1959 Peugeot Other

403 4 Cylinder

1893733

Clear

Once upon a time in the little country of Sri Lanka, a Peugeot 203 was found. It needed almost everything, but mainly a good home. Parts and pieces were found, paint sprayed, and hope was soon realized. This car has traveled more than most ever will in a lifetime. From being built in Sochaux, to being air cargo-ed from Kenya it has come a very long way. If you have never heard of this model-your not alone. Very few were sold over here(if at all).Doubt there is 50 in the USA. The 203 was a “mid-size”(by French standards) car of the people. Designed shortly after WWII. This was Peugeot's first new model for post war Europe. The production ran from about 49-60 with a few differences here and there- sedans, convertibles, trucks, ambulances-etc. All based off this same platform. No matter who you ask, they will quickly go into how tough these little things are. They were good enough to win the Redex rally in 1953. Should be just fine for the rest of us! Most note-able features are a true hemi engine, 4spd transmission, 3 lug wheel, spin on oil filter, manual rack and pinion, coil over rear suspension. She rides much better than expected. It took a large number of folks all over the world to get it going again. The car is all Peugeot powered. Included in the sale is a 403 sedan(if wanted) best used for parts. Most of the drive-train bits fit the 203. Nice to have spares! Also other misc bits, 2 engine blocks-cylinder heads. Manuals,case of lead additive, tech items........ Everything you see is included except for the Ape, and newer tools. These little gems were built for some tough driving. Speed bumps feel like little pillows thrown in the road. Handles big things well. Has that floaty French ride. Almost unnerving at first- but one quickly get's used to it. The body roll is shocking. Thats a French thing... Thankfully late last year we found a donor 403 sedan for parts. We needed a good engine to rebuild(the 203's was spider cracked). All throughout the winter, the engine was stripped, and rebuilt. Runs really well now. The transmission was inspected, no signs of damage, bad gears -etc. Same for the rear end. She now has a rebuilt 403 motor, gives it a bit more pep. Four spd left hand shift. To shift higher one must pull back towards them. Even have a hand crank. There is really no rust to speak of, floors are solid. Every time I open the hood I always here"Wow that is in great shape". Might wear out the hood latch showing it of. Since the rebuild, we have put over 400 miles on it-without incident. Anywhere it goes, the public is in awe. So many smiles, waves, thumbs up-it just goes on, and on. Always someone waiting to talk to us about it outside a store. Just a happy car. Never have I seen something make so many smile. We have a reserve on the 203'. I think it is modest for what it is. If anyone is interested I also like : Citroen, Renault,Panhard, Alfa Romeo,Lancia,Wartburg,Borgward,Vanden Plas 4LR,Skoda,Lada,Comfortable Diesel Cars, Royal Enfield, Trabant, Odd vehicles,Things not easily seen everyday....If you see yourself in a 203, and think you have something to spark my interest. Drop me a line. Gonna get a bit lengthy here,don't expect you to read it all. If you've had enough-try watching the video. Or maybe blinking... It cools well, starts great,etc. Through some contacts of mine, I found a spin on oil filter conversion(modified base). She now takes a simple filter found at NAPA. Has a anti- drain back valve, so much better starting oil pressure. Makes changing the oil a breeze! These cars do not have a pressurized radiator cap, but a blow off valve on the unit. The car has many new parts, 95% of the bushings have been replaced(the company was out of the other 2 at the time-still in decent shape though). All seals, gaskets, hoses-consumable rubber things have been replaced. I can go on, and on. Essentially everything that deals with making it go put-put and drive has been addressed. Here is just a brief list of new bits installed: Lug Nuts, Water Pump ,Belt, Alternator & Regulator-From Volvo 142, bolted right on! Radiator hoses,Rod Bearings ,Crank Bearings, Pistons, Cylinders, Rings ,Wrist Pins ,Timing Chain ,All Engine gaskets, cylinder seals-etc. Trans seal & gaskets(gears are A O.K.) ,Plugs ,Wires ,Points ,Condenser, Prestone Antifreeze, Air Cleaner ,All brake hoses,fittings and pipes ,Master cylinder, wheel cylinder rubbers ,Front Wheel cylinders brass sleeved ,Fuel Pump ,Carb Kit, Throttle Cable ,Wiring, Clutch, Fuel hoses & pipes ,Head Lights ,Toggle switches ,Front shoes(rear were perfect), Fuel level seal, Tank inlet Hose ,Fuel Filter, Battery Cables ,Differential Carbon seal, All fluids changed(Spin on Oil Filter conversion(Now uses a easily find able, great filter-no more cartridge)This greatly improves the oiling system. Wheel seals ,A Crap load of suspension bushings ,Wipers ,Mirrors. Besides a new set of tires, a few things could be addressed. Others may be more picky on the subject. So for them a to do list: Front Drums could be resurfaced. A few more bushings installed(not many).Balance tires. Switch distributor & mount possibly(really a judgment call) Play with wiper motor, and reservoir. Odometer working. Grease clutch pedal-and everything(maintenance items you know). The front seat bottoms are removable, for storing things underneath. Those same bottoms just sit there. A few of the negatives: The door cards are floppy. The paint has many dings, chips, etc. Also has dents here and there. Though everything has been rebuilt. The trans drips just a wee bit out the output shaft, after a long trip-when parked. No leaks when running. Engine has no declarable leaks. They have no crank seals, and are better for it! When first started, a puff of smoke can be seen. These engines have no valve seals-so thats nothing special. Other than that it uses no oil. These are the major things that come to mind. Really need business cards made up-with a history of it. It's fantastically obscure. Guess that’s what intrigues me about it. We hope to find it a good home, where it will be appreciated, and understood. I learned French because of this. For that alone it was worth it. Really no way to replace it is there? This Peugeot is located in Maurertown, Virginia 22644. This is sold AS-IS. A $250.00 deposit is required within 1 day of listing ending. It is non-refundable(unless I badly miss-described something, or mistakenly mislead-etc.)I can not deliver the car(unless driving it ). I will be happy to work with a shipper to load it up. Full payment, and car removed within 7 days of listing ending. Thats not set in stone, so I can work with you. The full price can be payed in Cash, or with paypal. Cash is preferred. If you know of other obscure little cars, please let me know. French & screwy things are always welcome. This car is for sale locally, so this listing may end at anytime. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, etc. Please only bid if you can afford this. I dearly hope one contacts me before bidding. Just a good measure. Theres always a question to be answered! GOOD LUCK & HAPPY BIDDING!! On Jun-12-15 at 10:06:23 PDT, seller added the following information: We have now lowered the reserve. So we are VERY close for it to sell. If there are any questions(espectially from bidders!) please feel free to ask-easiest to leave a name, and number. The car is not perfect, but runs well enough to putter around in. Even at a balmy 94' degrees, she stays on normal engine temp. Just gave it a oil and filter change. Also keep in mind the 403 is included(if wanted). On Jun-12-15 at 20:54:07 PDT, seller added the following information: Had a few questions recently. This is a regular 12volt negative ground. Manual clutch(no hydraulics). Manual sun roof, windows,arm rest.. The "hole" on the manifold is just where a carb went on the older motor. It is now for looks. Front doors open backwards, rear forwards. That glass jar on the side holds brake fluid. The starter is of the conventional type-IE not like the British crash style. Have a few good starters to go with it, 1 hand crank too. Originally it had spark plug tubes, with springs on the plugs. We have those as well, now the wires are just of the standard type. Lug nuts are torqued to 45 ft lbs. Have a spare front door window. The carb is a French Solex, not really adjustable. Only have 10% ethanol in our area, still does well enough. Never vapour locks! Hope this addresses some of the questions. If you are seriously interested, and not just looking. Please do not wait until the last minute to ask your questions, or respond with misc. items-etc. Thanks. On Jun-14-15 at 17:31:27 PDT, seller added the following information: Had it out yet again today. A balmy 97'. Who ever gets the final bid, please send me a message with a phone number. I would be contacting you very shortly after the listing ending. Dr.Mower does not send a second chance offer-without prior notice. Hopefully the car will go to someone who likes the odd things. Maybe a bit mechanically inclined too. That reminds me,one of the service manuals is in the King's English. Might be a big help. I keep getting numerous questions about finding parts. There are many places in France who cater to these cars, just a few are : Serie 04-----------: Depanoto---------: Used both of these- outstanding service, and value. Melun Retro Passion Ichard Two in the USA are : Peugeot Holm Again both are just fantastic. WESTERN HEMISPHERES If anybody is wondering, the 403 can sit there for awhile. Or your welcome to take off what parts you may want. Hard enough travelling for just 1 car. The 203 is ready to roll.... I'm still checking the messages-so don't be shy! Always seem to be a pile at the last few seconds. Thanks again to all the bidders, and viewers.