A French Icon Hits 90 — And Still Looks Younger Than You
From May 16 to 18, 2025, the annual Klassikwelt Bodensee exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will honor the Peugeot 402, a model celebrating its 90th anniversary. First introduced in 1935, this vehicle continues to stand out with its bold, streamlined design and technical innovation.
Design So Smooth, It Slipped Through Time
The Peugeot 402 debuted at the 1935 Paris Motor Show. Its body, inspired by the Chrysler Airflow, featured integrated headlights behind the front grille—a radical design for its time.
Powered by a 1,991 cc inline-four engine with 55 horsepower, it reached 75 mph. Later models offered a 2,142 cc engine with 63 horsepower. The car also included independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs.
Variants: Because One Flavor of Innovation Wasn’t Enough
- Peugeot 402 Légère: A shorter-wheelbase version built for agility and urban driving.
- Peugeot 402 Eclipse: Featured one of the first retractable hardtops, designed by Georges Paulin.
- Peugeot 402 Darl'Mat: A limited-production sports variant with aerodynamic bodywork. It competed in the 1938 24 Hours of Le Mans and placed 5th overall.
How It Died — And Why It Never Really Went Away
Production of the Peugeot 402 ended in 1942 due to World War II. Still, its influence survived in later models like the Peugeot 403 and Peugeot 404. Design elements such as aerodynamic styling and integrated lighting became standard in automotive design.
What’s Happening at Klassikwelt Bodensee 2025
At Hall A4, Stand 316, Peugeot will showcase several historic 402 models.
- 1935 Peugeot 402 Berline: The original sedan that set the design tone.
- Peugeot 402 Eclipse: Demonstrating early automotive roof innovation.
- Peugeot 402 Darl'Mat Spécial Sport: A rare race-oriented edition.
Expect restored interiors, pristine bodywork, and a few modern Peugeots looking sheepish next to their granddad.
Pricing Then vs. Now
| Model Variant | 1935 Price (approx.) | Modern Auction Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 402 Berline | $950 | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Peugeot 402 Eclipse | $1,300 | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| Peugeot 402 Darl'Mat | $2,000 | $300,000 – $500,000+ |
Note: You could buy a 402 in 1935 for the price of a used sofa today.
Conclusion: Still Slick at 90
The Peugeot 402 remains a symbol of innovation and design. As modern cars lean into minimalist, feature-packed identities, the 402 reminds us of a time when curves, chrome, and courage in design defined the road.
At Klassikwelt Bodensee 2025, visitors can witness that history in motion—and possibly feel jealous that a 90-year-old car has better lines than anything in the parking lot.
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