Description
1952 - Peugeot 203 Cabriolet
Chassis no. 1228505
French registration
Instructions:
"Ready to hit the road, hair in the wind".
In the aftermath of the Second World War, the car industry was in ruins, and the Sochaux automaker was looking for a model that could replace the 402 while competing with Citroën's Traction 15-Six. After a few months of study, the 203, the only model in the Peugeot range until 1955, was presented to the public.
To satisfy demand, several versions were produced on this basis: from the 4-door sedan to the family station wagon, not forgetting the coupé, cabriolet and panel van. In all, almost 700, 000 203s of all versions were produced, making this car a real commercial success.
The model we're interested in is one of the 2, 567 203 cabriolets produced, launched in July 1952 but probably built a few months earlier. It was bought by the current owner around 10 years ago, as a car to be completely taken over. A professional bodybuilder, he undertook a lengthy but meticulous restoration, including extensive sheet metal work: the underframes were replaced and the whole car was repainted in its original shade, a very elegant burgundy wine-red, with the hood also redone in black.
The upholstery, in red leather, is beautifully crafted. At the restoration, the engine was changed for a new 1500, with a 4-in-1 exhaust and a sporty intake pipe.
Our test drive confirmed the excellent performance of this engine, and a car ready for any distance. 203s are reliable, endearing cars, and wouldn't a convertible be the ideal vintage car for sunny days?
