Few automobile concepts are as versatile as the Peugeot 203, which was produced in an unprecedented variety of versions from luxurious convertibles through to rugged trucks. Small workshops and enthusiasts were producing newer and newer variants long after Peugeot discontinued its production. Here are a few official and unofficial adaptations of the piece called 203:
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One doesn't need to look long for examples of the 203 that have been modified by car body businesses such as the one of Emile Darl'Mat, the official Peugeot dealer serving Paris at the time. Darl'Mat produced a luxury edition 120 were made between 1949 and 1954. Its distinguishing features include a Cadillac-style front air inlet, special rear design, and a 1.5-litre 60 PS (approx. 59 bhp) engine. The renowned Swiss Worblaufen workshop produced a four-seater luxury convertible, but the car styling companies Letourneur & Marchand and Pietron Frua also built their custom Coupé versions of the 203.
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At the 1954 Tour de France cyclists were guided by 14 top-less, door-less 203s decorated with the tricolore. |
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Back then, a large proportion of cars were grey or black, especially the wagons and vans, which came with typical roof railings. |
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Take a set of white-rimmed tyres and a few chrome accessories, and it already looks very different. Of course, the roof railing is a must. |
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The 7-seater Familiale was tuned for more comfort than the 5-seater Commerciale. |
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This is the duco I had first wanted for my van. However, Fourgonettes were not produced in dual colour and mine had to be exactly like the original for it to receive the official oldtimer status. (The one on the picture is probably not original either, judging by the front mask.) |
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A nicely restored Camoinette Bachée even the canvas is fitted like on the original. |
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The 203 had quite an international career and made it even beyond the French ex-colonies. This exemplar is being used in Australia, despite being left-hand drive. |
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A rather daring custom car that can hardly hide its American origin. In terms of taste, not my territory… |
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The 203 would hardly count as a real van if they hadn't made an ambulance… |
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…and a fire fighter version. |
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The compulsory hearse, |
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and convict transporter. |
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Using cars as an advertising surface is not a recent concept. |
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No, this is not a Rolls-Royce. It's a 203 luxury convertible parked in Las Vegas. The mechanical turn signal on the side makes it all the more valuable. |
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A real French blue-blood would only a take a trip to the neighbouring castle in a Peugeot. |
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Duo-colour dramatically changes a car's appearance. Even so, this combination of colours has probably never made it to serial production. |
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And finally, the most gorgeous standard colour for a 203. This became the colour of choice for my Fourgonette. |
