Description
In November 1952, Eugène Martin presented to the press his coupé “Special MARTIN” built on a Peugeot 203 base. It is a lowered coachbuilt on a base of a 203 cabriolet chassis. It is equipped with a specific intake manifold by Eugène Martin housing two 32 PBIC carburettors and a special exhaust manifold also created by Martin, capable of accommodating a third carburettor. The engine is a 203 engine bored out to 1500 cm3, with Borgo pistons with double scrapers. The camshaft is more aggressive than original, the flywheel is lightened. All these modifications increase the car’s power from 42 hp to over 90 hp, enabling speeds of over 150 km/ h. Eugène Martin states that he would build four “Martin Specials” before facing problems with labour, overheads and production costs. He won the Aix-en-Provence Grand Prix in one of them in 1953. Faced with Treasury issues, he drew closer to Jacques Bernard, who had just acquired the Salmson firm, met through mutual friends, and told him about his 1500 cm3 producing 94 hp compared with the 2 L 3 Salmson. A collaboration began and, eventually as a mechanic-tuner, he developed the 2L3 to 106 HP after running-in. Mr Bernard, convinced, asked him to integrate the mechanics into a “Martin Special”… The SALMSON 2300 S was born! The example of my car is the sole survivor of these 4 Martin Specials that inspired the prototypes leading to the Samson 2300 S. Found in a wrecked state in 1997, it emerged from a meticulous restoration of bodywork, mechanicals, upholstery, in line with the work carried out by Eugène Martin. The car, in running-in, is ready to hit the road. It is eligible for historic racing.
A true rarity,
Price negotiable, in front of the car, on a base higher than that of a restored 203 coupé or cabriolet.
