1903 | Peugeot Type 54

1903 PEUGEOT 5½HP BÉBÉ TWO-SEAT RUNABOUT
Registration number: A1386
Engine Number: 5133L
Body Number: 3296
Possessing a wonderful history, this delightful Peugeot Bébé was purchased off the Paris Motor Show stand in 1902 by a Captain Kelly. Owned by Mr Bernard Wood of Whepstead, Suffolk in 1946, the car was acquired in May 1947 by Mr Kenneth Bowyer of Kirtling, Suffolk, who entered it for the third post-war London-Brighton Veteran Car Run, held in 1949. One of the accompanying photographs shows the car arriving in Brighton on Madeira Drive, and it can be seen that the condition is virtually the same as today, with perhaps a little more patina. The car has a very early VCC Certificate (No. 139) dated 24th February 1949.
When Mr Bowyer died in 1988, his widow sold the Peugeot at auction where it was bought by noted classic car racer and collector of important motor cars, Mr Neil Corner. Neil completed several Runs and during one of them demonstrated the Peugeot's speed by starting number '302' and finishing on Madeira Drive in 15th. The car was then acquired by Veteran and Vintage motor dealer Martin Chisholm, who completed two more London to Brighton Runs with it.
The previous owner has used the car regularly for London to Brighton runs since acquiring it in 2006. It is a past winner of the Regent Street Concours' 'Most Original Veteran' award. This car has just been thoroughly gone though by Noted Silver Ghost Expert James Black of Northern Ireland. A silver Ghost trembler coil has been installed giving a very strong spark & allowing the car to start on the first trun ofthe starting handle once suitably primed. Mr Black reports that the car is now in perfect runniing condition & ready for extended use on London to Brighton & other events.
The beauty of this car is its originailty as they are only original once. This car is different from restored cars in the sense that it is one of the few that is completely original: paintwork, upholstery, engine, and even the toolbox! Other noteworthy features include Gamage-Nulites front lamps, an Otto rear lamp, and a serviceable canvas hood, albeit in slightly tattered & holed condition.
The accompanying history file contains London to Brighton finishers' pennants (x5), two old-style continuation logbooks, assorted correspondence, expired MoTs, photocopied technical literature, a current V5C Registration Certificate, a selection of photographs, and a quantity of bills, most recently from noted specialist Arthur Archer & Rolls Royce Ghost expert James Black. As well as the London to Brighton Run, this charming early Peugeot would be well suited to the VCC's many singles and twins events including the popular 'Creepy Crawly' Rally. A trailer used for transporting the car is also available.