1955 – 1966
Peugeot 403
The first Peugeot designed by Pininfarina, and the first to surpass a million: 1,214,126 units in eleven years
Unveiled to the press and Parisians on 20 April 1955 at the Palais de Chaillot, Trocadéro, the 403 is the first Peugeot styled by Pininfarina. The Turin coachbuilder gives the successor to the 203 a three-volume design, understated and unadorned, which will hardly change over its eleven-year career.
Under the bonnet, a 1,468 cm³ four-cylinder petrol engine (80 × 73 mm) rated at 58 bhp at 4,900 rpm, a four-speed gearbox operated by a lever on the steering column with an overdrive fourth gear, and hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. 135 km/h top speed, 1,070 kg on the scales: a mechanical setup without boldness, but built to last — this is what established the model's reputation.
The range quickly expands. The convertible arrives in August 1956 and will remain extremely rare: 2,043 units in total. From September 1956, long-wheelbase versions (2.90 m) follow — estate, family, commercial, and canvas-topped van. In October 1959, the 403 becomes the first French production saloon to receive a Diesel engine: the 1,816 cm³ Indenor rated at 48 bhp, 120 km/h, economical and indestructible, which opens the door to taxis. In October 1960, the arrival of the 404 reorganises the range: the 403-7 takes the 1,290 cm³ engine from the 203 to position itself below, while the 403-8 retains the 1.5-litre engine.
In August 1963, the 403 becomes the first car produced in Sochaux to exceed one million units. Production stops on 28 October 1966, with the odometer stuck at 1,214,126 units across all versions.
The first Peugeot designed by Pininfarina
On 20 April 1955, at the Palais de Chaillot, Peugeot unveils the first car from the brand styled by Pininfarina. This collaboration will continue for decades: after the 403, the 404, 504, and 505 will follow. A detail that dates a 403 at first glance: the chrome lion that adorned the bonnet disappears in 1958.
The fuel flap hidden under the rear light
On the 403, the fuel cap is not located on the wing: it is cleverly concealed behind the left rear light, which tilts. A design trick that still surprises owners when they stop at the pump — and which explains the unusual shape of the light.
Columbo's 403
Lieutenant Columbo's car is a 1959 403 convertible, the rarest version of the model: only 2,043 units produced between August 1956 and the end of 1960. Peter Falk spotted it abandoned in a parking lot at Universal Studios; it first appeared on screen in 1971 and would feature throughout the entire series.
Gallery
In video
The unveiling of the 403 at the Palais de Chaillot, 1955
Peugeot 403 (1955-1966) — the story of the model
Period documentation — 403
12 documents
528 pages
Spare parts catalogue published by Peugeot. View source
Parts for the Peugeot 403
