SOMUA Model cars - Collection & Models in Stock

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Illustration Voitures Rétros Vintage France
The incredible anecdote of the SOMUA stand at the 1937 Salon

Discover the little-known history of this French brand that left its mark on the 20th century automotive and military industries.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

What does the acronym SOMUA mean and what was the specialty of this French brand?

SOMUA stands for Société d'Outillage Mécanique et d'Usinage d'Artillerie (Society of Mechanical Tooling and Artillery Machining). Founded in 1914, this French company specialized in the manufacture of utility vehicles, military trucks, and buses. It is particularly known for its robust trucks used by the French army and its iconic Parisian buses of the 1950s and 1960s.

What was the most emblematic SOMUA model in Parisian public transport?

The SOMUA S53 was the brand's most iconic Parisian bus. Produced between 1950 and 1968, this vehicle, with its distinctive design, rounded front end and Art Deco lines, marked the Parisian urban landscape for nearly 20 years. It was recognizable by its green and cream livery typical of the RATP of the time.

Why are SOMUA vehicles so sought after by model car collectors?

SOMUA vehicles are highly prized because they represent an important part of French industrial history. Their production ceased in the 1960s after the acquisition by Saviem, making these models nostalgic. SOMUA model cars evoke the era of the Trente Glorieuses and the development of French urban transport, making them pieces full of history and emotion.

What particular technical innovation characterized SOMUA military trucks?

SOMUA military trucks were renowned for their all-wheel drive and exceptional robustness. The S35 model, in particular, used during World War II, had a front-rear wheel drive system that was particularly effective on all terrains. This advanced technology for the time made them highly reliable vehicles for military missions and the transport of heavy equipment.

What is special about SOMUA model cars in terms of reproduction scales?

SOMUA model cars are mainly reproduced in 1:43 and 1:50 scales, particularly suitable for utility vehicles and buses. The 1:87 (HO) scale is also popular for railway dioramas depicting the 1950s and 1960s. Manufacturers such as Eligor, IXO, and Hachette have produced many faithful versions, including Parisian buses with their authentic period details.