |
| Defunct | 1954 |
| Products | Automobiles (Salmson Randonnée) |
The Salmson Randonnée represents a premium automobile manufactured by Salmson between late 1950 and 1954. The initial model, known as the Randonnée E-72, was succeeded in February 1951 by the closely related Randonnée G-72.
The engine
Powered by a 2218 cc alloy inline-four engine equipped with dual overhead camshafts, the car showcased Salmson’s expertise derived from aviation engineering. This power unit classified the vehicle within the costly 13CV taxation bracket in France, influencing ownership expenses. Its construction featured a traditional separate chassis with a body combining both wood and metal elements.
The body
In 1952, the coachbuilder Esclassan produced a unique cabriolet variant inspired by General Motors’ “Le Sabre” concept car; only two units were crafted, both of which have since been lost.
Commercial
The restrictive post-war economic climate and French tax regulations significantly limited Salmson’s commercial opportunities. Production numbers dropped sharply from 1,162 vehicles in 1950 to merely 89 in 1952. At the 1952 Paris Motor Show, Salmson exhibited only the Randonnée, presenting two models on a modest display. After declaring bankruptcy in 1951, Jacques Bernard acquired the company in 1952 with plans to revive it. Nonetheless, Salmson discontinued automobile manufacturing by 1954.
The smaller Randonnée that never appeared
To mitigate tax burdens, Salmson intended to introduce a redesigned, smaller Randonnée featuring an engine below two litres aimed at the 10CV tax category for the 1952 Paris Motor Show. Due to financial constraints, this project was abandoned and never reached production, leaving the S4-61 L without a replacement.
Cinema
A Salmson Randonnée made an appearance in the 1995 movie Une femme française, directed by Régis Wargnier.
Sources and further reading
- Salmson. La belle mécanique française, Claude et Laurent Chevalier, édition E.T.A.I., 2010.