The Peugeot 203 has made quite an appearance in the Vietnamese market, with over 18 units circulating, most of which are the coupe version. However, there are a few enthusiasts who prefer the convertible experience, and they’ve taken it upon themselves to modify their coupes by cutting off the roof and installing a soft top, replicating the cabriolet model. There are also a few rare, authentic Peugeot 203 Cabriolets in existence.
Recently, a Peugeot 203 Cabriolet has surfaced in the classic car market, making it the third of its kind to be spotted on social media, but the first with a unique white exterior, red soft top, and pristine red interior.
According to the seller, he was fortunate to acquire this gem from a discreet vintage car collector in Vietnam. It took quite a drive to reach the collection, but it was well worth it, as he returned with several stunning automobiles, including this very Peugeot 203 Cabriolet that’s now up for sale.
This particular Peugeot 203 Cabriolet is a 1954 model, marking its 70th anniversary this year. Despite its age, the car is in remarkable condition, with a shiny exterior, well-maintained soft top, and an interior that looks as good as new. Even the chrome details still retain their luster.
The Peugeot 203 caused quite a stir in France upon its release. In a strategic move, Peugeot included a detailed description and advertisement of the upcoming 203 on the back page of a sales flyer distributed to potential buyers of the Peugeot 202 in October 1947, nearly a year before the 203 was available for purchase. This created a buzz and built anticipation for the new model.
When the 203 finally hit the market, there was a surge in demand, and its practicality, affordability, and reliability quickly made it a popular choice for drivers. By 1950, 200 units were rolling off the production line each day. That year, the 203 achieved impressive domestic sales figures, capturing 19.5% of the French automobile market, second only to the much smaller and cheaper Renault 4CV.
Six years into production, data on used car sales started to emerge. In early 1954, it was observed that the Peugeot 203 held its value better than any other French car on the market. This was attributed to a combination of factors, including its reliable and economical engine, good equipment levels (including a sunroof), exceptional maneuverability due to its unusually tight turning circle, and, despite a somewhat unfriendly gearbox, an entirely new fully synchronized “C2” gearbox that was introduced in the summer of 1954.
The last Peugeot 203 rolled off the production line at the Peugeot Sochaux plant on Thursday, February 25, 1960. Just a month after the final 203 was produced, Peugeot launched the 403-sept, a variation of the newer 403 model equipped with the smaller 7CV engine from the 203.
By the time the 203 production ended, this smaller-engined version of the Peugeot 403 was introduced as its successor, although one could argue that the front-wheel-drive Peugeot 304 with its spacious 1300 cc engine, released in 1969, or even the subsequently named Peugeot 204, more directly filled the niche that the 203 had carved out in the early 1950s.
Photos: Nguyễn Tiến
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