1925 Peugeot Type 177B Camionette

Peugeot did not begin as an automobile company. Founded in 1876, the French company originally produced tools, coffee mills, umbrella spikes, and corsetry before moving on to bicycle manufacturing in 1885. The company's first three-wheeled steam car produced in 1889 was a far cry from this sporty, colorful Peugeot Quadrilette. Small, low to the ground, with its two tiny seats and streamlined body, this vehicle was clearly developed for joy riding and speed.

By the 1920s, Peugeot was producing a variety of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In the native language, commercial vehicles were known as camions and a smaller version, the camionette. It translated to 'little truck' or 'truckette', and was an integral part of French culture. These were small utility vehicles based on, or converted from, a passenger car. Most were made by grafting a wood cargo box to the back of a car chassis.

This Type 177B Camionette was on display during the 1970s at the Musee d'Automoibles du Flores, at Sury-le-Comtal in the Loire department of east central France.

This vehicle is mostly original and painted in maroon with black fenders and a beige canvas top and rear side curtains. The engine is a 1525cc L-head four-cylinder unit mated to a four-speed manual transmission and two-wheel mechanical brakes.

In 2009, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $15,000 - $20,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $12,100,including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009