Peugeot 203 Torpédo Tour de France, 1954
Peugeot 203 I
Peugeot 203 I•
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€58,408 | Sold
- French registration document
- Chassis no. 1700045
- Iconic and rare model
- Exhibited at the Manoir de l'Automobile de Lohéac
- Delightful bodywork
- No reserve
On July 8, 1954, the crowds gathered in Amsterdam to watch the start of the fabulous Tour de France Cycliste were amused to discover a novel support vehicle: the Peugeot 203 Torpédo Tour de France. Produced in 12 identical examples by Peugeot in its special workshops in La Garenne-Colombes, it was designed to facilitate contact between the cyclists and their support teams while also allowing bicycles to be transported. Accordingly, it has no doors and features a rudimentary soft top, while the bicycle supports are mounted at the rear. Two more examples would be built in 1955 and the early 1960s.
The example presented is based on a D3S-type body corresponding to the convertible version and was produced in 1954. It has benefited from a well-executed restoration some time ago, and its current owner acquired it at an auction organized by Maître Poulain in the early 2000s. At the time, it had been registered in the Alpes-Maritimes since February 15, 1966. Since then, the car has been admired at the Manoir de l'Automobile de Lohéac and at a number of local events.
It still retains its distinctive upholstery and soft-top frame, while the mounting holes for the bicycle carrier have been plugged with chrome bolts. A badge bearing the name of the brand's historic Cannes dealer, Ortelli, is attached to the rear trunk. Having seen little use in recent years, it will need a general service before setting off to tackle the most iconic mountain passes that made the legendary race for which it was built so famous. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED ITS TECHNICAL INSPECTION DUE TO PERFORATING CORROSION IN THE UNDERBODY.
French title Chassis no. 1700045 - Iconic and rare model - Exhibited at the Manoir de l'Automobile de Lohéac - Delightful bodywork - No reserve On July 8, 1954, the crowds gathered in Amsterdam to watch the start of the fabulous Tour de France Cycliste were amused to discover a new support vehicle following the cyclists: the Peugeot 203 Torpédo Tour de France. Produced in 12 identical examples by Peugeot in its special workshops in La Garenne-Colombes, it was designed to facilitate contact between cyclists and their support teams while also allowing bicycles to be transported. Accordingly, it has no doors and features a basic soft top, while the bicycle racks are mounted at the rear.
Two more similar examples would be built in 1955 and the early 1960s. The example on offer is based on a D3S-type body corresponding to the convertible version and was produced in 1954. It benefited from a well-executed restoration some time ago, and its current owner acquired it at an auction organized by Maître Poulain in the early 2000s. It had been registered in southern France since February 15, 1966. Since then, the car has been admired at the Manoir de l'Automobile de Lohéac and at several local events. It still retains its distinctive upholstery and soft-top frame, while the bicycle-carrier mounting holes have been plugged with chrome bolts.
A badge bearing the name of the brand's historic Cannes dealer, Ortelli, is attached to the trunk. Having seen very limited use in recent years, it will need a general overhaul before setting off to conquer the most iconic mountain passes that made the cycling race legendary, and for which it was developed. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION REQUIRES A RE-INSPECTION DUE TO PERFORATING CORROSION IN THE UNDERBODY. Photos © Peter Singhof
Cost
240,563 AED
