Peugeot 1929 : 201

Peugeot  1929 : 201

Peugeot's antidote to the slump

The 201, introduced at the Paris exhibition in 1929, was to play a pivotal role in Peugeot's development. It enabled the company to survive the economic slump. The first car from the Sochaux site to be mass produced, it was the basis for all Peugeot cars produced in the 1930's. In addition, it was the first car to be labelled according to a new system i.e. a three digit number with a middle zero.

Robust, economical and reasonably priced, it's popularity was soon apparent. With four 1122 cc L-head cylinders and 23 hp it could reach speeds of 80 km/h.

In September 1931 the 201 Comfort was introduced. This was a variation on the 201 in that it had a front axle with independent wheels for improved road-holding, comfort and driving pleasure. A world first for a mass produced car. It was produced at the same time as the model with a beam axle. The 201 C was also wider and longer. In 1932, under the supervision of the ACF (French automobile club), a 201 drove from Paris-Bordeaux-Paris using less than 8 litres of fuel per 100 km.

Another innovation from the Peugeot brand was a more rigid “bloctube” chassis which was fitted to the 201 in 1933. This consisted of tubular side members and cross members, whilst a new radiator grille with wind-breaks was unveiled at the Paris exhibition.

At the exhibition of 1934, the 201 and the entire Peugeot range abandoned its angular body shape for a new Peugeot style whose “beaver tail” rear had a luggage compartment which opened from the outside. In addition, its new four cylinder 1.3 litre 28 hp engine elevated it to the 7 CV category. The latter had a crankshaft with three bearings (as opposed to two), which increased the engine's service life.

Produced up to the exhibition of 1936, there were over 140 000 201 cars produced, including all different versions. However, the 201 name was not to disappear completely as the 301 was to be renamed the 201 M. This was to be the last Peugeot fitted with an L-head engine until it was discontinued at the end of 1937, confirming the end of the 201 model.

Peugeot 1923 : 10 CV TYPE 177 B

Peugeot  1923 : 10 CV TYPE 177 B

Designed to replace the excellent type 163 in the mid-range segment, the type 177 B would compete with the Citroën B 12 and the Renault KZ. It was fitted with a removable cylinder head derived from the cylinder head of its predecessor. Re-bored, its displacement rose to 1.5 litres. Largely distributed as the type 163, over 16,000 of this model were built.

Peugeot 1928 : 5 CV Type 190 S

Peugeot  1928 : 5 CV Type 190 S

An evolution of the previous 5 CV, the type 190 S was unveiled at the 1928 Paris Motorshow. It was in reality in the 4 CV fiscal category, since its engine displacement was 695 cc and developing 14 hp. Considered as one of the most economical cars of its time, among other things it also had brakes fitted to all four wheels. The 5 CV took part several times in the Tour de France Automobile. In 1929, a female driver, Mme Leblanc, won her category. Available in a wide range of body types, 33,677 cars of this type were built up until 1931.

Peugeot. 1920 : QUADRILETTE

Peugeot. 1920 : QUADRILETTE

Given Peugeot's struggling financial situation at the end of the First World War, the brand decided to create the Quadrilette, a popular and economical model. Perfectly suited to post-war conditions, the Quadrilette showed the same spirit as the Baby had in the 1910s. Peugeot thus became the first of the large French manufacturers to offer a popular small car.

The brand new Quadrilette (type 161) caused a sensation at the 1920 Brussels Motor Show, where it made its public debut. An innovation at the time, the press had discovered it in December 1919 in Beaulieu. It was an ultra light vehicle, weighing under 350 kilos in order to benefit from the reduced taxation applicable to cars in the cyclecar category (vehicles under 1100 cc paid annual tax of only 100 F).

With its very narrow axles (narrower at the rear than at the front) the car could seat two people in a tandem configuration. The 4-cylinder 667 cc engine had a non-detachable cylinder head and delivered 9.5 hp with a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The transmission had a 3-speed transaxle without differential. There were no shock absorbers fitted to the suspension.

In addition to its "toy car" appeal, the vehicle's practical aspects made it popular. An all purpose vehicle which was easy to handle, it was also very economical - fuel consumption was five litres per hundred kilometres. It appealed to a young market, but was also bought by those wanting a second car. It became fashionable and seduced stars like Mistinguett. It also raced in competitions, hill races and regularity rallies, and was the winner in the cyclecar category in the 1923 Motor Tour de France.

The cyclecar became the "voiturette". The 1921 type 161 E model (E for enlarged), was fitted with two seats, no longer arranged in tandem but side by side, fifteen centimetres apart. Under pressure from the competition, in particular from the Citroën 5 CV, the Quadrilette was replaced in 1923 by the type 172. It was wider and the passenger compartment was more comfortable, it was now a real two-seater, with a slightly shorter wheelbase butwith identical front and rear axles. In 1924 a new limited edition model was launched - the "Quadrillette Grand Sport" (type 172 BS), equipped with a more powerful 720 cc engine.  Between 1921 and 1924, 12,305 quadrilettes were manufactured (all models), equating to 31% of Peugeot's production for this period.

Fitted with similar mechanics, the vehicle which would popularly be known as the Peugeot 5 CV succeeded the quadrilette in 1924. It also met with great success.

Peugeot 1920 : 25 CV Type 156

Peugeot  1920 : 25 CV Type 156

A new top of the range-the-range model for Peugeot, the Type 156 was powered by a six-cylinder engine. Of note with this vehicle's six litre engine was its Knight licensed valveless technology, the first of this type commercialised by the firm. Selected by the presidency of the French Republic, the car was used by the Elysée palace. With this endorsement, often fitted with double wheels at the rear and pitted against the competition from marques specialising in prestige vehicles as well as the Renault 40 CV, it failed to make its mark. 180 of this model were built in the Sochaux factory.

Peugeot. 1919 : 10 CV Type 163

Peugeot. 1919 : 10 CV Type 163

A significant model from the post WWI era, the type 163 was an entirely new vehicle. With its modern design, this mid-range vehicle was ready to take on the competition from Renault and Citroën. Its 1.4 litre four-cylinder engine propelled it to 65 km/h.Available in torpédo, saloon, coupé de ville (on the 163B long chassis) and utility body types, the type 163 would have a long career.Its 5 versions were built up to 1924, with 13,732 being built in total.

Peugeot. 1913 : BEBE TYPE BP 1

Peugeot. 1913 : BEBE TYPE BP 1

The year 1912 marked an important step in Peugeot's history. This year saw the construction of the factories in Sochaux and the Baby, the second vehicle to bear this name, caused a sensation at the Paris Motor Show.

The type BP1 was completely different to the first 1905 Baby. It was designed by Ettore Bugatti who first proposed the prototype to the German manufacturer Wanderer. In the end, it was manufactured by Peugeot according to the terms of an agreement signed between the two parties.

The Baby's low prices and modern design took the market by surprise: This. was a tiny, light vehicle weighing under 350 kilos - a real car at a low price

It was powered by a 4-cylinder 855 cc monobloc unit with a T-head cylinder. There were side valves fitted on both sides of the cylinders with two camshafts in the housing. The engine delivered 10 hp at 2000 rpm, enabling the Baby to reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h.

Designed by Ettore Bugatti with a 4-speed gearbox, it was initially manufactured with a 2-speed gearbox (then a 3-speed gearbox followed in 1913). As on the Baby type 69, it has a cardan drive-shaft transmission. The rear suspension was sprung on inverted semi-cantilever springs. It was quite wide, despite its relatively short length (2.62 metres) and could seat two people.

The Baby participated in several races, notably in the Mont Ventoux race in 1913, where it won in its category. Its career was crowned with success. The car continued to be manufactured until 1916 and 3095 vehicles were produced in the factory at Beaulieu.

Peugeot. 1913 : Type 153

Peugeot. 1913 : Type 153

This new model, launched a year before the outbreak of the First World War, was powered by a 2.6 litre four-cylinder engine. 800 of this model were built up to 1916, in torpédo, coloniale and saloon versions. The type 153 was often used as a liaison vehicle for officers during the Great War. Immediately after the conflict had ended, a derivative model was born, the type 153 B, with a 2.7 litre engine.

Peugeot. 1908 105

Peugeot. 1908  105

The first Peugeot with a six-cylinder engine, the type 105 was an imposing vehicle. Available in double phaéton, landaulet, limousine and sport versions, it was the biggest automobile built by Peugeot before the First World War. Its enormous 11.1 litre engine had a power output of 60 hp and with its chain drive propelled the vehicle up to 100 km/h, an impressive speed for the time. Over its two-year production, 23 of this model were built.

Peugeot 1905 BEBE TYPE 69

Peugeot  1905 BEBE TYPE 69

With the type 69 baby, the brand's first popular car, Armand Peugeot makes a noted entry into a new segment for the firm. The car is the star of the 1904 Paris Motor Show.

Compact in size — 2.70 metres long — the car is fitted with an AG type 652 cc single-cylinder engine, which helps propel it to 40 km/h.

Sold at a favourable price, yet of a modern design, the Baby is fitted with shaft transmission instead of the chain drive often fitted to cars of this period. In addition, the steering system abandoned the screw steering system for a rack and pinion

The baby was built in the Audincourt factory and met with success, being exported, to Britain in particular, where it continues to have a following today amongst collectors.

Production rose to 400 cars during 1905, which represented 80% of Peugeot production of this project.

Peugeot. 1905

Peugeot. 1905

The type VA is the first automobile launched by Eugène Peugeot, whose business “Les Fils de Peugeot Frères” had up until that point only made tools and two-wheeled vehicles, motorised and non-motorised. Eugène was the cousin of Armand, whose firm “Automobiles Peugeot” had been making mid and top of the range cars. First shown at the Paris Motorshow in 1905, the type VA was a popular model available in two body types, voiturette and four-seat tonneau. It was powered by a small 785 cc single-cylinder engine with a chain drive. One thousand Lion VAs were built in the Beaulieu factory from 1906 to 1908.

Peugeot. 1904

Peugeot. 1904

Powered by a five litre engine, the type 66 is the first Peugeot to have such a large capacity engine. It was a four-cylinder — the first Peugeot multi-cylinder engine had debuted two years earlier. Thanks to its power output of 25 hp, this grand limousine four metres long could reach speeds of 87 km/h.Twenty of these vehicles were built in the Lille factory.

Peugeot 1975 : 604

Peugeot 1975 : 604

In 1975, the 604 saw the return of the six cylinder Peugeot for the first time in forty years. This car attracted a new group of customers to the brand. Its PRV V6 2.6 litre twin carburettor engine initially delivered 136 hp (180 km/h), while the car was also fitted with independent suspension on all four wheels and four disc brakes. A large luxury saloon, the design of the 604 was supremely elegant, refined and well-balanced. But as it was launched shortly after the first oil crisis, it had arrived on the market at one of the most difficult times. To curb its appetite, in 1977 the V6 was fitted with a Bosch K-Jetronic injection system and was mated to a 5-speed gearbox (144 hp TI version). In 1984, it was fitted with a 2.8 litre 155 hp engine, propelling the 604 GTI to 190 km/h.In 1979, the 604 D Turbo became the first turbo diesel saloon in Europe.

Peugeot 1972 : 104

Peugeot 1972 : 104

At the 1972 Paris Show Sochaux launched an ultra compact model, the 104. This popular car would help Peugeot cope with the two oil crises. Designed with the collaboration of Pininfarina, the 104 was the shortest 4-door saloon in the world (3.58 metres). Nevertheless, thanks in particular to its angular design, it kept its feeling of space, comparable to that of the 204. A front-wheel drive vehicle, it was powered by an engine with an overhead camshaft and which was transverse-mounted and tilted backwards to make room for an emergency spare wheel. This 954 cc engine delivered 46 hp (DIN) and the vehicle could reach a maximum speed of 135 km/h. A 3-door coupé with hatchback was launched at the 1973 Show; its short wheelbase (3.30 m) made it the ideal city car. New coupé presented at the 1975 Show: 104 ZS fitted with a more powerful 1.1 litre (66 hp DIN) engine. One year later, the saloon was fitted with this same engine, in addition to a tailgate. In 1980, the S model was fitted with the same 1.4 litre engine as the Renault R14 TS.

Peugeot 1969 : 304

Peugeot 1969 : 304

Taken from the 204, the 304 aimed to fill the niche for medium-size engined models. It kept the same wheelbase and central body section as its predecessor. However, the rear was extended (15 cm), while the modernised front, with its quad headlights, evoked that of the 504. Under the bonnet, a 1.3 litre 70 hp engine was fitted. In 1970, the 304 cabriolets and coupés replaced their 204 counterparts. These were sold as the 304 S in 1972 with their engine power having increased to 80 hp. The 304 S saloon would arrive six months later. A new similar-sized engine would appear in 1976, but with an identical bore to the diesel XL 4D with a view to rationalisation. The 304 model became a market leader for Peugeot and its success had no adverse impact on the 204.

Peugeot 1968 : 504

Peugeot 1968 : 504

Enduring reliability

Successor to the 404 (with which it coexisted for 7 years), the 504 has both a larger frame and a greater cubic capacity than its predecessor. This large luxury sedan demonstrates the rise in the standard of models aimed at the middle classes, from the 203 to the 504, increasing from 1.3 to 1.8 litres, then finally to two litres. This development stands testament to the increase in the French standard of living during the "Trente Glorieuses" post-war period.

Scheduled for spring 1968, the launch of the 504 was delayed because of the social unrest that year. The car was finally unveiled at the Paris motor show. It cannot be said that the 504, a sober saloon embodying Peugeot's traditional values of reliability and responsibility, was in tune with the spirit of '68.

The 504 was in line with the technical style of the 404, with the exception of its four-wheel independent suspension, previously unheard of at Peugeot on a RWD and also very rare on the mass-marketed saloons of the time. This provided the vehicle with excellent road performance, while its four disc brakes gave the 504 exceptional braking.

A 1796 cm3 four cylinder engine was available on the carburated (87 hp and 156 km/h) and the injection (103 hp and 168 km/h) versions of the 504. The gearbox had four speeds — a ZF automatic transmission was available as an option. In spring 1969, the coupé and cabriolet models were launched, with their alluring Italian lines designed by Pininfarina, powered by the V6 engine from the future 604.

The 1970 Paris motor show saw the evolution of the model, which gained a two litre engine with an enlarged bore. This model provided 98 hp (162 km/H) in its carburated version, while the injection version gave 110 hp (173 km/h). Alongside this, a 504 with a 2.1 litre (75 hp) diesel engine became available. In spring 1971, three new body types completed the range, the estate, the family saloon and the pick-up, built on an extended wheelbase and fitted with a solid rear axle.

In 1973, Peugeot produced a more economical 504 fitted with a 1.8 litre 79 hp (154 km/h) engine and a solid rear axle. Four years later, the GLD saloon was made available with a 2.3 litre diesel engine, providing 70 hp DIN.

A huge commercial success, especially for export, most notably to Africa where even now it retains its legendary reputation, the 504 also enjoyed an auspicious sporting career in the tough African rallies. The sedan stayed in production until 1983. But it continued to be manufactured in Argentina and Nigeria until 2006.

Its road handling, comfort, enduring reliability and longevity earned the 504 an outstanding production run with 3.7 million vehicles built, all versions included.  

Peugeot 1965 : 204

Peugeot 1965 : 204

Conversion ton front-wheel drive

Revolution in 1965 with the 204 hatchback, Peugeot's first front-wheel drive vehicle. An innovative vehicle, the 204 was groundbreaking in many respects for Sochaux. With a long list of technical innovations, the new arrival went against the Lion brand's legendary prudence. Ultra modern, the 204 boasted many original solutions which would become standard features on modern cars.

The first small Peugeot since the 202, the 204 and the 404 together were a pair of models in different ranges. The 204 thus enabled the brand to branch out for the first time beyond the single model policy which had been its practice since the war.

The result of a collaboration with Pininfarina, the bodywork on this compact 3.97 m hatchback made it more spacious than its competitors. Tilted forwards by 20°, its light alloy engine was equipped with an overhead camshaft. In addition, the engine was transversely mounted, a solution which came back into fashion in 1959 with the BMC Mini and which contributed to capacity. The 1130 cc engine delivered 58 hp and the vehicle's maximum speed was 138 km/h. The 4-speed transaxle was lubricated by the engine circuit. The 204 was also the first Peugeot equipped with a four wheel drive suspension and front disc brakes.

An estate version appeared five months after the launch of the hatchback. The range was completed in September 1966 with a cabriolet and a coupé; the brand stylists created a design which largely reflected that of the hatchback with a shortened wheelbase. The engine output was increased by several hp in 1970.

A diesel version was presented at the motor show in 1967. Its XLD type engine was the smallest diesel engine in the world to be fitted in volume production on a motor car, and the first to be manufactured from aluminium. Only available on the estate version, the 1255 cc engine delivered 40 hp (DIN). A new 1357 cc, 45 hp XL4D engine was launched in 1973 and this was available on the hatchback version two years later.

The 204 was a huge success. Despite being more expensive than the competition, it was the leader in terms of sales in France between 1969 and 1971, enabling Peugeot to cope effectively with the oil crisis. More than 1.6 million 204 vehicles were manufactured until production ceased in 1976. In 1969, a new model appeared; derived from the 204, the 304 was equipped with a 1.3 litre engine.

Peugeot 1960 : 404

Peugeot 1960 : 404

Worthy of the reputation of its predecessor, the 403, the 404 was powered by a 1.6 litre, 72 hp engine, which enabled it to pass the 140 km/h mark. Its octagonal design extended by fins, dear to Pininfarina, prolonged the partnership of Sochaux with the Turin-based bodybuilder which had begun with the 403.A collaboration also illustrated by the cabriolet and coupé. In 1962, the Kugelfischer injection system boosted the car's power by 13 hp (160 km/h). The power output would continue to rise: 80 hp on the carburettor version and 96 hp for the injection version. With its 1.9 litre 68 hp engine, the 404 would be fitted with a more powerful diesel engine than that of the 403. The model would be equipped with front disc brakes in 1969. Its illustrious career came to an end on the French market in 1975, but it continued to be sold overseas (particularly vehicles from the commercial vehicle ranges) and 2,885,267 vehicles of this type were produced.

Peugeot 1955 : 403

Peugeot 1955 : 403

With the 403, Peugeot successfully entered the 8 CV category, the average European class. Designed by Pininfarina in a classic style, the 403 marked the beginning of the partnership between the bodybuilder and the manufacturer. Driven by a 1.5 litre engine derived from the 203 which, delivering 58 hp, enabled it to reach speeds of 135 km/h, it met with great success thanks to its robustness. Renowned outside France, the exceptional reliability of the 403, along with the Sud Aviation Caravelle, would do much to boost the industrial reputation of France in the fifties. Produced for over twelve years, the 403 would be the first Peugeot to exceed one million vehicles of this type built. It would give rise to several derivatives, an elegant cabriolet and an economy version, the 403 Sept.In 1959, with the 403 D, Peugeot would become the first French car manufacturer to launch a diesel saloon in volume production.

Peugeot 1948 : 203

Peugeot 1948 : 203

Technology and design for the return to service

A car with a very modern design, the 203 was to ensure Peugeot's renaissance just after the war. It seamlessly blends an indestructible engine with innovative technology and an extremely attractive design. Inspired by the “sedanet” in the United States, its fastback line was the epitome of elegance.

After being unveiled in October 1947, the 203 was launched at the Paris exhibition in 1948. It was an immediate success and, consequently, built up an outstanding reputation. From its introduction, it certainly ranked at the top of the market which was unusual for a French car in that era. With its monocoque frame, a first for Peugeot, it was the only modern, middle class car available in the first few years of post-war France until the production of the Simca Aronde.

For a mass produced car of that era, the 203's engine incorporated state-of-the-art technology. With a four cylinder, short-stroke engine, the engine had a hemispherical alpex cylinder head with V-shaped overhead valves. With 42 hp for 1290 cc, these mechanics were far from being fully exploited and would enable rally enthusiasts to increase performance without worrying about breakdowns. At the exhibition of 1952, power was increased to 45 hp due to work on the valve timing. Although simple, the 203's engine was proof of a highly regarded robustness. The four speed gearbox (overdrive fourth gear) was fitted with a synchronised first gear in 1954.

A year after the saloon was introduced at the Paris show, Peugeot produced a range of 203's. There were two new cars, the saloon convertible (production of which ceased at the end of 1954) and long versions of the family and commercial models. At the same time, several utility models were launched, which, in this era of reconstruction, were essential. A cabriolet and a coupé completed this range.

Up until May 1955, the 203 was to be the only model to represent Peugeot. The launch of the 403 signalled the end of production of the 203, the final model of which was produced in February 1960. During the twelve years of its production, 685,628 models were produced.