1960 – Peugeot 403 Cabriolet

French classic car registration document

Undoubtedly one of the finest Peugeot 403 convertibles currently on the market. This car has a crystal-clear history, with every owner recorded since it left the factory. Restored at no expense spared, using numerous original parts (costing over €100,000!), by a true enthusiast of the model to recreate ‘044 APD’, the car driven by Peter Falk, alias the famous Inspector Columbo.

A matching numbers example with full documentation. It left the factory on 17 March 1960 in its original VA 607 Metallic Grey paintwork and still retains its original body no. 1630 and original engine no. 1451. Only the original ‘Coq de Roche’ red upholstery has been replaced with ‘light sand’ leather upholstery, in keeping with the colour chart of the era and identical in every respect to Columbo’s!

Since its restoration, the car has always been meticulously maintained. The mechanical components have been thoroughly overhauled, including the replacement of the timing chain and radiator, the fuel tank and fuel system, as well as numerous other works, always taking care to replace necessary parts with new original stock parts (glass rear lights, wing mirrors, rare wheel trims, Marchal accessories, door sills, restored car radio, chrome and specific details, etc.)

Just before the sale, a full service and brake overhaul were carried out by the specialist La Maison du Cylindres. Please note that the badge in the centre of the steering wheel was replaced with a new original one after our photo shoot.

The most desirable version of the 403, the Peugeot convertible was produced in a run of just 2,050 between 1957 and 1961. It is estimated that around 400 examples remain today, making this model one of the rarest French grand tourers of its era.