Berliet VP

French motor vehicle manufacturer Berliet designated its vehicles as VP, referring to a number of three-axle chassis for light off-road vehicles.

General information

In 1923, Renault developed its first three-axle vehicle with two driven rear axles, the Type MH. Berliet followed suit starting in 1925 with a number of similar vehicles, all designated "VP": "V" for voiture, which Berliet used to denote a passenger car or light truck (with a payload of up to three tons, and "P", for three axles. These were primarily intended for military use and were extensively tested by the French army. However, unlike the Type MH, these remained almost entirely one-offs, or were produced in very small series at best. The following list includes all vehicles built by Berliet up to 1945 with this type code; they are listed in alphabetical (not historical) order.

VPB

Only the accompanying photograph and description exist for this type; no other documentation is available. It is known the vehicle underwent extensive testing by the French Army in February 1925. It was Berliet's first three-axle vehicle with all-wheel drive. The additional designation "16CV" suggests it had a water-cooled MD5 gasoline engine: four cylinders, a bore of 90 mm (3.5 in) and a stroke of 130 mm (5.1 in), for a displacement of 3,308 cm³ (201.9 cu in). The engine delivered its unspecified maximum power at 1500 rpm. For tax purposes, the vehicle was rated 16 hp (12 kW; 16 PS).

VPC

This vehicle was an armored car. A prototype was built in 1927. The French Army tested but did not purchase it. Portugal ordered two, which received general operating approval in August 1932 and were subsequently delivered. The vehicle's water-cooled MLU gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 95 mm (3.7 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), for a displacement of 5,954 cm³ (363.3 cu in). For tax purposes, the vehicle was classified at 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS). The transmission had six forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. All three axles were driven. The bare chassis (no body) weighed 5,200 kg (11,500 lb), and the vehicle's combat weight was 10,500 kg (23,100 lb). The vehicles delivered to Portugal were 4.91 m (16 ft 1 in) long, 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) wide, and 2.66 m (8 ft 9 in) high. The crew consisted of four men. The vehicle was armed with a 37 mm (1.5 in) TR-16 (SA17) gun and an 8 mm (0.31 in) machinegun in a 360° rotating turret. The engine produced 90 hp (67 kW; 91 PS), enabling the vehicle to reach a top speed of 55 km/h (34 mph).

VPD

The VPD received its general operating permit in October 1926, making it Berliet's first three-axle vehicle. Extensive testing of the vehicle by the French Army in the summer of 1925 preceded this approval. The vehicle was intended for both military and civilian use (e.g., expeditions) in the colonies. Its water-cooled MD9 gasoline engine had four cylinders, a bore of 90 mm (3.5 in) and a stroke of 130 mm (5.1 in), for a displacement of 3,308 cm³ (201.9 cu in); it delivered its unspecified maximum power at 1,500 rpm; for tax purposes, the vehicle was rated at . The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. The wheelbase was 2.95 m (9 ft 8 in) between the front axle and the first rear axle, and 1.06 m (3 ft 6 in) between the two rear axles. All six axle hubs were fitted with dual wheels (similar to the Renault Type MH) to prevent the vehicle from sinking into the desert sand. This resulted in an outer track width of 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) at the front and 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) at the rear, and an inner track width of 1.45 m (4 ft 9 in). Both rear axles were driven. The vehicle was 5.25 m (17 ft 3 in) long.

There was at least one other vehicle with the same type designation, which received its general operating permit on 3 November 1927. The technical specifications, as far as they are known, were identical. However, it did not have a reduction gearbox.

VPDB

The vehicle received its general operating permit at the end of September 1927. Its water-cooled MLC-type gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 85 mm (3.3 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), resulting in a displacement of 4,086 cm³ (249.3 cu in). It produced an unspecified maximum of approximately 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) at 1200 rpm; for tax purposes, the vehicle was rated 16 hp (12 kW; 16 PS). The transmission had four forward gears and one reverse gear. Only the two rear axles were driven. The bare chassis (without body) weighed 2,700 kg (6,000 lb), and the maximum payload was 2,500 kg (5,500 lb).

VPDC

The VPDC was a truck. It received its general operating permit in August 1928. Its water-cooled MLK-type gasoline engine had four cylinders, a bore of 95 mm (3.7 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), resulting in a displacement of 3,969 cm³ (242.2 cu in); it delivered its maximum effective power of 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) at 1200 rpm, and for tax purposes, was rated at 15 hp (11 kW; 15 PS). The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. The chassis without the body weighed 4,000 kg (8,800 lb), and the maximum payload was also 4,000 kg (8,800 lb). Just one of the two rear axles was driven.

VPDE

The VPDE was an off-road truck. It received its general operating permit in March 1930. Its water-cooled MLB-type gasoline engine had four cylinders, a bore of 110 mm (4.3 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), resulting in a displacement of 5,322 cm³ (324.8 cu in); it delivered an unspecified maximum power at 1200 rpm, and for tax purposes, was rated 20 hp (15 kW; 20 PS). The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. The chassis without the body weighed 5 t (4.9 long tons; 5.5 short tons) and the maximum payload was 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Both rear axles were driven.

VPDF

The vehicle received its general operating permit in June 1929. Its water-cooled MLC-type gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 95 mm (3.7 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), resulting in a displacement of 3,969 cm³ (242.2 cu in). Its effective maximum power output was 40 hp (30 kW; 41 PS) at 2200 rpm; for tax purposes, the vehicle was rated 16 hp (12 kW; 16 PS). The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. The two rear axles were driven. The chassis alone weighed 4,000 kg (8,800 lb).

VPDK

Two VPDKs were built in 1931. It was intended as an armored personnel carrier and as an armored transport vehicle for the wounded. The engine and transmission were identical to those of the Berliet VPDF. The vehicle was 5.52 m (18 ft 1 in) long, 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) high, and 2.07 m (6 ft 9.5 in) wide. The wheelbase was 2.285 m (90 in) front and 1.35 m (53 in) rear, the front track 1.65 m (65.0 in), the rear 1.66 m (65.4 in). The curb weight, including the armored superstructure, was 5,450 kg (12,020 lb), the payload 750 kg (1,650 lb). The fuel tank had a capacity of 85 L (19 imp gal; 22 US gal), and the fuel consumption was 38.5 liters 38.5 L/100 km (7.3 mpg_‑imp; 6.1 mpg_‑US) The top speed was 55 km/h (34 mph). At least one vehicles was still in service with the 4^eme Cuirassier Regiment in Reims in January 1938.

VPDL

The VPDL was similar to the VPDC. It received its general operating permit on 7 December 1935. Its water-cooled MKU110 gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 110 mm (4.3 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), resulting in a displacement 7,983 cm³ (487.2 cu in); it delivered a maximum of 102 hp (76 kW; 103 PS) at 2000 rpm. For tax purposes, the vehicle was rated at 30 hp (22 kW; 30 PS). The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. The chassis without the body weighed 6,800 kg (15,000 lb), and the maximum gross weight was 13,000 kg (29,000 lb). Just one of the two rear axles was driven. The wheelbase was 4.52 m (178.0 in) between the front axle and the first rear axle, and 1.60 m (63.0 in) between the two rear axles.

VPDM

The VPDM was the prototype for a six-wheeled armored car. It received its general operating permit in November 1931. Its water-cooled gasoline engine had four cylinders, a 110 mm (4.3 in) and a stroke of 155 mm (6.1 in), resulting in a displacement 5,892 cm³ (359.6 cu in). Effective maximum power output was 80 hp at 2400 rpm. For tax purposes, the vehicle was rated at 23 hp (17 kW; 23 PS).. The transmission had four forward gears and one reverse gear. The chassis without the body weighed 3,600 kg (7,900 lb). Both rear axles were driven. Only one was built. Armor thickness was 9–20 mm (0.35–0.79 in), with 30 mm (1.2 in) on the turret front. All-up weight was 8,000 kg (18,000 lb). The crew was 5 men. Overall length was 4.50 m (14 ft 9 in) 4.50 m, width 2.15 m (7 ft 1 in), height 2.60 m (8 ft 6 in). It achieved a top speed of 65 km/h (40 mph). The armament was one 37 mm (1.5 in) Puteaux SA 18 cannon and one 7.5 mm (0.30 in) machinegun in the 360° rotating turret.

VPDS

The VPDS was a heavy, all-terrain, six-wheeled passenger car. It received its general operating permit in May 1937. Its water-cooled MKR gasoline engine had four cylinders, a bore of 80 mm (3.1 in) and a stroke of 120 mm (4.7 in), resulting in a displacement 2,413 cm³ (147.3 cu in), and delivered its unspecified maximum power output at 3200 rpm. For tax purposes, the vehicle was classified as a delivery van with 12 hp (8.9 kW; 12 PS), and as a passenger car with 14 hp (10 kW; 14 PS). The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. The chassis alone weighed 2000 2,000 kg (4,400 lb), and the maximum gross weight, including the body, was 6,400 kg (14,100 lb). The wheelbase was 2.675 m (105.3 in) between the front axle and the first rear axle, and 1.20 m (47 in) between the two rear axles. The vehicle was 5.58 m (18 ft 4 in) long and 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) wide. Both rear axles were driven.

VPDT

The VPDT was an all-terrain six-wheeled truck. It received its general operating permit at the end of October 1939, at a time when the Second World War had already begun. Its water-cooled MKU110 gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 110 mm (4.3 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), for a displacement of 7,983 cm³ (487.2 cu in), and delivered its unspecified maximum power at 2550 rpm; for tax purposes, the vehicle was rated at 30 hp (22 kW; 30 PS). The transmission had four forward gears and one reverse gear. The chassis alone weighed 4,800 kg (10,600 lb), and the maximum gross weight, including the body, was 11,000 kg (24,000 lb). The vehicle was 6.80 m (22 ft 4 in) long and 2.36 m (7 ft 9 in)wide. The wheelbase was 3.11 m (122 in) between the front axle and the first rear axle, and 1.25 m (49 in) between the two rear axles. Only one of the two rear axles was driven.

VPE

The VPE was an all wheel drive tractor. It received its general operating permit in May 1928. Its water-cooled MLB-type gasoline engine had four cylinders, a bore of 110 mm (4.3 in) and a stroke of 140 mm (5.5 in), resulting in a displacement 5,322 cm³ (324.8 cu in), and delivered its unspecified maximum power at 1200 rpm. For tax purposes, it was rated at 20 hp (15 kW; 20 PS). The transmission had six forward gears and one reverse gear. The bare chassis weighed 5,700 kg (12,600 lb). All three axles were driven.

VPED3

The VPED3 was a three-axle truck. It received its general operating permit in February 1932. Its water-cooled MDB diesel engine had four cylinders, a bore of 120 mm (4.7 in) and a stroke of 160 mm (6.3 in), for a displacement of 7,238 cm³ (441.7 cu in), and delivered its unspecified maximum power output at 1200 rpm. For tax purposes, the vehicle was rated at 28 hp (21 kW; 28 PS). The transmission had four forward gears and one reverse gear. The chassis without the body weighed 5,500 kg (12,100 lb), and the maximum gross weight was 14,000 kg (31,000 lb). One of the two rear axles was driven.

VPH

The vehicle received its general operating permit in February 1932. Its water-cooled MLC2 gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 85 mm (3.3 in) and a stroke of 120 mm (4.7 in), for a displacement of 4,086 cm³ (249.3 cu in). For tax purposes, the vehicle was rated 16 hp (12 kW; 16 PS); it had an actual output of 62 hp (46 kW; 63 PS) at 3000 rpm. The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. All three axles were driven. The vehicle was 5.07 m (16 ft 8 in) long and 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) wide. The wheelbase was 3.80 m (150 in), the track of all axles 3.11 m (122 in). The weight of the bare chassis was 4,000 kg (8,800 lb), and the maximum gross weight was 6,200 kg (13,700 lb). Two examples were built in 1931, each equipped with 13.2 mm (0.52 in) Hotchkiss M1929 machineguns on a twin anti-aircraft mount in the cargo bed. Both vehicles were tested to general satisfaction during the 1932 maneuvers, but series production did not take place.

VPM

Only one VPM was built, in 1928. It was 4.50 m (14 ft 9 in) long and 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) wide. The wheelbase was 3.30 m (130 in), the track width on all axles 1.78 m 1.78 m (70 in). Its other specifications and armament were identical to the VPH.

VPR

The vehicle was granted general operating approval on 27 December 1929. Its water-cooled MLS-type gasoline engine had six cylinders, a bore of 70 mm (2.8 in) and a stroke of 109 mm (4.3 in), for a displacement of 2,517 cm³ (153.6 cu in). It delivered an unspecified maximum power at 1200 rpm; for tax purposes, it was rated at 10 hp (7.5 kW; 10 PS). The transmission had four forward gears, one reverse gear, and a reduction gearbox. Both rear axles were driven. The chassis alone weighed 2,400 kg (5,300 lb) .

Another vehicle with the same type designation received its general operating approval three months later, on 24 March 1930. Unlike the first model described, it had all-wheel drive. All other dimensions were the same.

VPRM

Also on 24 March 1930, another vehicle, the VPRM, received its general operating permit. It was the chassis for an armored car, two of which were built in 1930 and tested by the French military in the Ouargla area of southern Algeria. Its engine bore was increased by 3 mm, to a displacement of 2,737 cm³ (167.0 cu in), delivering 51 hp (38 kW; 52 PS). The weight of the bare chassis increased to 2,750 kg (6,060 lb). This model had all-wheel drive. The vehicles had a crew of four. With 4–8 mm (0.16–0.31 in), armor, they weighed 5,250 kg (11,570 lb). They measured 4.64 m (15 ft 3 in) long overall, 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in) wide, and 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) high, with a wheelbase between the front and first rear axle of 1.82 m (72 in) m, between the first and second rear axle 1.75 m (69 in). The on-road range was 250 km, and top speed 60 km/h (37 mph). The vehicles were unarmed.. One vehicle was stripped of its armor around 1931-32 and instead received two twin 13.2 mm (0.52 in) Hotchkiss M1929 heavy machineguns, capable of rotating 360°, mounted on the cargo bed as an anti-aircraft weapon; it was lengthened to 4.80 m (189 in). It was now called the Berliet VPR2 and was stationed in Toulon for anti-aircraft defense.

Sources

Explanation

"Fiches des Mines": These are the documents required for issuing a general operating permit, for which the "Inspecteur des mines" (Mines Inspector) is responsible in France. These documents are arranged chronologically and numbered. Not every type or variant has corresponding documents, partly because they were likely considered sub-variants of a type for which a separate permit was not required, and partly because these documents have been lost over the last 100 years. For military types, there are indications that operating permits were issued directly by military authorities, which rendered corresponding "fiches des mines" unnecessary. The source designation is: "Fiches No.." "Etat des véhicules utilitaires et autobus declares aux mines depuis 1920" (State of Utilitarian Vehicles and Buses Declared at the Mines Since 1920), a 15-page compilation dated December 1, 1941, contains in particular the reserved chassis number bands, which, however, were often not fully utilized; some types or variants are not mentioned; source reference: "Etat S.."

"Nombre de véhicules construits de 1930 à 1942" (Number of Commercial Vehicles Built from 1930 to 1942), a seven-page compilation of the number of commercial vehicles built between 1930 and 1942, probably compiled in 1943; the first page is partially and irreparably damaged; in some places, several types or variants are grouped together; source reference: "Nombre S.."

References

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Other sources

• Chapelle, Monique. Berliet. 1st edition. EMCE, Saint-Chamond 2016, ISBN 978-2-35740-049-8. • Marcotte: "Le Salon de Poid Lourds", in La Revue Industrielle. Paris, January 1929, pp.1–3 (full text available at BnF-Gallica – type descriptions and photographs of Berliet trucks). • Puvilland, Christophe. Berliet 1905–1978, toute la gamme omnibus, autocars, autobus et trolleybus. 1st edition. histoire&collections, Paris 2008, ISBN 978-2-35250-059-9. • Vanderveen, Bart. The Observer’s Army Vehicles Directory to 1940. 1st edition. London & New York : Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd., 1974. ISBN 0-7232-1540-5. • Vauvillier, François. Tous les Berliet militaires 1914–1940, vol. 1: les trucks. histoire&collections, Paris 2019. ISBN 978-2-35250-496-2. • Vauvillier, François. "Les vehicles de defense of colonnes automobiles", in GBM154 p.39ff. histoire&collections, 2025, ISSN 1956-2497. • Vauvillier, François. "Motorization 1930", in GBM153 p.53ff. histoire&collections, 2025, ISSN 1956-2497.

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