Salmson G72 Randonnee

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Initially renowned for making radial aircraft engines, the Parisian firm of Salmson entered the car industry by taking out a manufacturing licence for the GN cyclecar in 1919 but had progressed to making their own machines by 1921.

By the late 1930s Salmson was offering a range of small luxury saloons based on their S4 model with transverse independent front suspension, a 1.6-litre twin-cam engine and a 4-speed Cotal electrically-selected gearbox. From 1934 onwards these were being produced in Raynes Park, London, as the 12hp British Salmson and a larger 2.3-litre version was launched in 1946 with hydraulic brakes and 70bhp at a cost of £495.

A new Randonnee E72 model came out in 1950 with a light alloy 2.2-litre twin overhead cam straight-four engine, retaining the Cotal ‘box for fast and relaxed gear changing. In 1951 it was superseded by the broadly similar 71bhp G72. Available as a cabriolet or a saloon, the body was formed of wood and metal resting on a traditional separate chassis.

All were beautifully made and highly competent machines but a combination of punitive French taxation laws combined with post-war austerity proved too much for Salmson, as it did for many French car makers, and the firm folded in 1954 after just 507 Randonnee models had been sold, all of them in right-hand drive.

This 1951 G72 Saloon was first registered in the Gironde region of southwest France and appears to have spent its whole life in the Bordeaux area, the last 40 years or more in storage. It came to the UK two or three years ago but has never been registered here, although it does retain its original French ‘Carte Grise’ registration document.

The vendor acquired the car about a year ago intending to fully restore it but a recent house move has complicated matters and the car now has to go. Said to be in very sound condition with no serious rust in evidence, it is also believed to be complete, including all the exterior brightwork such as the side trims which give the car its lovely flowing lines. A relatively straightforward restoration project, this is a rare and intriguing car which is sure to draw a lot of interest once back on the road where it belongs.