Beschreibung
H&H Classics Auction on 14th Jun, 2023 13:00
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
1952 Peugeot D3A Van
Estimate
£14, 000 - £16, 000
Buyer's Premium applies (subject to a minimum charge and VAT)
Lot details
Registration No: USL 223
Chassis No: 1060254
MOT: Exempt
Extremely rare light commercial van
Part of a private collection since 2008
Maintained by an ex-Formula 1 mechanic
Peugeot acquired the business of Chenard-Walcker in 1950 and with it the manufacturing rights to their range of front wheel drive light commercial forward control vans which, based on a wartime design, had been in production since June 1946. Chenard-Walcker’s CPV was initially powered by a two-cylinder water-cooled two-stroke displacing just 1021cc. However, the need for more power was soon met by the adoption of Peugeot’s 1133cc unit from the 202 model in 1947. Following the launch of Peugeot’s 203 range in 1950 the 1290cc engine from this model was quickly adopted and the D3 morphed into the newly designated D3A which now boasted an output of 32hp. In production for a further 15 years, little was to change in their physical appearance although larger power units were progressively fitted until production finally ceased in 1965.
The delightful and extremely rare 1290 cc example offered here is understood to have been restored around 1998 and currently displays some 46, 000 km on its odometer. Finished in contrasting yellow over blue paintwork with grey interior, USL 223 was acquired by the vendor in 2008 from a Peugeot dealer in Sandbanks. Following its purchase the little van was given a thorough mechanical check over before entering his private collection where it has been regularly maintained by an ex-Formula 1 mechanic. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is now described as having “excellent” bodywork, paintwork, engine, transmission and interior. Believed to be one of just four examples currently known in the UK, it is accompanied by a rare complete parts book, magazine articles and sales brochure. A charming and unusual van with bags of potential for business promotion or simply pure enjoyment!
