Lot 523: 1902 Peugeot �B�b�� Type 54 5hp Two-seater

Armand Peugeot, perhaps intimidated by the prospect of a career in the family ironmongery business, introduced bicycles to the company�s product range in 1885 and soon, in collaboration with Serpollet, was building his first steam carriage. Rapid developments in the infant motor industry led to a change of allegiance by Peugeot to the internal combustion engine and initially Daimler and later Panhard-Levassor engines were adopted. By 1902 Peugeot had adopted a more conventional forward mounted position for their engines and in that year the first of the famous �B�b�� Peugeots arrived on the motoring scene. Conventional in most respects, they were powered by a vertically mounted single cylinder engine and featured shaft drive to the rear axle.

This car was once part of the famous A. W. F. Smith Collection, dispersed at auction at Cross-in-Hand in 1968. For many years it belonged to the Ferranti family and is currently the property of an active V.C.C. member. The car is attractively presented in maroon livery with maroon deep-buttoned leather upholstery. It is equipped with oil side lamps and brass bulb horn and wears rally plaques confirming participation in The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The single-cylinder, 5hp engine drives through a three-speed gearbox with shaft final drive. The vendor advises that the engine has good compression, runs cool and starts easily. The car does enjoy the advantage of a later electric starter, a more efficient Zenith carburettor is fitted, and is equipped with electric fans to assist cooling. All modifications can be readily removed should a new owner so wish. At some stage during the car�s life it has been converted to magneto ignition. During recent ownership much maintenance and improvement work has been carried out and invoices and photographic records are available on file for inspection. This charming French voiturette comes with two spare wheels and a more period Longuemare carburettor.

BD 842 is offered with a Swansea V5C registration document, old buff log book from 1945, current licence and MoT certificate and V.C.C. Dating Certificate no.2369, issued in 2002, the car therefore being fully eligible for the prestigious London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.