Peugeot 403

Peugeot
Peugeot 403 sedan (1955–1966)
403
Production period:	1955-1967
Class :	Middle class
Body versions :	Limousine , station wagon , cabriolet , pickup , panel van
Engines:	Otto engines : 1.3–1.5 liters (40–43 kW) Diesel engine : 1.8 liters (35 kW)
Length:	4470 mm
Width:	1676 mm
Height:	1454 mm
Wheelbase :	2667 mm
Empty weight :	1080 kg
Previous model	Peugeot 402
successor	Peugeot 404

The Peugeot 403 was a series of passenger cars that was presented to the public for the first time in Paris in April 1955 and marked the step for Peugeot to become an internationally successful large-scale manufacturer. The 403 was the first Peugeot, the number of which exceeded the million mark; a total of just over 1.2 million vehicles were produced. In addition, the model was sold in more countries than any other Peugeot model before.

history

The Italian design company Pininfarina was responsible for the draft of the prototype as well as for the series model of the 403, the main features of which were implemented in series production . During the eleven years of production, the model family of the 403 included a four-door notchback sedan, a station wagon called Break , the seven- to eight-seat Familiale , a closed box van with three doors, a pickup and a convertible .

The design of the 403 was characterized by the very modern pontoon shape at the time . A steel sliding roof was part of the standard equipment except for the inexpensive 1.3-liter model in Germany. At the end of the 1950s, customers were able to choose from 51 variants , station wagons were also available with a diesel engine.

The 403 was powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1.5 liters and 58 hp, from 1960 also with 1.3 liters and 54 hp. A 1.9-liter diesel engine was also available from 1959. After the first attempts with compression-ignition units had already been made in the 1930s, from 1959 Peugeot sold the 403 for the first time, a passenger car equipped with a diesel engine, in large numbers. The vehicle was the first water-cooled production car whose fan was automatically regulated depending on the temperature. It switched itself on at a cooling water temperature of 82 ° C and switched off when the temperature dropped below 68 ° C (initially at 75 ° C). At that time, other vehicles still had unregulated fans that were permanently on.

Long after its production time, the Peugeot 403 convertible was driven by actor Peter Falk in his role as Inspector Columbo in the television series of the same name, which made the vehicle even more popular.

Body versions

There were four different body styles of the 403:

• four-door notchback sedan (April 1955 to October 1966)
• two-door convertible (August 1956 to April 1960)
• five-door station wagon (September 1956 to September 1962)
• two-door pickup (September 1956 to August 1967)

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  Rear view

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  Peugeot 403 Cabriolet (1956-1960)

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  Peugeot 403 Break (1956-1962)

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  Peugeot 403 Camion (1956-1967)

Facelift

During the relatively long construction period of over eleven years, the 403 was hardly changed. The first 403 were delivered without indicators . From 1958, round indicators were installed below the headlights at the front . Older models in Germany are usually retrofitted with these indicators.

From 1961, the radiator grille with a wide chrome-plated frame and central bar was replaced by a simpler version without a central bar.

literature

• Oldtimer-Markt, issue 11/1987, p. 18 ff.

Web links

Commons : Peugeot 403  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Fan with coupling . In: Motor Vehicle Technology 6/1962, pp. 248–249.