Peugeot

The Peugeot 403 was presented in April 1955 at the Trocadéro Palace in Paris. Styled by Pinin Farina, the 403 featured a ponton, three-box styling incorporating a metal sun roof on all but the most basic models. The collaboration with Pinin Farina marked the start of a partnership which would see the Italian designer producing designs for Peugeot for more than fifty years. The 403 used an enlarged version of the Peugeot 203's 1,290 cc petrol engine, displacing 1,468 cc. A diesel powered Peugeot 403 station wagon was introduced in the autumn of 1958, followed by a diesel saloon a year later. The wheelbase was lengthened by 240 mm for the five-door Familiale and Commerciale, the Familiale providing a third row of seats and being described as a 7/8 seater. A two-door cabriolet was also offered, with a luxurious interior featuring high quality leather upholstery. After the 203's discontinuation in 1960, a reduced specification version of the 403, branded initially as the 403 Sept and soon afterwards as the 403 Berline Luxe became available. More than 1.2 million vehicles were produced, making it the first Peugeot to exceed one million in sales.