Peugeot 402 - The Range

The Range

Even by 1930s standards, the range of different 402 models based on the single chassis was large, comprising by one estimate sixteen different body types, from expensive steel bodied convertible cars, to family saloons which were among the most spacious produced in France. There were three different standard wheelbases of 2,880 mm (113 in) (short), 3,150 mm (124 in) (used on the standard 4,850 mm (191 in) long saloon) and 3,300 mm (130 in) (long).

The standard bodied saloon, first presented at the Paris Motor Show in the Autumn of 1935 was advertised as a six-seater. As volume production got under way, the range was complemented by coupe and cabriolet versions. A lengthened wheelbase supported the eight-seater 402 Familiale with dickey seats.

A hugely expensive cabriolet version was the 402 Éclipse Décapotable, featuring the first powered retractable hardtop which had been designed, and in 1931 patented, by Georges Paulin. Interest in the Éclipse resurfaced with the reintroduction of the retractable hardtop by the 1995 Misubishi 3000GT Spyder and subsequent popularization of the concept by cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Peugeot re-publicized the Éclipse Décapotable with the 2001 introduction of its 206 CC retractable hardtop two-seater.

The retractable roof system was incorporated into various low volume Peugeot cabriolets in the 1930s, assembled by Émile Darl'mat’s Paris based Peugeot dealer and coachwork business — which also produced aerodynamic sports coupé 402s following the line of the coach builder’s own body for the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic.

See also: Photographs of a 1938 Peugeot 402 Éclipse Décapotable

First exhibited on July 1937, the 402 Legere was introduced. Not really a 402, the Legere was a 302 with the engine of the 402 instead of the standard engine of the 302 . The Legere was exceptionally quick for it's day. It was produced for one year, 1938, and about 11,000 were produced.

Light commercial van and utility variants of the 402 were also produced, and during the car’s final years, during World War II, assumed increasing prominence within the range. Sources vary as to whether production was ended it 1942 or continued further, possibly till 1944.