After the 161 AE proved to be the best of the four test locomotives on the Maurienne route, each ten locomotives with a total of six powered axles and only two carrying axles were ordered from SACM and Fives-Lille, the electrical parts of which were designed by CEF (Constructions électriques de France). SACM's contribution was the 161 CE, which had a one-piece body. In contrast to the 161 AE and BE, three powered axles were stored in a bogie. The carrying axle at each end of the locomotive was designed to be radially adjustable.

The locomotive body did not have small hoods at the ends, but platforms with doors on the front. The continuous output was only 1,170 kW, but was sufficient for freight trains. The locomotives remained in use on the original route for most of their lives, only four were temporarily relocated during the Second World War. Their SNCF numbers were 1CC1 3701 to 3710. They were retired between 1967 and 1972 and then all were scrapped.