1957 PEUGEOT 203 Découvrable

Incredible patina Known history Rare and sought-after model Belgian registration title Chassis n° 1301119 After World War II, Europe needs to be rebuilt, and car manufacturers each develop a car adapted to the difficult economic context. Peugeot, which resumed its pre-war production, including the famous 202, was now trying to compete with Citroën’s Traction Avant in its segment. The pragmatic constructor from the east of France defines a simple set of specifications: the future Peugeot must be a 10 HP car, powerful, comfortable, offering maximum safety, with good handling and efficient braking. Rather than developing several cars at once, a client should be available to choose his car from the widest possible range. The newcomer, christened 203, according to a terminology started with the 201 at the end of the 1920s, was presented to the press and dealers of the brand in October 1947, before being unveiled to the general public at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, the very first post-war event. It was an immediate success, especially since the company allowed financing for its workers. In accordance with its specifications, the 203 was offered in a multitude of versions, including a coupé, a cabriolet, a station wagon, a commercial vehicle, a van and a cab-top, which delighted industrial and independent coachbuilders. With its American production lines, the popular Peugeot fit perfectly into the French automotive landscape of the 1950s, already contributing to the reputation of great robustness of Sochaux’s productions. The last and 699,863rd Peugeot 203 rolled off the production line on February 25, 1960. The 203 which illustrates these pages is a rare and sought-after «Découvrable» version, which will be produced from 1949 onwards in 11 514 units. In comparison, the highly-rated 203 Cabriolet was produced in 2 567 units. And if it is not rare to see a Cabriolet today, the Découvrable versions are more discreet.   The one that illustrates these pages was bought by the father of the current owner in 1989. Copies of the old registration papers allow us to know that the car was sold new in Algeria, in the department of Constantine, whose administrative number was then 93. In 1957, the car was repatriated to France, in Dordogne, before joining another department, then Oise in 1986. If the engine, gearbox, axle and brakes were rebuilt in 1979, its new Belgian owner had various cosmetic works carried out: repair of the hood, door panels and carpets, restoration of part of the bodywork with the floors changed and a complete paint job. The file that accompanies the car includes invoices going back to 1978, when the car was only a youngtimer! This 203 Découvrable is now presented to us in a superb state, testifying to its continuous use since leaving the factory, and to the great successive care it has received. The paint is not perfect, but the base is very sound. T he blue leather interior (redone in 1983) with its inimitable patina is more than welcoming for its future owner, to complete the next part of the journey...