The Someca SOM 55 was built from 1961 to 1963 and was also offered under the name Super 55. It was one of the last tractors of the early SOM series, before Someca moved to building only licensed Fiat Trattori models.
Someca SOM 55 at a glance
| Maker | SOMECA (Société de Mécanique de la Seine), France |
|---|---|
| Production | 1961–1963 |
| Names | SOM 55 and Super 55 |
| Series | SOM series |
| Predecessors | SOM 40 (1957–1964) and other SOM models |
| Company ownership | SIMCA / Fiat |
| Change in 1965 | Someca built only licensed Fiat Trattori models |
| Later history | FiatAgri in 1983, Fiat New Holland in 1993 |
Someca has no separate Wikipedia article for the SOM 55; the model is known from its entry in the production list on the French Someca page, so this article is based on one source and stays short.
History of the Someca SOM 55
The SOM series
Someca was created in 1953 by SIMCA from the agricultural tractor division of MAP. The first model, the DA 50, came from the MAP DR3 and developed 37 hp at 1,500 rpm. The SOM 40 followed in 1957 and became a great success: with its 4,165 cc Fiat diesel of 45 hp it was among the largest tractors built in France, and 18,741 were made by 1964. More than 40,000 Someca tractors with the Fiat base engine had been built by 1960.
The SOM 55
The SOM 55 was produced in 1961–1963 and was also sold as the Super 55. It belonged to the same SOM family and sat at the top of the early range, alongside the smaller SOM 20, SOM 25, SOM 30 and SOM 35 models of the early 1960s. During the 1950s and 1960s some Someca models could be ordered with a petrol or a diesel engine.
The end of the SOM era
From 1965, with the launch of the 15 series, Someca manufactured only licensed Fiat Trattori models. Fiat had always been the majority shareholder and integrated the company into FiatAgri in 1983; it became Fiat New Holland in 1993 and later part of CNH Global.
Design and features
- Two names: sold as the SOM 55 and as the Super 55.
- Late SOM model: built in 1961–1963, at the end of the early SOM series.
- Top of the early range: listed with the SOM 20, SOM 25, SOM 30 and SOM 35 of the same years.
- End of an era: after 1965 Someca built only licensed Fiat Trattori models.
Someca SOM 55 versions
- SOM 55 (1961–1963): the standard model.
- Super 55 (1961–1963): the same tractor under its second name.
- Petrol and diesel versions: both engine types were offered on some models of the period.
The SOM 55 followed the record-breaking SOM 40 and the early SOM 50. Its Fiat-based successors are represented by the Someca 615. More models are in the Someca collection.
Video: Transport Someca SOM 40 H et SOM 55
Video by Olaoree on YouTube.
Sources
- Someca, English Wikipedia: company history and Fiat ownership
- Someca, French Wikipedia: SOM 55 and Super 55 dates, model range
