History
The Peugeot Bèbè or Baby was produced from 1904 to 1916. The Bebe Type 69 was produced from 1904 through 1912 followed by the Type BP1 which remained in production until 1916.
In 1904, Peugeot displayed the Bebe at the Paris Motor Show. It was a modern automobile that was small, practical, and offered at a very low price. It weighed a mere 770 pounds and measured just 110-inches long. Power was from a single-cylinder, 652cc engine that carried this car to speed of about 25 mph.
The production of the car officially began in 1905 in Audincourt, and immediately the car proved popular. In its first year, over 400 examples were sold and it accounted for 80% of Peugeot's production. As the years rolled on, Peugeot introduced new technologies to the car, such as rack-and-pinion steering and a driveshaft instead of a chain. Every effort was made to keep the car as inexpensive as possible and to appeal to a very wide audience.
Early in the 1900s, Ettore Bugatti established a facility for designing automobiles under contract. He worked with DeDdietrich, Mathis and Deutz, before establishing his own company in Molsheim, Alsace, in 1909. Production of Bugatti automobiles began in 1910.
In 1911, Bugatti designed a two-seat automobile powered by an 855cc engine. A prototype car was created and shown to large manufacturers in hopes of licensing the design. It was shown to the German car firm Wanderer, and later to Peugeot for the French market. Peugeot seized the opportunity and put it on display at the 1912 Paris Motor Show. Production began in early 1913 following the discontinuation of the Type 69. It would remain in production as the Type BP1 until 1916 and became the largest selling Bugatti-designed automobile. This small car inspired manufactures from Germany, France and England to create similar small, low-priced automobiles. To keep prices low, Peugeot fitted the car with a 2-speed gearbox initially, which was later replaced by their own 3-speed unit. The engine was a Peugeot straight-4 that produced a modest 10 horsepower. The 770 pound vehicle had a top speed of about 37 mph.
Wanderer built their own car but fitted it with a Bugatti four-speed transmission.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009
In 1904, Peugeot displayed the Bebe at the Paris Motor Show. It was a modern automobile that was small, practical, and offered at a very low price. It weighed a mere 770 pounds and measured just 110-inches long. Power was from a single-cylinder, 652cc engine that carried this car to speed of about 25 mph.
The production of the car officially began in 1905 in Audincourt, and immediately the car proved popular. In its first year, over 400 examples were sold and it accounted for 80% of Peugeot's production. As the years rolled on, Peugeot introduced new technologies to the car, such as rack-and-pinion steering and a driveshaft instead of a chain. Every effort was made to keep the car as inexpensive as possible and to appeal to a very wide audience.
Early in the 1900s, Ettore Bugatti established a facility for designing automobiles under contract. He worked with DeDdietrich, Mathis and Deutz, before establishing his own company in Molsheim, Alsace, in 1909. Production of Bugatti automobiles began in 1910.
In 1911, Bugatti designed a two-seat automobile powered by an 855cc engine. A prototype car was created and shown to large manufacturers in hopes of licensing the design. It was shown to the German car firm Wanderer, and later to Peugeot for the French market. Peugeot seized the opportunity and put it on display at the 1912 Paris Motor Show. Production began in early 1913 following the discontinuation of the Type 69. It would remain in production as the Type BP1 until 1916 and became the largest selling Bugatti-designed automobile. This small car inspired manufactures from Germany, France and England to create similar small, low-priced automobiles. To keep prices low, Peugeot fitted the car with a 2-speed gearbox initially, which was later replaced by their own 3-speed unit. The engine was a Peugeot straight-4 that produced a modest 10 horsepower. The 770 pound vehicle had a top speed of about 37 mph.
Wanderer built their own car but fitted it with a Bugatti four-speed transmission.
By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009
1914 Peugeot Bebe Type BP1 Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Bebe Type BP1 Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
2014 Honda Odyssey Arrives At Dealers July 2 Delivering More Value To Customers With Refreshed Styling
06252013 - TORRANCE, Calif. The 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan arrives at Honda dealerships nationwide on July 2, refreshed with a host of powertrain, styling, interior, feature and safety upgrades, all designed to meet the needs of todays family....
Mercedes-Benz Pays Homage to a Regional Classic at the 2013 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance
The all-new 2014 E-Class Wagon Debuts Alongside a 1957 300c
Mercedes-Benz USA debuts the all-new 2014 E-Class Wagon alongside one of its predecessors, a pristine 1957 300c at the 18th Annual Greenwich Concours dElegance from June 1-2, 2013....
Magnificent Series of Coachbuilt Classics To Grace RM's Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Sale
RM Auctions returns as the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours dElegance, March 9, 2013
Single-day sale features breathtaking roster of more than 80 investment-quality collector cars
Notable highlights include an outstanding s...
Breaking news from Coys
1966 AC Shelby Cobra - Now selling at No Reserve!
Coys are pleased to announce that a 1966 AC Shelby Cobra will now be selling at No Reserve later today at the Autosport International show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Featured on the front cover...
Lost Mercedes - Surfaces At Bonhams
One owner, unrestored, supercharged S Type Mercedes to be sold by Bonhams at Goodwood Revival this autumn
One of the greatest and most important motor car finds of the last decade, the Lost Mercedes is to be offered at Bonhams Goodwood Revival...