Peugeot 403 racing, 1959.
Pininfarina-styled Peugeot 403s are a rare sight in the UK, and were never particular commonplace even during the 1950s and 1960s, certainly compared to home-grown offerings. My first exposure to this model was thanks to Columbo, the ruffled TV detective who was often to be seen, cruising around in a time-worn 403 convertible. A "Familiale" estate, or station-wagon, restoration project also turned up at a local garage a few years ago for sale, but it's been a while since I last saw one at a show.
|
|
Both of the photographs shown below turned up in a batch I bought off ebay, a few years ago. They're believed to have been taken in South Africa, more specifically at a race meeting held at the Roy Hesketh Circuit in Pietermaritzburg, 1959. The first is of car number 23, a two-tone 1468cc Peugeot 403 pressing on during a race. Except for the removal of the hubcaps, it looks to be an otherwise standard car. The photos could well have been taken at the Six-Hour Endurance Test For Special Series Production and Sports Cars, held at the circuit, although online records suggest that car 23 didn't take part or even turn up - which doesn't fit with the scene shown below. Maybe someone who attended the meeting will know for sure? Stanley Motors Ltd are known to have entered at least one example in the 1959 Six Hours.
|
| (Please click the thumbnail to view the full-size image.) |
|
|
|
The second, slightly fuzzy, photograph shows another 403 out on track. This one looks to be competely standard, so perhaps wasn't competing but could have belonged to someone at the circuit, or was used as a course car.
|
|
|
|
The brochure cover shown below is for the slightly later 403s, identifiable by a revised grille.
|
|
|
"The 403 Comfort De Luxe Saloon is fitted with separate front seats which adjust forwards and backwards and can be turned into beds."
|
|
"All front doors are fitted with arm-rests, inside locks and door arresters. The two front doors have locks on the outside."
|
|
"There is a choice of interior trim; either in cloth of various colours or resistant plastic coated fabric, all matched to the body colours."
|
|
Return to Page 19 in the photographic archive, or visit the main index here.
|
