Peugeot 403

1955

The Peugeot 403 is a mid-size car manufactured by the French company Peugeot between 1955 and 1966, notable for being the first Peugeot model to exceed one million sales and for its elegant styling by Pininfarina.

Overview and Reputation

The 403 was a successful and durable vehicle, available in a variety of body styles. It became iconic as the car driven by the fictional detective Lieutenant Columbo in the American TV series Columbo. Known for its robust construction, it was a popular car across many international markets, including the United States and Australia. An unusual feature for the time was the standard-fit sunroof on most saloon models.

Noted Features and User Experience

Design The styling, an early result of a long-standing collaboration with the Italian design house Pininfarina, featured classic ponton, three-box lines.

Innovation The car included several advanced features for its era, such as a thermostatically controlled engine fan designed to improve fuel consumption and reduce noise, and a diesel engine option (introduced in 1958 and 1959 for the estate and saloon, respectively).

Practicality The estate ("Familiale") version was particularly notable for having a lengthened wheelbase and an optional third row of seats, enabling it to seat up to eight people.

Comfort The interior was noted for its comfortable leather upholstery in the higher-end models, particularly the rare and expensive convertible version.

Durability

The 403 was known for its robust and durable construction, contributing to its commercial success and long lifespan in various global markets.