Peugeot 203

Some July vacationers are already at their holiday destination, while others are in the process of packing their bags. Inevitably, a few memories resurface, like when the whole family would pile into the family car for the summer holidays. 2CV, , 4CV, , Dauphine, everyone has their own memories of those holiday departures in the 1950s. Some, however, had a little more space than others, particularly those who boarded in their Peugeot 203.

The premiere of a beautiful family

The Peugeot 203 It is the very first of the Serie 03 cars. It takes over from the Serie 02, which appeared before the war but whose production resumed after the conflict. Indeed, it is the 202 which is the only car in the range until 1948.

It is on that date that the Peugeot 203. It is a much more modern car, and this is even a significant part of its specifications: by being ranked among the 10 fiscal horsepower cars, it must aim for the performance of cars with 11 to 14 fiscal horsepower from before the war. A real challenge, and one car in particular is in its sights: the Citroën Traction 11.

For this, a 4-cylinder engine of 1290 cm³ that develops 42hp is introduced. Paired with a gearbox, not yet synchronized, it allows the "Americanized" style sedan to reach nearly 120 km/h. However, consideration has also been given to what happens when this speed is achieved, as the braking, a weak point of the "02", has been enhanced.

Available from 1949, the production of the Peugeot 203 is initially weak. It is not a commercial issue but rather problems with the supply of raw materials that arise.

Very quickly the Peugeot 203 The sedan is complete and we end up with a true range. The business sedan offers simplified equipment, while the convertible is much more high-end.

The year 1950 saw the introduction of family and commercial versions, which we would call station wagons today, as well as a pickup truck.

We will move upmarket again in 1952 with the Cabriolet and then the Coupé the following year.

Sales are good. The Peugeot 203 It evolves in small steps. The small rear windows of the sedans change in 1953 and the following year it finally receives a synchronized gearbox.

In reality, it is the box that will equip the new one. Peugeot 403 launched in 1955. A major evolution of the Peugeot 203, with a bigger engine, a more modern style. Some might say "the same but better." And that is precisely what will dictate the design of the Peugeot for many years. Because with the Peugeot 203, The manufacturer with the lion emblem has created a family that will continue well after the discontinuation of the "03" designations. It is a family of mid-range cars, with front engines and rear-wheel drive, designed for the whole family, yet still available in a true range. The 403, , 404 and 504 will thus take up the torch and remain cars appreciated by the lion's clientele. Cars for a family that wants something bigger than a 4CV or a/an 2CV. Families that are caricatured as provincial bourgeois... and it's ultimately quite true. Many will be the ones who go on vacation in 203... before repeating the path with their descendants.

The 203 will remain in the catalog until February 1960. But it will not leave the roads for that matter !

The Peugeot 203 stars of the world of collection

It is undeniably one of the iconic cars in the world of collecting. Regardless of the version, the Peugeot 203 attracts attention just as much as the other popular ones from the same era.

The fact that nearly 700,000 cars have been produced is a real advantage because it is not rare.

However, in collecting, its age means that some pieces can be difficult to find. Many are shared with the 403, particularly for the mechanical parts, but the 203 models from the early years require parts that are not always reproduced. However, the range of the most sensitive parts is still well supplied., you will find no fewer than 87 references to restore a Peugeot 203 on the online store Alepoc.

And if you don't find what you're looking for in this catalog, don't hesitate to contact us, we might be able to find THE piece you're looking for !