Lot details
Registration No: SV 8144
Chassis No: 190791
Mot Expiry: None

Quaint, pretty and very French, the small Peugeots were as familiar a part of rural and small town life in that country before WWII as was the Austin 7 in the UK. Despite fierce competition in the French economy car market from the 8hp Renault and - up to 1926 - the 7·5hp Citroën, just under 12,000 examples of the 172M were sold in the two years of the model's currency. Earlier versions of the 172 also sold in large numbers, having been launched as the 'Quadrillette', a true cyclecar, of 1922 - 1924.

This example is one of the last of this well-known model to be made and it caries the curious 'camion Normande' bodywork, a standard option that served as an occasional four-seat tourer, with a drop-down tailgate that allowed it to double up as a light pick-up truck. The neat 4-cylinder monobloc engine (dimensions 51 x 85mms, 695ccs) drives via a single plate clutch and three-speed gearbox to a worm back axle. It is left hand drive, and was imported into this country in 1978.

The Peugeot presents as a good example of its type, and the vendor describes the chassis, transmission electrical equipment and bodywork as "good", and the engine and tyres as "fair". Not only eligible, but ideal for the popular events organised by the Light Car & Edwardian Section of the Vintage Sports-Car Club, it would also be suited to a newcomer to vintage motoring who wants a small and simple car with a certain Gallic charm.