Peugeot 403

The 403 was designed by famous Italian designer Pininfarina. The engine, an enlarged version of one first seen in the smaller 203 model, was a 1468 cc Straight-4 unit, with pushrod-actuated valves and hemispherical or cross-flow combustion chambers, producing 65 hp at about 5000 rpm and 102 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm. In the Autumn of 1958 Peugeot introduced the first of a long line of diesel engined cars, being a diesel Peugeot 403 estate, and in 1959 the diesel engine option found its way also into the 403 saloon. Only in 1960 was the Peugeot 203 withdrawn from sale, and the 1290 cc petrol engine which had powered the 203 became available instead in a less expensive version of the 403.

The 403 had a solid rear axle in common with the Simca Aronde, but Citroën and Panhard models had much more advanced suspension systems. The reduced unsprung weight of the aluminum differential case was therefore to compete with other French makes as well as to deal with the rough road surfaces in France at that time. Seating capacity was six, with a column shift but the center front passenger sitting between the individual seats. The seats reclined fully into a makeshift bed. Sunroof and steel belted radial tires were standard. The reliability was considered to be excellent for the time.

The 403 was effectively replaced by the Peugeot 404, though the 403 remained in production as a budget alternative for several years before being finally discontinued in 1966.

The unusual convertible version of the 403 was popularized as the car driven by Lt. Columbo in the eponymous television series. Columbo would often refer to his battered car, seemingly pleased that he was driving a foreign automobile. (Wikipedia)