1936 Peugeot 402

In the mid-1930s, Peugeot was among the most respected names in the European auto industry. Through a conservative, measured approach to innovation, Peugeot produced cars that were refined, safe, and well-built, with a quiet sophistication to their design. The 402 of 1935 was Peugeots versatile large family car, replacing the comparatively staid looking 401. In standard form, the 402 featured a striking streamlined body, distinguished by its steeply raked, flowing grille with inset headlamps, gracefully arched fenders, and a clean, unadorned body. Power came via a 1991cc OHV inline four, with later cars seeing a slight bump to 2142cc. While not a barn burner, it was a stout and potent engine that was easily tunable and proved itself well in competition. Undoubtedly influenced by the Chrysler Airflow, the 402 was more positively received by French buyers, as some 75,000 were built between 1935 and 1942.

Thanks to its separate chassis configuration, the 402 could be offered with a wide range of body styles, with custom coachwork an option for more well-to-do clients, and Peugeot often called on Marcel Pourtout Carrossier, one of the finest Parisian coachbuilders of the period. Under the guidance of its enigmatic lead designer George Paulin, Pourtout turned out machines like the Embiricos Bentley, the Delage D8 AeroCoup and the striking Peugeot 402-based DarlMat. Paulin was a dentist by trade, yet he was also a master of line and proportion and a prolific inventor indeed a renaissance man. One of his most innovative and influential designs was for a retractable hard top created for Peugeot in 1934. Dubbed Eclipse and based on a 401 chassis, it was a clever design that combined the best of a hard top coupe with an open-air convertible, executed with outstanding proportions that shame even some modern attempts were looking at you, Chrysler Sebring!

While Peugeot licensed the design for the 402 range, it was used on other marques as well, such as Lancia. The complex design required a fair amount of hand-building, so it was unsurprisingly an expensive model, accounting for just a fraction of total 402 production. Estimates suggest a few hundred were made, though today, as few as 29 survive. A breathtaking display of Art Deco design and innovation, it is a fitting reflection of its brilliant creator.

Offered here is chassis 616372, a rare surviving example of the Peugeot 402 Eclipse. This car is believed to have been delivered to its first owner in 1936, and that it remained in their hands until 1968. Between 1968 and 1971, the car was registered in Finistre, in the Western part of Brittany. In July of 1971, it is understood to have been acquired by Mr. Gernard Bouet, of Nanay, in Central France. He was yet another long-term custodian, as the owner of record for 35 years, but seemingly doing little with the car during his time. When it was discovered by a German Citroen dealer in 2006, the Peugeot was complete, but in barn find condition, prime for restoration.

The new German owner embarked on what was said to be an exhaustive restoration, carefully dismantling and refinishing the body, interior, and engine to return the Peugeot to its original splendor. By 2011, the Eclipse reemerged in its freshly restored state, finished handsomely in cream with a subtly contrasting tan roof. The restorers efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved first in class at the competitive Schloss Bensberg Classic concours in Germany. In 2015, the most recent owner acquired it for his extensive USA-based collection of rare and significant Art Deco automobiles. Since then, the Peugeot has been proudly displayed alongside several other rare and important classics and has rarely been shown in public. In preparation for sale, light recommissioning has been performed, though more may be required if the next custodian wishes to embark on tours or rallies. Whether for driving, concours display or both, this exceptionally rare, stylish and innovative Peugeot will undoubtedly turn heads as it seamlessly transforms from coupe to cabriolet.

Offers welcome and trades considered