Soc. Man. d’Armes 24-30hp Sala

The Soc. Man. d’Armes 24-30hp is a rare and intriguing find, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of automotive history. Discovered in Sardinia in the late 1970s, this vehicle initially puzzled enthusiasts, with its only identifying feature being the legend “Société Manufacturière d’Armes – St. Etienne” on its sole surviving hub cap. The Société Manufacturière d’Armes, or the “Society,” as it came to be known, was originally a weapons manufacturing company based in St. Etienne, France. As the cycling craze swept through France, the company diversified into bicycle production, eventually venturing into automobiles in the early 1900s. The “Svelte” automobile, named after the company’s line of bicycles, marked the Société’s foray into the automotive industry. However, their venture was short-lived, and by 1907, they had ceased production of automobiles altogether. The body of the Soc. Man. d’Armes 24-30hp Sala bears the nameplate “Cesare Sala – Milan,” indicating a collaboration with the esteemed Carrozzeria Italiana Cesare Sala. This Milan-based coachbuilder was renowned for its craftsmanship, having provided bodies for prestigious marques such as Benz and Isotta-Fraschini. During restoration, a card bearing the legend “Serpollet Italiana” was discovered under the original upholstery, suggesting a connection to the French company Serpollet, which briefly produced cars and commercial vehicles in Milan from 1906 to 1908. This finding adds another layer of intrigue to the car’s history, highlighting the complex network of automotive collaborations during the early 20th century. Restored to its former glory by enthusiasts such as Mark Tidy and Goff Radcliffe, the Soc. Man. d’Armes 24-30hp is now a cherished relic of automotive history. Adorned in dark blue with vermilion coachlining and accented by brass fixtures, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of its time, captivating audiences on events like the London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run and the One Thousand Mile Trial re-enactment.