Peugeot Triporteurs

In the window: Peugeot Triporteurs

In 1958, after almost 20 years of production, the Trimoteur (that's its real name) was removed from the Peugeot catalog. For many, many years, the "Most economical means of rapid delivery", as defined in a brand advertisement, will play its role as a faithful servant.

Even today, its sympathetic silhouette and its legendary robustness still seduce many amateurs.

It was therefore in 1939 that the first model appeared, the TN53. It is equipped with a two-stroke 100 cc engine, that in fact of the Type 53 moped. In addition to the engine, the Tri borrows from the Type 53 many parts, the frame is obviously different. Given its location behind the body, the engine is equipped with a cooling turbine. With a power of 4CV, fitted with a 3-speed gearbox with tank control, the small 100 easily drives the Tri (which can transport 100 kg of payload) at a speed of 45 km / h.

But what makes Tri Peugeot original and gives it an undeniable advantage over the competition is its steering mechanism. Directly inspired by the brand's automotive models, the front axle with independent wheels and broken axle steering provides incomparable driving comfort. On the bodywork side, the round sheet metal wings frame the wooden body which opens from the front.

After the war, production resumed timidly with a slightly modified model, the TN 54, but it was not until 1949 that the first 125 cm3 version, the TN 55, appeared.

The engine is that of Type 55 mopeds, it develops 4.5 CV of power which now allows the Tri Peugeot to take a load of 150 kg the size of the reinforced tires having been increased (550 x 85) to accept this increase dump. The color goes from gray to putty (with assorted nets…).

The latest version of the Tri Peugeot is presented at the 1954 Motor Show. It is the TN 57.

Always 125 cc of displacement for the engine, but it is especially at the bodywork that major modifications are emerging. The wings give up their curves, they become flat, which improves the loading capacity.

Suddenly, the two small headlights are replaced by a single more powerful headlight.

The Tri is then available in three versions: without box, with wooden box opening from the front or box with lid.