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PEUGEOT

From 1912 to Today (PSA)

Brand History Brand History

Second French manufacturer, but first by the size of the PSA group, the history of the Sochaux firm is one of the clearest, since it is the family that has managed the business for more than three centuries. At the end of the Enlightenment, Jean Peugeot built water mills in the Doubs, in Montbéliard. Going back to the ancient history of the family, his two brothers converted their family mill into a steel foundry: from 1810 to 1815, they produced springs, then launched the production of saw blades which worked so well, and so that their reputation and fortune enabled their successors to diversify: Coffee machines in 1855, then a number of manufactured objects using steel, ranging from garden furniture to phonographs (the first), sewing or hairdressing equipment. But it is with their velocipedes that they acquired an excellent reputation. This "workhorse" of the brand will remain so until now: Since 1882, starting with bicycles with asymmetrical wheels, Peugeot cycles have maintained an excellent reputation, and have made it the leading producer of two-wheelers in the world.

Origins of Peugeot

The famous fetish fawn is initially the symbol of the foundry registered with the arts and crafts in 1858, and represents a lion in profile “Venetian style” walking on an arrow, this one having already been present for a long time in the local coat of arms. The first bi and tricycles were born in 1888 in Beaulieu in the Doubs. The ambition that prevails is then to become the first producer of bicycles in France, which a store opened in Paris, then a victory at Paris-Nantes the following year are responsible for accomplishing. But in the field that interests us, it was in 1889 that the steam tricycle developed and perfected with Léon Serpollet was presented at the Universal Exhibition.

Shortly after, it was with Emile Levassor that a quadricycle with a gasoline engine, resulting from his experiments at Daimler and presented with a 4hp V-twin allowing it to reach 24 km/h. This system obtained the favor brothers who sell 5 copies until 1891. This year, the brothers begin to enter this cart in the race, with success. Until 1899, production continued to accelerate. At the dawn of the twentieth century, more than 300 carts had been sold since the founding of SA des automobiles Peugeot in 1897 in Audincourt by the young Armand Peugeot. His uncles devoted themselves to bicycles and various equipment which made the fortune of the family.

Commercial success

In 1891, Amand Peugeot, who had launched the "type 3" quadrilette, became known by carrying out an unprecedented connection for such a machine, Paris-Brest in 139 hours. 29 copies come out plus a unique "type 4", created especially for the Bey of Tunis. In 1894, he won a competition for the Petit Journal, which launched a challenge to craftsmen who built self-propelled vehicles. Peugeot wins the title alongside Panhard-Levassor. 1895 will be marked by the victory of the Lion in the first race against the clock, Paris-Bordeaux-Paris, thanks in particular to the first rubber tires recently patented by the brothers Edouard and André Michelin on the four wheels which they piloted. They had nicknamed it "lightning". Until 1899, the catalog continued to expand, resulting in 15 models, the total produced approaching 500.

In 1899, a second workshop was built in Lille and 4 dealerships began to weave a sales network across the country. A first Lion-branded motorcycle comes out in the two-wheeled sector. As for the four wheels, the new productions are this time equipped with a flat twin, which modify the structure of the car. The following year, the 4-seater Phaeton was launched. This type 28 is capable of exceeding 35 km/h but the best is yet to come with cylinder blocks ranging from 3.3 to 5.8 litres. The next series of Phaeton inaugurates a new 4-cylinder. In 1905, the Peugeots presented their products on two stands. Armand's cousins ​​founded "Lion-Peugeot" in 1905 and sold small cars. The Peugeot and Lion-Peugeot meeting did not occur until 1910, but Lions were still sold under this name in 1915. The first truly popular quadrilette became the "baby" Peugeot in 1905, with a single cylinder. But in 1908, two drivers at the wheel of a Lion-Peugeot took third and fourth place in the GP de l'automobile club de France (ACF), and ranked first in the Targa Florio.

In 1906, the type 91, a spider and the type VA left the factory. The new Type 127 Torpedo was released in 1910, and two years later, the Sochaux factory was inaugurated. The Grand Prix Automobile de France was won in Dieppe that same year by Georges Boillot in an L76. (7.6 liters) It is also the presentation of the famous "baby", inspired by the Ford T. Technically developed with the help of Ettore Bugatti, this popular cart must establish Peugeot in the big series. Indeed, its sales volume will be far superior to anything presented by the brothers so far. Its aerodynamic and very modern line has a lot to do with it, allowing it to reach 455 cm3 and its 4-cylinder side-valve engines, 45 km/h. In 1913, Peugeot became the third National manufacturer. But his fame also benefited from the prestige brought by Goux's exceptional victory at the Indianapolis GP, with a new streamlined L76 known as the "torpedo" setting a record at 187 km/h.

Peugeot's pretensions in high-level competition are not long in being perpetuated thanks to the Grand Prix car of 1914: Developed like the L76 by Ernest Henry, the L45 with 2 ACT, 4 cylinders and 4.5 liters for 122 hp, confirmed these victories at the GP de France by Peugeot's triumph at the GP de l'ACF in 1914, then at the Indianapolis 500 in 1915 and 1916. Its best-selling models, besides the "Bébé", were the 7CV 1, 4 liters and the 2.6 liter 12CV. The government ordered him to produce military equipment during the Great War, ranging from machine guns to trucks and aircraft engines. Peugeot takes advantage of American Taylorist methods by modernizing its production line.

The interwar

La Peugeot 402 DS Darl’mat 2L. de Contet et de Cortanze, 5e des 24 Heures du Mans 1938
La Peugeot 402 DS Darl’mat 2L. de Contet et de Cortanze, 5e des 24 Heures du Mans 1938

At the end of the war, Peugeot resumed the manufacture of its pre-war models, and developed the "quadrilette", a small popular car which was to succeed the type 12 "baby". This Spartan tandem two-seater has a 667cm3 4-cylinder giving 10 hp at 2000 rpm. It will be replaced in 1922 by a more conventional four-seater 5CV modernized in 1925 and produced until 1931. But large displacements are also designed, as evidenced by the 6-cylinder 25CV of 6 liters. Since the pioneering type 156 of 1920, many models have been equipped with valveless engines. They will allow the Lion to shine again in many speed contests. The range was extensive in the early 1930s, and Peugeot released around 43,000 cars a year. The new "small" from Sochaux in 1929 will now carry the brand's own identification, based on the range and the evolution: It will be the 201. From 101 to 901, all possible designations are registered and protected: Porsche in experience in 1964 with his 911.

In reality, the range is restricted to 201, 301, 401, and 601 (1935), which gives it a rare legibility in the catalog. The 201 will be the first car in the world equipped with independent front wheels. Aerodynamics became an essential feature and was noticeable on the first 402 of 1936, with its famous "spindle line", taken up on the other models which adopted overhead valves in passing. The 1936 302, which succeeded the 201, had the same engine as the 402, but with a lighter and shorter chassis. Naturally, it gave rise to re-bodied sports versions signed by Emile Darl'Mat, which shone at Le Mans in 1937 and 1939. In 1935, Peugeot was the only one to offer on its cars a revolutionary system called "Eclipse" of electric retractable hardtop . It appears from this date on the chassis of all models in its range, the 302, 402 and 601. We know that this system will be taken over by Mercedes on its CLK 60 years later, and quite logically on the latest 206 and 307CC.


Darl'Mat coupé Pourtout

Wartime

Under the occupation, to overcome the fuel restrictions imposed, Peugeot studies, develops and produces 300 copies of a small two-seater electric convertible, the VLV, from 1941. the factory finds itself forced to work for the enemy, but the resistance organizes the sabotage of its means of production and an aerial bombardment in 1943 completes the work. In 1945, the Sochaux firm quickly got the factory back on its feet. The first to come out was the 202. In 1949, the 203 succeeded it and was a great success in front of the Renault 4CV and the Citroën 2CV. But the real novelties arrived in the 1950s. The 403 was unveiled in 1955 at the Paris Motor Show. It benefits, among other things, from a drawing by Pinin Farina, announcing a long and fruitful collaboration. The 403 cabriolet will be immortalized much later in the Colombo series, becoming Peter Falk's mount.

The 1950s

The Peugeot 404 made its appearance in 1957. This sober family car was the first to sell for 500,000 million. In 1968, the 504 succeeded it and also gave rise to a coupé, probably one of the most beautiful ever to leave the Sochaux factory. By that date, five million cars had worn the feline emblem. The firm had become the second manufacturers in France and one of the first in Europe. Absent from competition, Peugeot comes to the Rally, a discipline of economic competition and returning to the sources of motor sport. High-level motorsport, formula one, had become a ruinous, arduous enterprise, albeit full of technological lessons. Renault came close to it, but the Sochaux firm was leaning towards this new discipline which suited small, prepared production cars: 404s took part in the East African Safari in 1961, and won the first places. Many other editions will see them run.

The 1970s

The 504 will be equipped with a V6 on certain variants, which will be reintroduced by the big 604 of 1975. In 1969, the 304 leaves the factory. It succeeds the 204 as a standard small wagon. Their production will be long: The 404 will see its last variants die out in 1978, the 504 in 1983, and the 304 in 1974. But the problem of mass access to this means of transport sees the problem of congestion in cities , the lack of parking spaces become so crucial that the study of a real "small" car is launched. It will be the 104, in 1972. The "5" of the Régie Renault will join it soon. The 104 were by far the most sold. Thereafter, the Peugeot of the oil crisis must be sober. It is in this spirit that the 604, although equipped with a V6, and the 305 in 1975 and 505 in 1979 came out. of engines in 1972, in particular the "large" displacements unknown in France. Meanwhile, Citroën in a difficult financial position, (it had given up keeping Maserati), was included in a new group intended to make economies of scale, PSA, the same year, Sochaux taking 90% of the capital of the firm to the rafters.

The end of the 1970s were profitable for Peugeot, which bought Chrysler Europe (1977), then acquired Talbot (1979). The little samba, parallel to the 104, became a very popular little rally car. In the latter discipline, however, the best is yet to come. The 205, in 1983 is the new modern popular small car from Sochaux, it quickly eclipses the 104 and finally responds to Renault's "superfive". As much as the latter was going to be available in a formidable turbo version, intended for the track more than on "natural" terrain, the 205 was going to be available in a special turbocharged version for the rally, starting from the "sporty" base of its 4-cylinder, 16-valve. The 205 T16 became World Rally Champion in 1985. It was the great return of the Lioness to Motorsport. Since then, "GTI" and "16s" have been synonymous with sportiness in the range. Some more easily claim this title of "sport" in view of their dimensions and reduced weight, but it is in no way "GT" in the classic sense of the term. The T16 was available in an approved road version, with a centrally positioned engine. This same engine will be used again on a 405, the new standard sedan from Sochaux in the early 90s.

The 1990s


Without being the very cinematic power monster of "Taxi", the beautiful 406 V6 3 liters could almost claim to be a sports sedan (210hp / 0-100 8.1 sec. / 240 Km/h.)

The new range of the 90s will see the disappearance of the 3-volume version of the 205, the 309, (1985), the 305, and the very robust 505 (1979). The new range will see their succession take place thanks to the 405 in 1987, the large 605 in 1989, the 106 (1991) and the 306 (1993). The 205 was available as a convertible with a roll bar (a long-awaited option), and the better-appointed 306 will be the best-regarded convertible in the range. Pininfarina's drawing had a lot to do with it. The most powerful in its category is undoubtedly the 205 GTI, with 130hp for a body not exceeding 880Kgs. The little 106 will be available in a 16-valve version, as will the 306. At the shows, the Peugeot style center, under the direction of Richard Welter, developed attractive prototypes, the Oxia in 1988 and the Proxima as a supercars that will consecrate in form the victory at Le Mans of the 905 opposed in an epic duel to the Toyotas during the 1993 edition, finally taking the first three places.

But the new Peugeot style will arrive in 1998 with the spirited little 206, a best-seller in Europe. Its considerable success will be due to its particularly inspired feline style, refreshing the style of the house and energizing it. From then on, the 406, which appeared in 1995 to take over from the 405, which displayed a wise continuity of the elegant sobriety of Pininfarina, saw itself taking a shot of old age relativized by the "permanence" of its lines. What is part of the magic of the great Transalpin coachbuilder is the "timeless" character of his creations.

In 1997, the grand return of the coupé version was indeed hailed as an absolute aesthetic success. As for the flagship of Sochaux, the 607 of 1999, it combines the dynamic styles of the 206, reassuring with the sober curves of the 406. The recent 307, reinterpreting the feline style, tempers its curves with the sharp edges of the "new edge design", and "monopacise", a fact that manufacturers seem to have fully integrated. Finally, the 206 CC returns to the "eclipse" system of 1935. The good old canvas top seems to have had its day...

But what about sports? - with its 206 WRC, Peugeot sport was consecrated world rally champion in 1999 and 2000, and remains unstoppable. The spearhead of history, the 206 WRC was to be echoed in mass production in 2003 with a special 206 of 180hp...

Summary

  • 302 coupé "Eclipse"
  • 402 DS Darl'mat
  • 403 cabriolet
  • 404 coupé
  • 504 coupé V6
  • 205 GTI
  • 205 T16
  • 405 T16
  • 406 coupé
  • 306 Cabriolet Pininfarina
  • 206 CC
  • 206 RC

Gallery


302 coupé "Eclipse"

402 DS Darl'mat
402 DS Darl'mat


Peugeot 403 Cabriolet


Peugeot 404 Coupé


Peugeot 504 Coupé Pininfarina


Peugeot 205 GTI


Peugeot 205 Turbo T16


Peugeot 405 Mi16


Peugeot 406 Coupe V6T


Peugeot 306 Cabrio Pininfarina


Peugeot 206 CC


Peugeot 206 RC

Models

Peugeot 402 Darl'mat (1937)


The baroque style of the 402 boxes signed Darl'mat are unique in their kind.

  • Type: 2-seater coupe/roadster.
  • Configuration: Front longitudinal engine - rear transmission.
  • Engine: 4 cylinders in line, 8 valves 1.8 Liters, 1 ACT, 2 double barrel carburettors 75 hp DIN @ 3500 rpm.
  • Speed: 0-100 km/h: 11 sec. ;1000 D.A.: sec. Max. speed: 165 Km/h.
  • Overall weight: 960 Kgs.
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  • Production:
The 1936 4-cylinder Peugeot model 402 gave 1.7-litre versions of sports versions bodied by Emile Darl'Mat, dentist by profession and coachbuilder by passion, who signed these famous and very special models. Three roadster versions took part in the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1937 and finished in 7th and 8th places, and in 1938 in 5th place. Another special Darl'Mat will succeed in 1939 in winning its class at the 24 hours of Montlhéry at an average speed of 140 km/h, testifying to the excellence of its profiling.

Peugeot 504 coupé V6 (1975)


Pininfarina's first contribution, then very fashionable, the 504 coupé was the start of a long and fruitful collaboration.

  • Type:4-seater coupe.
  • Configuration:Front longitudinal engine - rear transmission.
  • Engine:6 cylinders in V, 12 valves 2.6 Liters, 2 ACT, 144 hp DIN @ 5500 rpm.
  • Speed:0-100 km/h: 11 sec. ;1000 D.A.: sec. ;Max. speed: 190 Km/h.
  • Overall weight:1295 Kgs.
  • Dimensions:
  • Production:
The 404 coupe having been a real success of the Italian coachbuilder, the new 504 which was to pass the 70s had to be signed by the same designer. More fluid and still sleek, the 504 coupé began in 1969 with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder developing 97bhp. The latter increased to 104 hp in 1971 and 106 in 1978. But the truly sporty version only appeared with the V6 in 1975, developing first 136 then 144 hp in 1978. The last 504 coupés left the factory in 1983. They are beautiful collector's machines today. Many turbocharged versions took part in rallies including the Paris-Dakar.

Peugeot 205 T16 (1984)


Along with the R5 turbo, this 205 T16, Group B homologation series, is the most extreme ever produced.

  • Type:2-seater sedan
  • Configuration:Rear central transverse engine - all-wheel drive.
  • Engine:4 cylinders in line, 16 valves, 1.8 Liters, 2 ACT, 197 hp DIN @ 6750 rpm. 225 N/M @ 4000 rpm.
  • Speed:0-100 km/h: 6 sec. ;1000 D.A.: - sec. ;Max. speed: 209 Km/h.
  • Overall weight:1145 Kgs.
  • Dimensions:Length: 3820mm; Width: 1700mm; Height: 1354mm; Wheelbase: 2540mm
  • Production:200
An undeniable sports car from Sochaux, the 205 T16 was a limited edition for homologation in group B. The domination of the world championship by the Peugeot 205 largely contributed to their commercial success in Europe. But the latter, which share their engine with the 405 T16, have an architecture very close to the rally version, and do not make it a sedan. What betrays its appearance, the reinforcing tubes of the exposed chassis, and the huge air inlets behind the doors, the extra-large pneumatic mounts. So no rear seats. Special versions also existed for the general public within this series, this time inflated to 250hp. Their daily use was very "limited". It should also be noted that the rally versions entered are more than 180 kg lighter. and claim up to 400 hp.

A descendant could have emerged recently after the exemplary successes of the 206 in the world championship, by again offering the public a vehicle capable of competing with the Clio V6 sport, but by producing the recent road WRC, Peugeot has chosen serial production of a sports sedan

Peugeot 405 T16 (1991)


The T16 received a civilized version of the grand touring turbo. Styling-wise, the 405 was well balanced.

  • Type:4-seater sports sedan.
  • Configuration:Front transverse engine - front transmission.
  • Engine:4 cylinders in line, 16 valves 2 Liters, 2 ACT, 1 turbocharger, 200 hp DIN @ 6500 rpm.
  • Speed:0-100 Km/h: 7.2 sec. ;1000 D.A.: 28 sec. ;Max. speed: 240 Km/h
  • Overall weight:1340 Kgs.
  • Dimensions:Length: 4408mm; Width: 1714mm; Height: 1420mm; Wheelbase: mm
  • Production: ? Cost 1990 220,000 Frs.
When the new mid-range 405 saloon made its appearance in 1987, its Italian design and excellent driving qualities earned it a long line. The "sports" of the range were the 405 MI16 and their honest 155hp. However, the real authentic sports cars have been rarer: These are the turbocharged versions of the latter, the first appearance of which dates back to 1993. These T16s are today quite sought after for their unique, "special" features, and their scarcity.

Peugeot 406 coupe V6 (1996)


Heir to the long line, it seems that this 406 is the last to receive the famous signature.

  • Type:4-seater coupe.
  • Configuration:Front transverse engine - front transmission.
  • Engine:6 cylinders in V, 24 valves 3 Liters, 2 ACT, 210 hp DIN @ 6000 rpm.
  • Speed:0-100 Km/h: 7.8 sec. ;1000 D.A.: sec. ;Max. speed: 240 Km/h
  • Overall weight:1485 Kgs.
  • Dimensions:Length: 4620mm; Width: 1780mm; Height: 1350mm; Wheelbase: 2700mm
  • Production:
If the sober and elegant Italian design of the 406 saloon won followers, in addition to its impeccable handling, the coupé version designed and built in Italy by Pininfarina remained faithful to the line, and did even better by becoming the most beautiful Peugeot. never produced, in the opinion of all the press and the conquered public. A legendary line reminiscent of the best transalpine productions, including the Ferrari 550 Maranello. The 4-cylinder version gives 137hp, and the V6 210, however, insufficient to make a real GT. Its chassis is of exemplary rigidity, the handling a delight, all that is missing is a version pushed to 300hp. Preparers at your workshops!.

Update ( 2006 ). 10 years later, the 406 coupé gave way to the 407 (see sheet). No really powerful version has been proposed by Peugeot, and the few "Tuners" who have tackled it have produced nothing other than unique demonstrations that can be counted on the fingers of one hand. With the heavier 407, Peugeot confirms that sportiness gives way to comfort.

Peugeot 206CC (1999)


The small Peugeot is not as slender as its competitors, due to the adoption of the standard chassis and architecture of the 206.

  • Type: Convertible Coupe (2+2-seater)
  • Configuration: Front engine - front transmission
  • Engine: 4 cylinders in line, 2 L, 16 valves, 138 hp DIN @ 6000 rpm. and 190N/M
  • Speed: Vmax: 204 km/h - 0-100 km/h in 9.3 sec.
  • Overall weight: 1152 Kgs.
  • Dimensions: Length: 3840mm; Width: 1670mm; Height: 1370mm; Wheelbase: 2440mm
  • Production: Ongoing. Cost €21,300
When the hard-top coupé-cabriolet 20Coeur was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1998, rumors of mass production were already there. Alone on the market with the Mercedes SLK, it did not smell of plagiarism but of neo-retro! Its ancestor was in fact a variation of removable hard roofs present on an entire category of Peugeot of the 1930s, the "Eclipse". Without shining in sportsmanship, the 206 CC is much more sold than the most elitist CLK. And what about the SL 600 and Lexus SC430... This system is definitely fashionable.




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