1912 Berliet Type AM 15HP Brougham de Ville
Marius Berliet’s path to automobile manufacturing was unusual among early automotive pioneers. A self-taught mechanic from the silk-weaving trade, he built his first car in 1894 and established his own factory in Lyon in 1901 with backing from investor Alfred Giraud.
By 1906, his designs had attracted American interest, leading to a licensing agreement with the American Locomotive Company to build Berliet-designed cars.
The 1906 40HP Berliet represented the company’s high-end offerings, featuring advanced engineering at a premium price point. Buyers of these expensive models often commissioned extravagant coachwork with interiors rivaling first-class railway carriages.
By 1912, Berliet had broadened its range to include more accessible models. The Type AM featured a 15HP four-cylinder side-valve engine, making it a practical choice compared to the company’s larger, costlier automobiles. These chassis accepted various body styles, including formal Brougham coachwork.
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