eBay Auction of the Day: 1938 Peugeot 402BL Éclipse Décapotable
Launched in 1935, Peugeot's swoopy 402 was certainly an attention-grabbing automobile, but it was the 402 convertible - like this 1938 example currently listed on eBay - that stole the limelight from other French marques.
In lieu of a standard fabric top, the 402 'vert made do with what may be the first retractable hardtop system. Designed by a Parisian dentist in the early 1930s, the design was purchased by Peugeot explicitly for the streamlined 402. Nicknamed the "Éclipse," Peugeot built no more than 500 examples between 1936 and 1940.
This example, fitted with the "big" 2.1-liter I-4, is in beautiful shape, having sat close to 40 years in a garage before receiving a complete restoration. The Wimbledon White paint, coupled with the contrast of the red interior and exterior accents, looks great on this Concours-winning car.
The six-figure price tag this 402 carries is a lot of money (currently, it's at $130,000), but considering its condition - and that fewer than 30 reportedly exist - it may be worth it for a Francophile who enjoys vintage fun in the sun.
Comments
Patrick from Astoria
My normal dislike for retractable hardtops aside, I have to admit that this is one seriously elegant automobile.
Kind of wish there was a modern equivalent of the old French routiers, cars built to waft from place to place in absolute style and grace - if not massive speed. Wouldn't it be lovely to drive Highway One in rolling sculpture at a pace that lets the well-heeled passengers really enjoy the world going by?
Oollyoumn
You gotta love the name. Much prettier than my long retired 504D.
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