Description
Brand. PEUGEOT
Model. 203 A
Year. 1951
Code | Type. SEDAN
Engine. 4 cylinders
Displacement. 1, 290 cm3
Fuel. Carburettor
Power. 42 HP
Mileage. 44, 300 km original
Gearbox. manual 4 gears
Equipment. Roof cap, original interior, sunroof, small rear window
Condition. Original
Paint colour. Brown algae
A Peugeot that had the mission of getting France back on the road!
It’s our heritage and it’s so pleasant to drive!
Will be at RETROMOBILE HALL 4 from 28/ 01 to 01/ 02/ 2026
History
After World War II, the automotive sector is in ruins, particularly in France. Factories were heavily bombed by both the Germans and the Allies, and steel was so scarce that the French State introduced quotas. These were reserved only for automotive companies deemed important enough, such as Renault, Citroën and Peugeot. Citroën took advantage of this chaotic period to restart production of its Traction while already imagining what the future Citroën 2CV would be. And Renault, the losange badge, was already working on its new project: the Renault 4CV!
Facing fierce competition, Peugeot had to refresh its range. The brand with the lion decided to build around a single model. A bold bet that would revive Peugeot from its ashes! This car would be the Peugeot 203!
Presented at the auto show on 7 October 1948, two 203 sedans aroused curiosity for 10 days. "French design, international class"—this slogan accompanied the entire launch campaign for the 203. The press was enthusiastic and highlighted the 203’s sobriety and modern comfort.
Descriptive
We offer for sale this rare PEUGEOT 203 sedan from 1951, displaying a very low mileage of under 45, 000 km original. It is a second-hand vehicle.
Bought from its first owner in 1995, this 203 had been stored in a barn on chocks with a blanket. The heirs decided to sell to empty the house. The car had been driven out onto the street ….. and its future buyer was warned by a neighbour.
The car showed 37, 000 km and looked good apart from faded paint. The "brown algae" paint had aged too much to stay as is, and in 1996 it was decided to repaint it in a workshop in Ablon (94) to professional standards. It was dismantled, interior removed, doors off; every trace of corrosion was hunted down (going as far as removing the sills) and there was none. After protection, the original sills were reinstalled and the algae-brown hue was reapplied.
Photos show the 203 at Montlhéry in June 1995, then in a paint booth and just reassembled in April 1996, and in 1997 in front of Notre Dame during a Peugeot 203/ Volvo 144 rally in Rétroviseur.
All consumables were replaced (windscreen and rear window seals), hoses, water pump, belt, ignition, brakes (regular servicing several times). In 1998, the cylinder head was entrusted to SIRS of Vitry (94) for inspection, replacement of guides, seats and valves, and a regrinding. Since then it has always been garaged, and little used (a few weddings, a few trips and a mini tour of France to the Corrèze, Dordogne, Périgord). The paint has not moved, it unfortunately suffered a tool fall on the bonnet about fifteen years ago. It has attended CILM (Peugeot gathering at Montlhéry) and the parade for the centenary of motoring.
The sequence of technical inspections gives an idea of its use and the mileage evolution, which is indeed original. It retains all its factory features (Peugeot certificate dated 26 December 1950) with its more prominent headlights, bumpers, etc. (it had rear lights on the wings in the 1960s; these were removed when it was repainted (the connections are still visible in the boot).
A new SIV was issued when the address changed. The FFVE issued its certificate to transfer to a collector’s plate at the end of 2025.
It can now pass hands for the great delight of its new owner.
The interior is original (seats, headlining, door panels). The seats were covered with period fabric, the fabric is presentable and will be at the discretion of the new owner.
Our verdict
A real PEUGEOT collector, an authentic PEUGEOT heritage vehicle!
