Saviem S
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | January 1, 1955 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Trucks |
The Saviem S series comprises a collection of medium-duty trucks manufactured by the French company Saviem between 1964 and 1967. This lineup consisted of models S5, S6, S7, S8, and S9, with each number indicating the truck's maximum load capacity in tonnes.
History
Introduced in October 1963, the original S range included two variants equipped with the fixed type 810 cab, which was a larger adaptation of the type 710 cab later used in 1965 on the smaller SG range. These initial models were the S5, capable of carrying 5 tonnes, and the S7, designed for a 7-tonne payload. At the 1964 Paris Motor Show, Saviem broadened this range by adding the S8 and S9 models, rated for 8 and 9 tonnes respectively. The S6 model, with a 6-tonne capacity, was introduced subsequently in 1966.
Starting in 1967, the S series began to be phased out in favor of the Saviem SM range. Nevertheless, enhanced versions of the S5 (namely the S5B and S5C) and the S9 continued to be produced for a period after this transition. Moreover, FAR undertook conversions of certain S models into SD variants (SD5 and SD8), thereby prolonging their availability in the market.
Technical details
The S5 model is equipped with the 591 engine—a four-cylinder diesel unit with a 3-litre displacement generating at 3,200 rpm and delivering torque at 2,000 rpm. The Perkins 6.354 engine powers the S6, S7, and S8 trucks; this six-cylinder direct-injection diesel has a displacement of 5.8 litres and produces at 2,800 rpm along with torque at 1,600 rpm. All four trucks share features such as leaf spring suspension on both front and rear axles, a five-speed synchromesh manual transmission, gammer worm and roller steering systems; braking differs with hydraulic brakes on the S5 and air brakes on the S7 and S8.
In October 1964, the introduction of the S9 brought a vehicle with a GVWR and adoption of the type 840 cab from the larger JL series. This model is powered by the F 646 Fulgur engine—a six-cylinder diesel with a displacement of 6.8 litres that produces at 1,500 rpm and torque at 1,650 rpm. The S9 includes a six-speed manual gearbox featuring synchromesh on its top five gears, leaf spring suspension throughout, gammer worm and roller steering mechanisms, and offers wheelbase options ranging from to .