Lot 731: 1921 Peugeot Type 161 �Quadrilette� Two-Seat Torpedo
Coachwork by L F Willis

�Most important was a successor for the �B�b��, the 668cc �Quadrilette�, an alleged ancestor of the Austin Seven, though all the two cars had in common were L-head engines and the same suspension arrangements...� - Michael Sedgwick, 1968.
This Peugeot �Quadrilette� was purchased by the vendor at Brooks� sale of the late C W P Hampton�s private collection at Lord�s Cricket Ground on 10th July 1991, since when it has been kept in storage. Formerly the property of the late Mr A W F Smith, this successor to the Ettore Bugatti-designed pre-WWI B�b� had been purchased by Peter Hampton at auction in 1968. It was a bare chassis, engine and associated components, sorely in need of a loving rebuild, and Mr Hampton had it totally restored and completed by Messrs Crosthwaite and Gardiner, and fitted with a Willis body to his own design based upon the original tandem-seat quad style.
This delightful little machine is powered by a four-cylinder, side-valve engine displacing 668cc. It is RAC rated at 6.2hp, breathes through a single carburettor and features magneto ignition. Transmission is via a three-speed gearbox; there is shaft-drive to the rear wheels and the suspension is by quarter-elliptic leaf springs front and rear. There are drum brakes on the rear wheels only and the tyre size is 700 x 80 all round.
Fully equipped with a folding canvas hood, this �Quadrillette� is finished in a shade of the late Mr Hampton�s favoured aquamarine and tastefully trimmed with blue upholstery. Its Willis body features the typical narrow-planked duck tail decking as preferred by Mr Hampton, while the wire spoked wheels carry Dunlop Cord Motorcycle Extra Heavy tyres. It is expected that details of any accompanying documentation will be available at time of sale.