Peugeot. 1913 : BEBE TYPE BP 1

Peugeot. 1913 : BEBE TYPE BP 1

The year 1912 marked an important step in Peugeot's history. This year saw the construction of the factories in Sochaux and the Baby, the second vehicle to bear this name, caused a sensation at the Paris Motor Show.

The type BP1 was completely different to the first 1905 Baby. It was designed by Ettore Bugatti who first proposed the prototype to the German manufacturer Wanderer. In the end, it was manufactured by Peugeot according to the terms of an agreement signed between the two parties.

The Baby's low prices and modern design took the market by surprise: This. was a tiny, light vehicle weighing under 350 kilos - a real car at a low price

It was powered by a 4-cylinder 855 cc monobloc unit with a T-head cylinder. There were side valves fitted on both sides of the cylinders with two camshafts in the housing. The engine delivered 10 hp at 2000 rpm, enabling the Baby to reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h.

Designed by Ettore Bugatti with a 4-speed gearbox, it was initially manufactured with a 2-speed gearbox (then a 3-speed gearbox followed in 1913). As on the Baby type 69, it has a cardan drive-shaft transmission. The rear suspension was sprung on inverted semi-cantilever springs. It was quite wide, despite its relatively short length (2.62 metres) and could seat two people.

The Baby participated in several races, notably in the Mont Ventoux race in 1913, where it won in its category. Its career was crowned with success. The car continued to be manufactured until 1916 and 3095 vehicles were produced in the factory at Beaulieu.