Leon Bollee, Warwick, Germain, Deckert, James & Browne, Gladiator, Haynes-Apperson, Daley, L'Elegante, Flint, Stephens, Peerless, Rambler.... the long list of car companies represented at next month's Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (Sunday 3. November) next month will pay tribute to the many ambitious pioneers who recognized the enormous potential of motor transport at the end of the 19th century.
A car called "The Company"
One of the strangest names to jump on the bandwagon at the time was the Societé Manufacturie d'Armes - a French armaments company from St. Etienne whose history dates back to 1553. Originally a supplier of weapons to the Royal Order, it later became known for its sewing machines and then for its very popular bicycles. Records show that the Societé Manufacturie d'Armes exhibited a passenger car at the Paris Salon as early as 1898. However, production was discontinued in 1907.
One of the most comfortable and uncomplicated performers on the A23, this superb 1904 track-driven six-seater Landaulette unsurprisingly has an excellent track record on the London to Brighton. It is powered by a powerful 4,850cc Aster engine with four cylinders, side valves and a T-head, all controlled by a four-speed gearbox.
An extensive restoration
When admiring the exquisite coachwork, luxurious upholstery and impressive brass fittings of the imposing car, it is hard to imagine the Landaulette in a less gleaming condition.... but 40 years ago that was very much the case. In the late 1970s, it was found in Sardinia, where the ravages of time had destroyed much of its original splendor.
A complete restoration was meticulously carried out by renowned expert car restorer Mark Tidy, with the story documented in detail in the October 1986 issue of The Automobile magazine. Since then, the unique, elegant and powerful car has been a staple of the Run, its generous, removable landaulette compartment offering ideal all-weather driving performance. Regardless of the meteorological conditions, the curiously named Societé Manufacturie d'Armes will be back on its way to Madeira Drive on the first Sunday in November and will once again thrill all spectators along the route with its exciting history.
Further information
Further information can be found on the Veteran Car Run website.
