Peine Touché

The Model 203 was France’s first post-war design; between 1948 and 1960, a total of 685,828 units were built. It was the first Peugeot to feature a unibody construction and the first Peugeot passenger car equipped with hydraulic brakes. Furthermore, it boasted a 12-volt electrical system and a synchronized transmission—though these features had already distinguished Peugeot’s pre-war models. The entirely new engines—featuring overhead valves and an aluminum cylinder head—were state-of-the-art for their time; their fundamental design remained in production until 1992, powering models such as the 505 GL. This engine family ranks among the most robust automotive engines ever built. Thanks to their reliability and ease of maintenance, Peugeot models equipped with this generation of engines (specifically the 203, 403, 404, 504, and 505) remain among the most popular vehicles in so-called emerging economies to this day. The Model 203 was available in a variety of body styles: Berline (sedan), Découvrable (convertible sedan), Décapotable (convertible), Coupé, Commercial (station wagon), Familiale (three-row station wagon), Fourgonette (delivery van), and as a flatbed pickup truck. In the post-war era, the “American Way of Life” took hold in Western Europe—and with it, American trends in automotive design. Consequently, the 203 possesses a distinct American flair—a style that, at the time, served as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and prosperity.

We acquired this particular 203 C in 2020 from a Peugeot enthusiast in Lower Saxony. The car was first registered in France on July 25, 1958, and has seen very little use throughout its lifetime. The final French registration expired on February 26, 1992, and was issued in Châteauneuf-la-Bégude-de-Mazenc, located on the edge of the French Maritime Alps. From there, the Peugeot made its way to Bremen, where it was subsequently registered. Finally, in 2017, an enthusiast from Lower Saxony purchased the car and added it to his collection. He occasionally drove the vehicle using temporary red license plates. According to information provided by the previous owner, the engine was overhauled in the late 1990s; however, no documentation exists to substantiate this claim. The current odometer reading stands at 47,547 kilometers, and we assume that the odometer has rolled over once. The car remains largely in its original condition; it starts instantly and drives with a wonderfully smooth and supple quality—exactly as it should. The seats are fitted with their original protective covers. In 2020, we sold the car to an enthusiast from Berlin; prior to the sale, we repainted both rear fenders and the rare, original roof rack. Since 2020, this gentleman from Berlin has driven the car a mere 594 kilometers. Consequently, the Peugeot remains in a virtually untouched original state—*peine touché*.

We subject every vehicle to a systematic inspection—covering everything from the bodywork and engine to the electrical system. Based on this assessment, we present three distinct package options. You decide which offer best suits your needs.

Économie – €18,600
An inspected, roadworthy vehicle in authentic original condition, complete with a German “H-Plate” (historic vehicle) certification.

Standard – €23,650
Includes a full service inspection, oil change, new fuel tank sender unit, carburetor cleaning, a set of new period-correct tires, and a fresh statutory technical inspection (TÜV).

Suprême – €25,800
Additionally features a dry-ice blasted engine bay, polished and sealed paintwork, as well as comprehensive cavity and underbody preservation using wax.

We would be happy to send you the details regarding the three proposals. Alternatively, simply give us a call, and we will explain everything to you personally.