Berliet Pre-War Four- and Six-Cylinder Range (1902–1914) History

From the Audibert & Lavirotte factory, Berliet rapidly expanded into proper four-cylinder cars distinguished by honeycomb radiators and steel chassis frames — contemporary with, and influenced by, Mercedes practice of the era. By 1909 the catalogue spanned an 8 hp twin and two four-cylinder engines of roughly 1.5 and 2.4 litres.

By 1914 the range had grown further: the 1½-litre Berliet 12, the 2.4-litre Berliet 15, the 3.6-litre Berliet 18, the Berliet 25, and a big 6.3-litre Berliet 40 (Types U and R) sat at the top. A large six-cylinder of 9,500 cc was also offered before the war, aimed at the most extravagant coachwork of the period.

Berliet also produced a 12 CV (1,539 cc) four-cylinder between 1910 and 1912 as a mid-range offering. The company's reputation for robust construction attracted coach-builders, and Berliet chassis carried town-car, landaulet, and limousine bodies for wealthy French clients.