Fascinating French Classic Cars: Robust and Elegant Peugeot 203
When launched in 1948, the Peugeot 203 undeniably introduced innovations. It became legendary for robustness and reliability. A rare coupé was produced for two years only.
The Peugeot 203 was launched in 1948. It is the first post-WWII model produced by the Sochaux assembly line and remains the sole new car proposed by Peugeot until the creation of the 403. In 1949 the factory delivers 100 cars a day. This could be multiplied by three but the lack of raw materials slows down the production of all car manufacturers.
Peugeot 203 sedan, 1949. Note the lion, emblem of Peugeot on the bonnet (until 1957).
The 203 presents a monocoque body (also called structural skin) which became legendary for robustness until recent years. Its pure line ends with a magnificient integrated trunk. The dashboard is very convenient and it is equipped with a sunshine roof. Its 1290 cc four cylinder engine (42 hp – 31kW) has combustion chambers of the hemispherical form and is almost square 72 x 73, therefore capable of sustaining high rating. Speed is 71 mph (115 km/h) brought to 75 mph (120 km/h) in 1952. The column mounted shifter, as on American cars of the time, actuates a four speed manual gear box, upgraded several times until 1954 with a better version. Power is delivered to the rear wheels.
Rear of the Peugeot 203 sedan, 1954.
Peugeot 203 convertible 1951.
In november 1950 appears the 203 convertible. 2544 units will be manufactured in all until 1956. Its line is pure, the drawing is a real success whatever the angle. The elegant coupé with such a pure profile is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in october 1952. It will be proposed only for two years. It has become extremely rare.
A 203 station wagon will be prososed in 1950 as well as a pick-up.
In 1956, only the sedan is featured , the Peugeot 403 arrived in 1955 and the 203 will continue somehow or other until the fatidical date February 26, 1960 when the last 203 comes out of the assembly line. 700,000 units were built and its price remained almost unchanged
for 10 years.
Rare Peugeot 203 coupé, 1952.
Peugeot 203 station wagon, 1950.
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I loved this article! I love classic cars, they have a life of their own and the shape of them with all the curves are so much sexier and romantic than new cars of today.
I agree with you Lilly. Please check out my other articles on French Classic cars here. Thank you.
