1914 Peugeot Bebe Type BP1 Roadster

Peugeot was founded in 1810 as a manufacturer for mills and bicycles, thus it is the oldest company in the world producing cars. In 1904 Peugeot presented their first Bebe ('Baby') Type 69 as a very small and affordable one cylinder engined automobile. Nevertheless it came with such advanced details as rack-and-pinion steering and a driveshaft instead of a chain. Until 1912 the car was very well sold, then it was followed by the Type BP1 Bebe with an inline four-cylinder T-head engine (855cc, 10 hp).

Designed by Ettore Bugatti in 1911 - two years after the formation of the Bugatti Company in 1909-this early 'baby car' was first designated as the Bugatti Type 19. The design was later licensed to Peugeot in 1913 after the German Wanderer company had turned it down. Badged as a Peugeot it would become the largest-selling Bugatti-designed car; more than 3,000 units sold between 1912 and 1914. Its specifications became the inspiration for other European manufacturers to produce small cars. It has a small 855cc, water-cooled four-cylinder engine.

This 1914 Peugeot Bebe Two-Seat Roadster was purchased by Dr. Peter and Susan Williamson in 1975 from Richard Riegel in Wilmington, Delaware. It is painted in French Blue with beige leather upholstery and a black cloth top. The bright trim is nickel and the tires ride on four black-painted wire wheels. It has an older restoration which has held up rather well over the years.

In 2008, this Peugeot Bebe was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $40,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $44,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2012