Description
This car is Lot 105 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 105
1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet
Registration no.
Chassis no. 2320136
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.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
