Peugeot 203 '52

  Introduced in 1948, the 203 was the first "real" Peugeot after the war. His success was immediate and lasted the life of this popular car par excellence. Produced between 1949 and 1960, it sold over 700,000 copies. Its legendary solidity, its engine deemed indestructible make it a legend in the history of Peugeot, and a family car par excellence. In these difficult times experienced by France in the immediate postwar, Peugeot is content to produce the 202 again while its engineers are working on an unprecedented model, taking into account a precise set of specifications: it must be Monohull (frame attached to the bodywork), accommodate at least five people in an acceptable comfort and a synchronized gearbox, among others. Other novelties, such as rack-and-pinion steering, prove to be so innovative that they will be taken over as is in the Peugeot 403 that will succeed it. At the time, the 203 was considered a fairly large car whose profile was reminiscent of some American achievements: its curved wheel arches, its chest falling gently reflected some achievements of Chevrolet, for example. But here the comparison stops. As for the space in the cabin, it is relatively small: that is why one of the derived models had a considerable success: the Familiale, which could carry at ease the father, the mother, three children and luggage for endless journeys, so much the car was comfortable.