With the BB 9003 and 9004, the first two four-axle SNCF express electric locomotives were built in France. For the power transmission, a cardan shaft was used for the first time in order to optimally cushion the traction motors. In 1955, the 9003 was the first locomotive to cover a longer distance with remote control. In the same year, the 9004 set a speed record of 331 km/h. The locomotive had previously been extensively modified in order to be able to reach this speed. The record runs were carried out together with the CC 7107, which had just reached 326 km/h. 