The Rarest of the Rare: A Peugeot 145s

What a cool surprise to come upon this extraordinary — and rarest — example of a very early Peugeot.

France’s oldest surviving car manufacturer, Peugeot started making bicycles in the 1880s and had produced cars since 1896.

This 145s “sports tourer” was made in 1913, and is thought by Peugeot to be the only one in existence ! It has been fully restored and maintained in original factory condition.

The owner, who prefers to remain anonymous, drove it from home in Redding, Conn., with fellow Vintage Rally members to a gathering in Kent, Conn., on Sunday, July 24 .

The car was a centerpiece for Peugeot at the 1968 New York Auto Show. From there it was driven the whole way to San Francisco. A plaque on the dash attests to this awesome achievement.

Just like an ordinary summer drive in the country, husband and wife got in, filled up at the corner gas station, and motored happily on their way — in a cool, 100-plus year-old classic.

This 1913 Peugeot 145s, believed to be the only one still in existence, motored into Kent, Conn., for a rally in July. Photo By Lans Christensen

Photo By Lans Christensen

This 1913 Peugeot 145s, believed to be the only one still in existence, motored into Kent, Conn., for a rally in July. Photo By Lans Christensen