The 203

1948 At the Paris Motor Show in October, Peugeot unveils the 203, its first totally new postwar car, and adopts a unique model policy.The 203 has a rare feature for a standardised production car : 4 cylinders with hemispherical Alpax cylinder heads and V-inclined valve heads with spark plugs fitted in a central well. Structurally, this is the first time that Peugeot offers a monocoque shell.

1955 On 20 April, Peugeot unveils the 403. For the first time, Peugeot calls on the services of the Turin-based Italian designer, Pininfarina, to design one of its models. This is the start of a fruitful collaboration that still endures today. The 403 is the first Peugeot to have a convex wind-screen and the first model to reach the million mark. For the first time, Peugeot's annual output exceeds 100,000 units, reaching a figure of 112,223 vehicles. Cycles Peugeot has 3,500 workers and produces 220,000 bikes at the Beaulieu plant.

The 403

1956 The first computer appears at Sochaux -an IBM-650 designed to handle the stock. Crisis in the cycle industry. Turnover at Cycles Peugeot drops by 50%.

1958 In order to contain the crisis in the bicycle industry, Cycles Peugeot turns to the production of car components and becomes an equipment manufacturer.

1959 Peugeot launches its first standardised production diesel car, the 403 with an Indénor engine. Peugeot cars reach a major milestone, with two million cars built. The 403 is the first mass-produced car in the world to have an automatic fan which is controlled by engine temperature. This year sees the last lions in relief on the bonnet of the 203 and 403, as it is considered too dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. Peugeot builds its first test circuit at Belchamp (a site including 400 hectares of forest), close to Sochaux.

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