1927 Salmson VAL 3 Gran Sport
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. 28431

Completely restored recently, this Salmson VAL 3 AL7 Gran Sport, chassis/engine number '28341', was produced in 1929 and is an 'extreme' evolution of the original AL3 cyclecar. This model was produced for three years, from 1927 to 1929, in 454 units, 36 of which sold as naked chassis frames. The cars were built on the basis of the VAL 3 Series 7 chassis on which the twin-cam Gran Sport 2ACT engine was mounted. Chassis number '28431' is one of the last of this particular model: only 24 others were produced, concluding in the same year with chassis number '28455'.

This VAL 3 AL7 Gran Sport incorporates the series of modifications that were made to the model over the years; drum brakes are fitted to the front axle, and the transmission is equipped with a differential on the rear axle. There are leaf springs all round and adjustable Hartford friction dampers to all four wheels. The gearbox is a four-speed unit. Tests of the era praised the Gran Sport's performance and good road holding, the car being prone to skidding but honest and controllable. The car's toughness was appreciated also, belying its lightweight construction.

This car's forward section is completely original, with 'matching number' engine, while the rear section has been rebuilt in 'boat tail' style. Carried out in 2012, the restoration included rebuilding the aluminium body, interior, and engine. The car was then painted in the period-correct colour scheme of green/black with beige interior trim. The elegant wooden dashboard with aluminium central panel has also been restored, and this car retains many original details such as the water temperature gauge on the radiator cap, leather bonnet straps, and spare wheel. Further refurbishment and mechanical maintenance works are documented between 2016 and 2018 (bills on file).