Peugeot 402 Éclipse coupé-cabriolet
German registration - One of 29 examples listed - Retractable hardtop ahead of its time - High quality restoration When Citroën launched the Traction in 1934, the Peugeot range suddenly looked very outdated in comparison, with their classic shaped bodies and conventional mechanics. Citroën, however, experienced teething problems, and the manafacturer from Sochaux responded by finding a middle route between innovation and tradition. And so the "fuseaux Sochaux" (Socheaux rocket) styling appeared, offering a modern, streamlined design with a domed radiator grille that incorporated headlights in the middle. It was launched with the 402 at the 1935 Motor Show, and was reminiscent of the American Chrysler Airflow, but with a lighter styling and built to European dimensions. The car still had a " Bloctube " chassis, but the body was in steel. The engine had also been developed and was the first overhead valve engine used by the marque in a touring car. The 2-litre engine produced a respectable 55 bhp, which was more than the Traction from the same year. The body, on the base of the 402, was a six-window limousine, available in several forms, including the celebrated Eclipse. This model employed a system already seen on the 401, which, thanks to a patent developed by Georges Paulin, allowed the hardtop to fold back into the vast boot. This transformation was carried out at the Pourtout workshops, and following the initial electric version, a manual version was retained. While offering a hard top for strength and insulation, the Éclipse could turn itself into a convertible with ease. This example was subsequently much copied, providing recognition of the innovation of this device. The Peugeot 402 Éclipse on offer was delivered to its first owner in 1936. According to the registration documents, it appears that he kept the car until 1968. Between 1968 and 1971, the car was registered in Finistère with the number 512 PZ 29. On 26 July 1971, it passed into the hands of a Mr Bernard Bouet, from Nançay, in Sologne. He retained the car until the date of its most recent registration, 21 December 2006, when the current owner acquired it through the intermediary of a specialist dealer. The car was then in 'barn find' condition, original and complete, but in poor condition. The owner threw himself into restoring this rare find, using the considerable resources of his own workshops. The car was taken to bits and the bodywork was rebuilt and re-sprayed. The interior and the engine were also brought back to life, and today this car is presented in a beautifully restored condition. The judges at the 2012 Schloss Bensberg concours d'élégance in Germany made no mistake in awarding the car first in class. This is undoubtedly one of the most stunning Peugeot 402 Éclipses in circulation. It is ready to take to the road, win concours events and wow the crowds with its retractable hardtop that was so ahead of its time. With such a limited number of these models built (thought to be 29 surviving examples), the presence of this Éclipse in our sale provides a unique opportunity.
German registration - One of 29 examples listed - Retractable hardtop ahead of its time - High quality restoration When Citroën launched the Traction in 1934, the Peugeot range suddenly looked very outdated in comparison, with their classic shaped bodies and conventional mechanics. Citroën, however, experienced teething problems, and the manafacturer from Sochaux responded by finding a middle route between innovation and tradition. And so the "fuseaux Sochaux" (Socheaux rocket) styling appeared, offering a modern, streamlined design with a domed radiator grille that incorporated headlights in the middle. It was launched with the 402 at the 1935 Motor Show, and was reminiscent of the American Chrysler Airflow, but with a lighter styling and built to European dimensions. The car still had a " Bloctube " chassis, but the body was in steel. The engine had also been developed and was the first overhead valve engine used by the marque in a touring car. The 2-litre engine produced a respectable 55 bhp, which was more than the Traction from the same year. The body, on the base of the 402, was a six-window limousine, available in several forms, including the celebrated Eclipse. This model employed a system already seen on the 401, which, thanks to a patent developed by Georges Paulin, allowed the hardtop to fold back into the vast boot. This transformation was carried out at the Pourtout workshops, and following the initial electric version, a manual version was retained. While offering a hard top for strength and insulation, the Éclipse could turn itself into a convertible with ease. This example was subsequently much copied, providing recognition of the innovation of this device. The Peugeot 402 Éclipse on offer was delivered to its first owner in 1936. According to the registration documents, it appears that he kept the car until 1968. Between 1968 and 1971, the car was registered in Finistère with the number 512 PZ 29. On 26 July 1971, it passed into the hands of a Mr Bernard Bouet, from Nançay, in Sologne. He retained the car until the date of its most recent registration, 21 December 2006, when the current owner acquired it through the intermediary of a specialist dealer. The car was then in 'barn find' condition, original and complete, but in poor condition. The owner threw himself into restoring this rare find, using the considerable resources of his own workshops. The car was taken to bits and the bodywork was rebuilt and re-sprayed. The interior and the engine were also brought back to life, and today this car is presented in a beautifully restored condition. The judges at the 2012 Schloss Bensberg concours d'élégance in Germany made no mistake in awarding the car first in class. This is undoubtedly one of the most stunning Peugeot 402 Éclipses in circulation. It is ready to take to the road, win concours events and wow the crowds with its retractable hardtop that was so ahead of its time. With such a limited number of these models built (thought to be 29 surviving examples), the presence of this Éclipse in our sale provides a unique opportunity.