Sovam
| Industry | Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founder | André Morin |
| Headquarters | Parthenay, Deux-Sèvres, France |
| Products | Cars (1960s), specialist vehicles, airport handling equipment |
| Website | https://sovam-gse.com/ |
The SOciété des Véhicules André Morin (SOVAM) is a French enterprise focused on producing mechanized material handling solutions tailored for airports. During the 1960s, Sovam briefly ventured into automobile manufacturing, achieving limited commercial success but failing to turn a profit.
Early history
Established in 1930 by André Morin as a continuation of his father Robert Morin's automotive and carriage workshop located in Parthenay, Sovam initially specialized in manufacturing "camions magasin"—mobile retail units mounted on lightweight truck chassis. By 1962, this business line was separated under the Etalmobil brand, enabling Sovam to concentrate its efforts on airport ground support equipment and specialized light utility vehicles.
In 1964, Sovam unveiled the “Véhicule Utilitaire de Livraison” (VUL), a compact delivery vehicle with a fibreglass body constructed on a shortened Renault 4 platform, designed specifically for efficient urban distribution.
Sovam sports cars
In 1965, Morin introduced a limited-production sports car under the Sovam name that extensively utilized parts from the Renault 4, including its shortened chassis and drivetrain components. The vehicle employed a front mid-engine layout combined with front-wheel drive and featured independent suspension at all wheels. Its windshield was adapted by reversing the design of the one used on the Renault Floride. Sovam’s proficiency in fiberglass manufacturing facilitated swift development of both the bodywork and chassis.
Designer Jacques Durand crafted a compact two-seater coupé characterized by inwardly curved greenhouse panels and a detachable roof section. Although its sporty aesthetics garnered mixed reactions, it established a distinctive presence.
The Sovam 850 "Voiture de Sport" (VS) made its debut at the 1964 Paris Motor Show. Powered by an 845 cc Renault Billancourt engine, it delivered modest performance but appealed to buyers through its affordable price point of 9,990 francs.
By 1966, the price of the 850VS increased to 10,870 francs. That year also saw the introduction of the 1100VS model equipped with a 1108 cc Renault Cléon-Fonte engine producing 65 hp and capable of reaching speeds up to 165 km/h; it was priced at 12,960 francs.
In 1967, Sovam launched the 1300GS, featuring a hardtop body with 2+2 seating configuration, rectangular headlights, and powered by the robust 1255 cc engine paired with a five-speed transaxle sourced from the Renault 8 Gordini. Optional four-wheel disc brakes complemented its enhanced output of 103 hp and top speed of 195 km/h. Priced at 21,500 francs, this model earned the gold medal for automotive art and industry at the Paris Salon.
The 1100VS remained in production through 1967, with prices climbing to 15,500 francs by October. The original 850VS was discontinued that same year following these price adjustments.
Despite technological improvements and accolades received, Sovam’s sports cars faced challenges competing against rivals such as the Alpine A110 and Matra 530, largely due to their unconventional styling choices. The company made its final appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October 1967 and manufactured only five sports cars during 1968. Total production from 1965 until 1968 stayed below 150 units.
Motorsports
In 1966, Sovam showcased the durability of its 850VS model by entering it in the Paris-Calcutta-Paris rally. Piloted by Maïté Patoux with Chantal Bernard as co-driver, the pair successfully completed the grueling 18,500 km journey from July through November. The vehicle was then displayed at Sovam's booth during the 1966 Auto Show shortly after their return.
In November 1967, Patoux also participated in the 12th “Rallye National d'Automne” held in La Rochelle, competing in an 1100VS and securing victory in the women's category.
Maurice Barros campaigned his 1100VS across multiple rallies in 1967, including events such as the second Critérium des Maures, Rallye des Roses, and Rallye du Vaucluse.
L'Ecurie Gâtine, affiliated with the Automobile Club of Deux-Sèvres, prepared an 850VS specifically for regional rally competitions. Additionally, numerous Sovam owners took part in both regional and national rallies, as well as hillclimb events, driving either the 850VS or 1100VS models.
Sportscar postscript
- A revival plan for Sovam in 1972 proposed a new vehicle equipped with a 1600 cc engine and components derived from the Renault 16; however, this project was never brought to fruition.
- Both the Musée Chapy located in Boujan-sur-Libron, France, and the Automobile Museum Aspang in Austria possess Sovam vehicles within their exhibits.
Car specifications
| Model: | SOVAM 850VS | SOVAM 1100VS | SOVAM 1300GS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Units produced: | 62 | 77 | 6 | |
| Engine | Renault Billancourt | Renault Cléon-Fonte C1E | Renault Cléon-Fonte Gordini | |
| Orientation | Longitudinal | Longitudinal | Longitudinal | |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| Valves | 8 (two per cylinder) | 8 (two per cylinder) | 8 (two per cylinder) | |
| Displacement | 845 cc (51.6 cu in) | 1,108 cc (67.6 cu in) | 1,255 cc (76.6 cu in) | |
| Bore x Stroke | 58 mm x 80 mm | 70 mm x 72 mm | 74.5 mm x 72 mm | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 | |
| Carburation | Single-barrel SOLEX 32 PBIC | Single two-barrel Weber | Dual two-barrel Weber 40 DCE | |
| Horsepower | 45 hp (34 kW) @ 5500 rpm | 62 hp (46 kW) @ 6300 rpm | 103 hp (77 kW) @ 6750 rpm | |
| Transmission | Three-speed manual | Four-speed manual | Five-speed manual | |
| Brakes (front) | Drum, 180 mm diameter | Drum (disc optional) | Disc brakes | |
| Brakes (rear) | Drum, 160 mm diameter | Drum brakes | ||
| Tires | 5.5X13 /155/80/13 | 5.20X13 /155/80/13 | Front:155X13 - Rear:145X13 | |
| Length | 3,630 mm (143 in) | 3,630 mm (143 in) | 3,830 mm (151 in) | |
| Width | 1,480 mm (58 in) | 1,480 mm (58 in) | 1,500 mm (59 in) | |
| Height | 1,110 mm (44 in) | 1,110 mm (44 in) | ||
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Post-sportscar history
Following the discontinuation of its sportscar production, Sovam continued to prosper by focusing on other markets, particularly manufacturing specialized vehicles and moving walkways for airports.
During the mid-1980s, Sovam introduced its inaugural military vehicle designed for André Goldman under the SOVAMAG brand ("Société des Véhicules Automobiles Michel André Goldman"). Production of the Sovamag TC10 began on an industrial scale in 1988 at Techni Industrie’s facility in Bonchamp-les-Laval. From 1992 onward, manufacturing shifted to Auverland’s plant located in Saint Germain-Laval while retaining the Sovamag branding.
In 1997, Sovam became part of Siraga's portfolio. Later, towards the end of 2010, ownership transferred to the French conglomerate Mécanelle, headed by Russian financier Vladimir Zagaynova.
On June 24, 2015, Sovam entered receivership proceedings. Subsequently, its painting and sandblasting operations were sold to BTS Industrie. Meanwhile, the airport equipment division was acquired by Kamkorp and rebranded as SOVAM GSE (Ground Support Equipment). The company faced receivership again on March 24, 2017.
On July 6, 2017, Sovam was purchased by Abbey International Finance, an investment firm based in Ireland. Tim Rane was appointed President & CEO with a mandate to rejuvenate the company’s strategic direction.