Salmson S4E Cabrio green from 1938
Scale: 1/43rd
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
The Salmson S4E Cabrio from 1938 is one of the most elegant creations of pre-war French automotive design. This 1/43 scale model finely captures the refined spirit of this iconic convertible, a reminder of an era when French car craftsmanship rivalled the greatest European marques.
A true collector's item, this faithful reproduction is made for classic car enthusiasts and collectors who want to preserve the memory of these mechanical gems that shaped the history of French motoring in the 1930s.
The Salmson S4E was launched in 1938, in a particularly inventive period for French car design. This convertible showcases the technical excellence of Salmson, a maker known for its sophisticated engines and remarkably well-balanced chassis. The S4E stands out with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering respectable power for its time.
Designed as an accessible prestige car, the S4E Cabrio appealed to a well-to-do clientele looking for elegance and performance. Its harmonious design, marked by a distinctive chrome grille and flowing lines, reflects the French art de vivre of the 1930s. The convertible version, especially sought after, offered the pleasure of open-air driving with a remarkable level of finish.
Commercially, the S4E earned a respectable reputation rather than a popular triumph, positioning Salmson as a niche manufacturer producing cars of character for a demanding and discerning clientele.
Founded in 1890 by Émile Salmson, the company initially specialised in building pumps and compressors before turning to aviation and, from 1919, to automobiles. This mechanical expertise gained in aeronautics naturally carried over into Salmson car engines, known for their sophistication and reliability.
During the 1930s, the period when the S4E was created, Salmson held a distinctive position in the French car market. Between the mass-produced cars of Citroën and Renault and the ultra-luxurious creations of Bugatti or Delahaye, the brand offered vehicles combining refined engineering and accessible elegance. This philosophy is perfectly embodied by the S4E, a successful blend of the French automotive art of its day.
Salmson's artisanal approach, favouring quality over quantity, built the brand's reputation among enthusiasts. Every vehicle received special care, both in design and in assembly, making each Salmson a car like no other.
The Salmson S4E Cabrio quickly became the emblem of the Parisian art de vivre of the late 1930s. It was regularly seen on the Champs-Élysées and at the chic seaside resorts of the Normandy coast, driven by a sophisticated clientele who appreciated its understated refinement.
A charming story tells of an S4E Cabrio chosen by a famous Parisian couturier for his trips between his workshops on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré and his home in Deauville. He particularly appreciated the aesthetic harmony between the elegance of his creations and the harmonious design of his Salmson, declaring that "driving this car is like wearing a well-tailored suit".
The S4E also embodies the carefree spirit of the final years before the war, when leisure motoring reached its peak in France. These convertibles allowed the privileged few of the era to enjoy the pleasures of the open road, roof down, in a France still spared from the troubles to come.
Some contemporary collectors say that owning an S4E Cabrio today means holding a piece of that golden age, when French motoring shone for its creativity and technical excellence, before history profoundly reshaped the European automotive landscape.
This Salmson S4E Cabrio fits naturally into any collection dedicated to exceptional French cars. It pairs perfectly with other creations of the period, notably the Delahaye miniatures or the Talbot models, forming a coherent set representative of French automotive craftsmanship in the 1930s.
Collectors passionate about miniature convertibles will enjoy pairing this Salmson with other French convertibles of the same era, such as the Panhard models. This miniature also fits perfectly into a collection of 1930s cars.
Made for discerning collectors and history enthusiasts, this 1/43 reproduction celebrates the golden age of French motoring. It will especially appeal to fans of French cars and will find its place in any collection devoted to classic automobiles, preserving the memory of the exceptional creations that made the French automotive industry famous.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.