Peugeot 403
Peugeot 403 Saloon ( 1955-1966 )
The Peugeot 403 was an automobile series, which was presented in April 1955 in Paris for the first time to the public and for Peugeot meant the step to become an internationally successful large -scale manufacturers. The 403 was the first Peugeot, whose number exceeded the one million mark; a total of something produced over 1.2 million vehicles. In addition, the model has been sold in more countries than any other Peugeot models before.
History
For the design of the prototype as well as for the production model of the 403, the key features have been implemented in series production, the Italian design company Pininfarina was responsible. During the eleven-year production period included the Model 403 family of a four-door notchback sedan, a station wagon called Break, the seven -to eight- seater Familiale, a closed van with three doors, a pickup truck and a convertible.
The design of the 403 was characterized by the time of his very modern pontoon. Technically groundbreaking was the safety equipment with a rack and pinion steering and Michelin X radial tires. A steel sunroof was available as standard except for the cheapest 1.3 -liter model in Germany. End of the 1950s could choose among 51 customers of proposed options, combination models were also available with a diesel engine.
Power was supplied in 403, a four-cylinder petrol engine with 1.5 liter displacement and 58 hp, from 1960, with 1.3 liters and 54 hp. As of 1959, a 1.9 - liter diesel engine was optionally available. After initial experiments with compression-ignition units had already been made in the 1930s, sold from 1959 Peugeot 403 with the first one equipped with a diesel engine passenger cars in large numbers.
The Peugeot 403 convertible was driven by its long production time by actor Peter Falk in his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series of the same name, whereby the vehicle gained an additional level of awareness.
Body versions
From 403 there were four different body styles:
- Four-door notchback sedan ( April 1955-November 1966 )
- Two-door convertible ( August 1956-April 1960 )
- Five-door station wagon ( September 1956-November 1966 )
- Two-door pickup ( September 1956-May 1967 )
Facelift
During the relatively long construction period of about eleven years, the 403 was hardly changed. The first 403 were still delivered without turn signals. From 1958 round turn signals were front mounted below the headlights. Older models in Germany are usually retrofitted with these indicators.
In 1961 the grille provided with a wide chrome frame and center bar has been replaced by a simpler version without center bar.
Peugeot 403 Cabriolet ( 1956 to 1960 )
Peugeot 403 Break (1956-1966)
Peugeot 403 Camion ( 1956-1967 )
Swell
- Classic car market magazine 11/1987 S.18ff