Salmson Randonnée History

Introduced in autumn 1950 as the Randonnée E-72 and quickly updated to the G-72 in February 1951, the Randonnée was Salmson's attempt to re-establish itself as a prestige sports-car maker in post-war France. Its 2,218 cc inline-four retained the firm's signature twin overhead camshafts but was built entirely in aluminium alloy — a progressive choice that reflected Salmson's aero-engine heritage — and developed approximately 70 hp, enough for a top speed around 140 km/h.

The Randonnée was equipped with a Cotal electromagnetic four-speed gearbox, a semi-automatic unit whose column-mounted selector and fingertip gear changes were considered sophisticated and driver-friendly at the time. The chassis was a conventional separate steel frame, but the overall package was priced and positioned to appeal to buyers who might otherwise consider a Talbot-Lago or a Delahaye.

Financial reality made the model a commercial disaster. The 2,218 cc engine placed the Randonnée in France's 13CV taxation class, imposing high annual ownership costs that made it unattractive compared with larger-engined rivals offering similar performance at lower net cost. Sales were negligible — roughly 250 Randonnées were built in 1951 alongside S4 continuations — and the company entered bankruptcy in 1951, was briefly rescued by Jacques Bernard in 1952, and wound down production of the Randonnée by 1954.