Marius Berliet started building single-cylinder cars in a small shed, in 1895. In 1900 he offered twin-cylinder cars also. After taking over Audibert & Lavirotte in 1901, M. Berliet built two-and four-cylinder cars, and a year later he introduced a completely new design with a honeycomb radiator and steel chassis frame instead of wood. From 1907 to the outbreak of war, Berliet production was mainly centered on three models: fours of 2412cc and 4398cc and a six of 9500cc. A 1539cc model was current from 1910-12. Berliet made cars until 1917, but developed their lorry department during the war for the needs of the French Army. After the war they resumed production of cars with a 12 hp (2613cc), 15 hp (3308cc) and 22 hp (4398cc), plus other minor models. The sv engines were all of pre-war design. In 1924 Berliet presented new ohv engines: a 7 hp (1159cc) would-be popular car, a 12 hp (2484cc) and an 18 hp (3969cc), these models co-existing with the old side-valves. With the growth of lorry sales, Berliet had less and less interest in making cars. Nevertheless they launched two new six-cylinders of 1800cc and 4000cc in 1927. In 1933, only two car models were listed: a 1600cc and a 2000cc, available in side-valve as well as ohv form. The last model, presented in 1936, was the Dauphine, a modern-looking car similar to the Chrysler Airflow, with independent front suspension. Marius Berliet died shortly after the war; a change of policy had already suppressed cars in favour of lorries. Berliet was taken over by Citroën in 1967. |