1938 British Salmson 20/90hp 2.6-Liter Roadster

1938 British Salmson 20/90hp 2.6-Liter Roadster

This rare six-cylinder British Salmson is one of only 12 completed between 1935 and 1939. The chassis was based on that of the four-cylinder S4D model, which had excellent independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. This chassis remained in production in France until 1952, so spare parts (for the chassis) are readily available. The first car was fitted with a typically 'English' trials body, Bendix cable brakes, and standard Salmson wheels, which were changed to hydraulic brakes and Jordan centre-lock steel wheels; all the later chassis were so fitted. Bodies were supplied by London-based coachbuilder Whittingham & Mitchel. Eight of these six-cylinder British Salmsons survive, an exceptional percentage rate for any pre-war car.

The car presented here, chassis number '110', appeared at the 1938 London Motor Show. Compared to the two other similar cars, the front wings are 'fuller' and it has attractive flairs under the doors. These cars were extremely expensive at £650 compared to an SS 100 at around £350.

Descriptions & pictures by wikipedia & bonhams & flickr