1949 Peugeot Triporteur

The French Peugeot Company, the second largest carmaker based in Europe, has a history that dates back to the early 1800s. The family business that preceded the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured bicycles and coffee mills. They produced their first automobile in 1891. In November of 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the famous lion trademark. Due to family discord, Armand Peugeot in 1896 founded the Societe des Automobiles Peugeot. The Peugeot Company and family is originally from Sochaux, France. Peugeot retains a large manufacturing plant and Peugeot Museum there.

Along with automobiles, Peugeot produced a wide range of motorcycles. A 500cc double overhead camshaft model appeared in 1914, the first of this type. Peugeot was the French motorcycle production leader until the 1950's producing many models.

In 1939, Peugeot introduced their first three-wheeled delivery motorcycle, the 'Trimoteur.' The company advertised it as 'the more economic of the fast means of delivery.' While the rear wheel, seat and engine appeared as a typical motorcycle, between the front wheels was an open bin that could carry 220 pounds of delivery items.

People in Europe were desperate for transportation after World War II. This vehicle began as a one-passenger Trimoteur. When the owner decided to transform it into a car, the original body was removed and custom coachwork was done in metal. Named 'Triporteur', it was approved for use on public roads in 1949 and issued Approval No. 363cc 86.

Source - Lane Motor Museum