1907 Peugeot Victoria Top Phaeton

It is hard to judge the earliest of automobiles and their marques. The whole idea of a horseless carriage was controversial and uncommon. Roadways were not suited for their travel and many were dangerous and unreliable. To start the vehicle often meant the risk of serious injury. When Peugeot built their first self-propelled vehicle, it was disastrous and the newspapers did not hold back when commenting on their functionality. The three-wheeled steamer was tested on an endurance run from Paris to Lyon where it left pieces along the way and many fingers pointing and laughing. The practice of steam-powered cars by Peugeot lasted for only a short time, ending in 1891 when they switched to the Daimler V-twin gasoline engines.

Production was long and tedious and in 1891, they had produced and sold five vehicles. As the years progressed, so did the vehicle's capabilities and status and production figures increased. By the early 1900s, the company had established a prestigious name for themselves. The company was now offering its Lion range of vehicles which were small vehicles with adequate engines. Bebe vehicles were also offered. The Lion vehicles were popular with racing enthusiasts, as they won the voiturette-class of the Targa Florio along with numerous other class victories.

This 1907 Peugeot Victoria Top Phaeton has coachwork courtesy of Labourdette. It is powered by a 283 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 40 horsepower. It still retains the original Peugeot dual-throat carburetor and full-pressure lubrication system. There are dual exhausts and dual chain drive. The engine is mated to a four-speed gearbox and can propel the car to speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. The body is constructed from wood and the radiator is in the style of Mercedes. There are brass lamps and accessories throughout the vehicle and is a beautiful example of work done by Peugeot during the early 1900s.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007

This Peugeot 92D Labourdette Tourer has had only three owners from new. It resided with the same Parisian family from 1907 until 1956, when it was sold to its second owner. It passed to its current owner in 2000. A four-cylinder four-seater, it is typical of the luxury cars that Peugeot built in the antique period.