British Salmson

On Friday, February 24th 2012, our website attracted the interest of British Salmson enthusiast, R A Mawer:

Hello there! Am wondering if I could possibly have a copy of the wonderful photo of the works outing?

I own one of their cars (was my grandfathers) & have also acquired a great deal of info.about the firm-photos,catalogues,etc. In fact,I have been interested in British Salmson matters since a child-a helluva long while ago! I have been gathering material for a book for ages,& am now seriously getting down to putting it all together.I could trade you a photo,or whatever-or pay the cost.Would you be prepared for the photo to appear in the book? Kind regards!

Hamilton responded: I too grew up with British Salmson. The factory was across the road from my school. My grandfather and two of my Uncles worked there. Congratulations on having a British Salmson car. I envy you.

On Friday, March 2nd, Hamilton received this reply

Thank you so much,Hamilton! I’m very pleased indeed! Will try & sort out an interesting photo or two for you-when I can get someone to help with scanning,etc.-I am not good with computer matters.If you can come up with any family memories,paperwork,etc. concerning the firm,please let me know! You might be interested to learn that when I was 16,my grandfathers car had passed out of the family(he had died),& to my distress,was for sale on a “banger” car lot for £15.00. I persuaded my father to let me buy it-he agreed,rather reluctantly,but I had to raise the money.I did 80 hours harvesting work(loading square bales),at 2/6d per hour-bloody hard work for a skinny youth,2 trailers behind the tractor.I then had to sell my bike to my brother for all the money he could scrape up-not much! But just enough,& the car was delivered under its own power-just! Engine full of water, slipping clutch,had to be helped up the drive by pushing.A long while ago.