Description
Very rare original Salmson with a GS8 underslung chassis (nr. 21. 112), the famous 3 roller bearing GSS engine, original Salmson 4-speed gearbox, Rudge wheels. One of the handful Salmson’s with an original works Grand Prix body. This body is reputated (after a search of Chris Draper) to come from the 1928 Motor Show car. All of the best Salmson could offer his (racing) clients in the late twenties. The car has a Dutch registration (MT 803 in UK). The current owner owns this Salmson for more than 20 years. In the late fifties Mark Rigg and his father, well known Bugatti rebuilders and racers purchased the car from Ken Radburn, the founder of the Salmson register in England. They realised the main change from the original factory specifications by fitting of an under-floor fuel tank rather than a scuttle tank. This was done to lower the centre of the gravity and they didn’t like a tank above their knees. The rear brakes are also rod operated rather than by cables. Pressure in the tank comes from a Bugatti air pressure pump. The current owner fitted a ‘hidden’ electric fuel pump, just to keep both hands on the steering wheel! Both systems can be used.
After the Rigg family the car came in the hands of Guy Weightman, a good friend of Chris Draper. Guy had also acquired all the existing Salmson spares from the importer via Vic Dutton, who worked for SMS London. In 2003 Chris Draper bought the stock of spare parts from his friend including the car. Soon after that the current owner purchased this lovely and rare Salmson.
The car was in a remarkable original condition but needed a mechanical overhaul. The engine was done by John Deacon. A new engine block with bigger flanges was used, new crankshaft roller bearings with a reinforced bridge around the mid bearing, new light conrods (Arrow), new high-compression pistons, improved oil system, new cross-shaft wheels etc. New bearings were fitted in the gearbox and the wheels did get new spokes. The brakes did get ‘soft liners’ which improved the braking enormous. Special Michelin Bibendum tyres were fitted. The cylinder head is a very rare ‘3 port head’. Which gives the choice to use one or two carburettors. The car came with a SU in the middle but runs now on two beautiful and original Solex MHD carburettors. Also, a special 4 to 1 inox outside exhaust system is constructed. To ensure good cooling under race conditions and high outside temperatures the owner fitted a bypass and a 2 speed water pump (hidden as well). For extra safety there is a Kenlow fan. Because of Dutch rules aluminum cycle wings were made.
In 2021 the cylinder head and camshaft box are overhauled. Two new overhead camshafts (made by Kent UK), new followers, (slightly bigger) valves… all done by BDRS UK.
This rare and original car was part of the 2023 exhibition ‘From Cyclecar to Grand Sport’ in the Louwman Museum. It runs and looks very well and opens the way to the Mille Miglia. After 22 years it’s time to hand over the car to another enthusiast.
