Lot 22: 1925 PEUGEOT 9/10CV TYPE 177B BOULANGERE NORMANDE UTILITY

Engine: four cylinder, side valves, 1,400cc; Gearbox: four-speed manual; Suspension: front and rear elliptic; Brakes: rear wheel drums. Left hand drive. Peugeot S.A., or PSA Peugeot Citroen as they are now known, actually date back to the late 1800s when the Peugeot brothers, steelmakers by trade, turned their attention to cycle manufacture and subsequently to cars. This was a time of great invention and the Les Fils des Peugeot Frhres were dynamic in this area, making a steam carriage for show at the Paris Exposition in 1889. They quickly progressed using Daimler engines and soon entered into local competitions, a novel idea at the time, but the concept of using competition to promote one's product has since become commonplace. They were successful and the firm prospered, introducing the enormously successful Bibi model in 1903. More racing success followed in the gladiatorial voiturette events of the period, although this was all sidelined when the Great War broke out. After Armand Peugeot passed away, cousin Robert took over the helm and with the introduction of the Quadrilette, motoring was within financial reach of virtually all Frenchmen. This 1925 Utility is an example of one of Peugeot's commercial variants from the mid-twenties and is based on the Type 177B model. Variously called a Boulangere Normande Utility or Camionette, it is in fact a bread delivery wagon that would have been used for deliveries to the establishments serviced by route vendors up and down France. Once a common enough sight, few of these service vehicles have survived intact and this one was on display in the Musie D'Automobiles du Fores in Sury-le-Comtal during the seventies. Substantially original, it has stood both the test of time and probably a hard working life, and has only seen some minor restoration as needed. Powered by a lively 1400cc engine, it is reported to run well. Having been purchased by the current owner at Christie's sale in 2002 in New York City the Boulangere has seen minimal use, but has been well loved. Perfect for period events, fun outings or maybe even shopping trips, the Boulangere is offered with several pieces of correspondence and literature.