The Peugeots that won the Tour between around 1955 and 1985 were NOT the same Peugeots that were sold in the USA. The Peugeots that won the Tour were NOT made in the Peugeot factory. They were "custom", hand-made bikes made with Reynolds 531 tubing, and had Campy drivetrains. In fact, the Peugeot's that won the Tour in that era were essentially used the same Reynolds tubing and same Campy components as the Paramounts built during that same era. No ordinary Frenchman ever rode THOSE Reynolds 531/Campy Peugeots...they were made in small numbers for the Pro teams.

The typical Peugeot bike sent to the USA in the 1970's had mass produced factory frames using French tubing. And they had "all French" drivetrains...components so bad they were often replaced before the initial sale. The ONLY parts used on a part on an average Peugeot that were used on the "Tour" modes was the decals.

Peugeot autos in the USA? The last Peugeot auto I saw in Houston was purchased by a friend of mine in 1988. He was proud of it, and took three or four of his friends to lunch to show it off. When we got back to work, the rear doors would not open. Today, he denys he ever owned it. But, there were witnesses...Today, thousands of Mercedes and BMW's made in the '60's, '70's, and '80's are seen on the streets of Houston. Zero Peugeots. I was shocked to find out that the Yugo was a copy of a Fiat. Based on its "durability", I was sure it was a French design.