Peugeot created the Type 161 to reverse its financial woes following the Great War.

It was a cheap, practical, very small economy car and was nicknamed the Quadrilette when shown at the 1920 Brussels Motor Show.

Taking advantage of this small power output was a very lightweight body, under 350 kilograms (770 lb).

Total figures for the Quadrilette amounted to 12,305 over three years, which was 31% of Peugeot's vehicle production for that time period.

Confusingly, models of the Type 172 were attached both to the Quadrilette's nameplate and to that of its successor, the Peugeot 5CV.