Peugeot Bébé
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Defunct | 1916 |
| Headquarters | Audincourt , France |
| Products | Small automobiles (Type 69, Type BP1) |
The Peugeot Bébé, also referred to as the Baby, was a small automobile manufactured by Peugeot between 1905 and 1916. Internally, it was designated as the Type 69 and later as the Type BP1.
Type 69
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show in 1904, the initial Bébé model stood out due to its contemporary and sturdy construction, combining affordability with compactness and functionality. With a weight of and a length of , its lightweight build allowed a modest powerplant to achieve speeds up to . Despite its economical pricing, it incorporated sophisticated features such as rack and pinion steering and a driveshaft in place of a traditional chain drive. Production commenced in Audincourt in 1905, quickly gaining traction; during its first year, 400 units were sold, representing 80% of Peugeot's total production. The Type 69 was also exported, particularly to Britain, though its availability there was limited to the year 1905.
Notably, a Type 69 was among the earliest automobiles introduced into Tibet in 1907 by William Frederick Travers O'Connor, who later presented it as a gift to the 9th Panchen Lama.
Type BP1
The Type BP1 Bébé, crafted by designer Ettore Bugatti, was originally developed for the German manufacturer Wanderer. However, it was eventually sold to Peugeot, who produced it under their brand targeting the French market. Peugeot revealed this model at the Paris Motor Show in 1912, initiating production in 1913 following the discontinuation of the Type 69. While Wanderer employed Bugatti’s four-speed transmission, Peugeot initially chose a simpler two-speed gearbox before later introducing their own three-speed version. Powered by Peugeot’s proprietary small straight-four engine, delivering at 2000 rpm, the vehicle could reach a maximum speed of . The car’s weight was under , featuring a track width sufficient to accommodate two passengers seated side by side. The Bébé earned accolades in small car racing categories, including a class victory at Mont Ventoux in 1913.
Manufactured until 1916, the Bébé was promoted as an economical choice, with marketing campaigns aimed at rural professionals such as physicians who could substitute horse teams with this automobile while lowering expenses. Despite the economic difficulties posed by World War I, total production reached 3,095 units, marking it as the first Peugeot model to surpass three thousand cars manufactured.