Introduced in 1965, they were the last locomotives in service with SNCF to feature side rods.

[2] This small series of 30 locomotives was built by the Departmental Railway Company (CFD), following the BB 60001 which served as their prototype.

These locomotives, with mechanical transmission and driving rods, were mainly used on freight services.

Despite the better efficiency of the mechanical transmission, per gross ton towed and per kilometer, than that of a locomotive with electric transmission, their lack of reliability led to 21 of them being resold to various companies.

Certain V12 engines were coupled to a Leroy-Somer alternator, producing 660 volts in three phases (star coupling), as a high power generator (580 kVA), installed in a generator van, for TEE trains (car air-conditioned stainless steel PBA, Mistral 1969, and Grand Confort).