Peugeot Type 5
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Peugeot Type 5 was a compact automobile manufactured between 1893 and 1896. Sharing its engine and mechanical parts with the Peugeot Type 3, this model was designed to be shorter and lighter, thereby maximizing the efficiency of its 2 horsepower engine. Despite these design enhancements, it did not achieve the performance levels of larger Peugeot models, resulting in a modest total of just 14 units sold.
A pioneering moment in motor racing
The 1894 Paris–Rouen "competition for horseless carriages," hosted by Le Petit Journal, represented a landmark event for Peugeot. Albert Lemaître, piloting a 3 hp Peugeot (No.65), was the first to complete the course powered by a petrol engine. In total, five Peugeot vehicles finished the event, helping "Les fils de Peugeot Frères" to jointly receive the 5,000 franc Prix du Petit Journal alongside Panhard et Levassor.
Although the occasion was officially designated as a contest rather than a race, Peugeot’s strong showing secured its early dominance in motor competitions, bolstering its industry reputation and establishing a foundation for its pioneering role within the automotive sector.