Peugeot Quadrilette
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Defunct | 1924 |
| Successor | Peugeot 5CV |
| Products | Peugeot Type 161 and Type 172 automobiles |
| Parent | Peugeot |
Peugeot Quadrilette designates the Peugeot Type 161 and Type 172 automobiles manufactured between 1921 and 1924.
Type 161
In the aftermath of World War I, Peugeot introduced the Type 161 as a cost-effective, compact vehicle aimed at financial recovery. Debuting under the nickname Quadrilette at the 1920 Brussels Motor Show, it entered production in 1921. To remain within the lowest tax category for cyclecars—set at 100 francs annually—it was equipped with a 667 cc, 4-cylinder water-cooled engine delivering . The lightweight chassis weighed less than , featuring tandem seating due to its narrow design. Later that same year, the Type 161E variant appeared, offering side-by-side seating with staggered arrangement to accommodate pedals comfortably. The fully equipped model was priced at 9,900 francs, while the base version cost 9,400 francs. It achieved a fuel consumption rate of 5.0 L/100 km (equivalent to 45 mpg US) and could reach a maximum speed of .
Type 172
Introduced in 1924, the Type 172 presented a broader track that allowed for side-by-side passenger seating and enhanced comfort. Although it had a shorter wheelbase, luggage capacity was improved by removing the rear seats. The engine largely remained consistent with earlier versions, preserving a low overall weight. Enhanced models such as the Type 172 BC and Type 172 BS—also known as the Quadrilette Grand Sport—were launched in 1924, featuring an enlarged 720 cc side-valve engine that provided increased power output.
Production
Over three years, total Quadrilette manufacturing reached 12,305 units, accounting for approximately 31% of Peugeot's total vehicle production during that timeframe. The Type 172 label applied both to the Quadrilette and its successor, the Peugeot 5CV, which were available simultaneously in 1924 until Quadrilette production ceased.
| Model | Year | Production |
|---|---|---|
| Type 161 | 1921–1922 | 3,500 |
| Type 172 | 1923–1924 | 8,705 |
| Type 172 BS | 1924 | 100 |