Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 105
1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis no. 2320136 Engine no. 2971670
Sold for €43,700 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 105
1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet
1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 2320136
Engine no. 2971670
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 2320136
Engine no. 2971670
• Delivered new in France
• French and US cultural icon
• Upholstery, soft top and trim refurbished with invoice on file
• French registration document
One of the most familiar cars on television, the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet was popularised by the American detective series Columbo, starring the inimitable Peter Falk. Introduced in 1955, the Pininfarina-styled 403 was based on the smaller 203 and powered by a 1,468cc four-cylinder engine of advanced design that incorporated over-square dimensions, overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers and wet cylinder liners. Solidly constructed and possessing exemplary reliability, the 403 lasted in production until 1967, by which time a staggering 1.2 million had been built. The mechanically similar two-door cabriolet version was shorter lived, being produced from 1955 to 1961 only, during which time just 2,050 examples were made, and today it is one of the best loved post-war French cars.
Delivered new in France in May 1959, finished in metallic dark grey with a fawn leather interior, this Peugeot 403 Cabriolet underwent significant maintenance in 2015, followed by a complete refurbishment of the upholstery, carpets, and black soft top in 2016 (invoices on file). It has since covered very few miles. According to the previous owner, it is believed to have had just three owners prior to the current owner, who acquired it at auction in 2016, making them the fourth. Preserved in static display in recent years, the car will require recommissioning prior to use.
• French and US cultural icon
• Upholstery, soft top and trim refurbished with invoice on file
• French registration document
One of the most familiar cars on television, the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet was popularised by the American detective series Columbo, starring the inimitable Peter Falk. Introduced in 1955, the Pininfarina-styled 403 was based on the smaller 203 and powered by a 1,468cc four-cylinder engine of advanced design that incorporated over-square dimensions, overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers and wet cylinder liners. Solidly constructed and possessing exemplary reliability, the 403 lasted in production until 1967, by which time a staggering 1.2 million had been built. The mechanically similar two-door cabriolet version was shorter lived, being produced from 1955 to 1961 only, during which time just 2,050 examples were made, and today it is one of the best loved post-war French cars.
Delivered new in France in May 1959, finished in metallic dark grey with a fawn leather interior, this Peugeot 403 Cabriolet underwent significant maintenance in 2015, followed by a complete refurbishment of the upholstery, carpets, and black soft top in 2016 (invoices on file). It has since covered very few miles. According to the previous owner, it is believed to have had just three owners prior to the current owner, who acquired it at auction in 2016, making them the fourth. Preserved in static display in recent years, the car will require recommissioning prior to use.
Footnotes
1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet
Carrosserie par Pininfarina
Châssis n° 2320136
Moteur n° 2971670
• Livrée neuve en France
• Icône populaire en France et aux USA
• Sellerie, garnitures et capote restaurées avec soin, facture au dossier
• Carte grise française barrée
Une des voitures les plus familières de la télévision, la Peugeot 403 cabriolet fut popularisée par l'inspecteur de la série américaine Columbo, incarné par l'inimitable Peter Falk. Introduit sur le marché en 1955, la 403, dessinée par Pininfarina, est constuite sur la base de la petite 203 et motorisée par un quatre cylindres de 1468 cm3. Sa fabrication en fait une automobile solide possédant une fiabilité exemplaire. La 403 achève sa production en 1967, après avoir été diffusée à 1 200 000 exemplaires. La version deux portes cabriolet, dotée du même moteur, eut une période de production plus courte puisqu'elle ne fut fabriquée que de 1955 à 1961, avec seulement 2 050 exemplaires. La 403 cabriolet est devenue l'une des populaires françaises les plus appréciées.
Livrée neuve en France en mai 1959, en gris foncé métallisé avec un intérieur en cuir fauve, cette Peugeot 403 cabriolet a bénéficié d'un important entretien en 2015 et d'une réfection complète des garnitures, moquettes et de la capote en alpaga noir en 2016 (factures disponible) et n'a depuis parcouru que très peu de kilomètres. Selon l'ancien propriétaire, elle n'aurait connu que trois propriétaires. L'actuel, qui l'a acquise lors d'une vente aux enchères en 2016, serait donc le quatrième. Conservée en exposition statique ces dernières années, elle nécessitera une remise en route avant tout usage.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 4 February 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 CET
- 5 February 2025, 09:00 - 18:00 CET
- 6 February 2025, 10:00 - 18:00 CET
