Vehicle Description
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 Peugeot's 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 AeroCoupe and the striking Peugeot
402-based Darl'Mat. 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 - we're 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 Finistere,
in the Western part of Brittany. In July of 1971, it is understood
to have been acquired by Mr. Gernard Bouet, of Nan�ay, 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 restorer's 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
