LOT 316
1912 Peugeot Bébé 6HP Type BPI Two-Seat Tourer Bugatti design Type 19 Chassis no. 10357 Engine no. 10357
Sold for US$78,400 inc. premium
Lot 316
A highly original example of the Bugatti designed voiturette
1912 Peugeot Bébé 6HP Type BPI Two-Seat Tourer Bugatti design Type 19
Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|11 October 2020, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
1912 Peugeot Bébé 6HP Type BPI Two-Seat Tourer
Bugatti design Type 19
Chassis no. 10357
Engine no. 10357
Bugatti design Type 19
Chassis no. 10357
Engine no. 10357
856cc "T-Head" Four Cylinder Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
10 HP
Twin Driveshaft Transmission with Rear Brakes
Semi Elliptic Front and Quarter Elliptic Rear Leaf Springs
*One of the most original surviving example
*A design filled with many Bugatti innovations
*Well appointed with period accessories
*the 'Baby Bugatti'
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Ettore Bugatti, who had previously sold designs to Emile Mathis, Deutz and Isotta-Fraschini, was responsible for the design of the Bébé Peugeot at a time when production of Bugatti cars at the Molsheim works was slowly getting off the ground. Only five Bugattis were built in 1910, 75 in 1911 and 175 in 1913, so the sale of the T-head, lateral-valve engine generated a useful injection of capital for Bugatti's operation while providing Peugeot with a power unit that put them at the forefront of French light car design. The 856cc engine was neat and efficient, and the chassis layout of the new horseshoe-radiatored Bébé featured the reversed, quarter-elliptic leaf spring rear suspension which was to be a feature of Ettore's later models. Many of Bugattis design patents including the quarter key-tic springs were first licensed with this model. Ettore Bugatti acquired the last 15 production cars, fitted them with Bugatti radiators made a few modifications and sold them as the Bugatti Type 19.
Owing to the connection to the Bugatti story, these cars have always been accepted by the various Bugatti associations around the world and are frequently found in the garages of the finest Pur Sang grand prix and touring automobiles. Of those known, this must be one of the nicest, most original examples to survive. The car was brought to this country a few years ago having been acquired from Netherlands based dealer, Jan Bruijn, and has resided in two American collections in the last 20 years. Mr. Bruijn was able to confirm to the current owner that he had purchased it from the Nefkens family, who were Peugeot importers in Holland and had certainly owned the car as far back as the mid-1950s as he had seen a photo of the car on a rally in that period. Bonhams sold the car in 2009 establishing a new world record for the type - a testament to the quality of this example.
What can be certain is that the car is a remarkably complete and attractive example. It has been sympathetically refurbished in a subtle color scheme of dark green, with black fenders and cream coach-lining, which is complemented by white tires and nickel radiator and brightwork. Its interior is in black leather, the door panels and seats all appearing to have little wear and yet seemingly original. The car is well-appointed with period accessory fittings, of note this includes scuttle mounted 'Bebe Peugeot' lamps by Phares Ducellier and a matched acetylene generator. Additionally, Bonhams can report that the vehicle was taken out on a drive. The Peugeot started easily and maintained a surprisingly brisk pace down the road.
This is truly a pretty example of these oft coveted 'baby Bugatti' designs.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.
Additional information
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- 10 October 2020, 09:00 - 17:00 EDT
- 11 October 2020, 09:00 - 13:00 EDT
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