Peugeot 403 Cabriolet Pininfarina

The Peugeot 403 Cabriolet, designed by Pininfarina, made its debut in August 1956 and was produced in 2,043 examples until the end of 1960. While the 403 Cabriolet was more distinctive and more expensive than its sedan and wagon counterparts, it had a smaller production run and less widespread popularity. Despite its limited diffusion, the Cabriolet’s design has become iconic, thanks to its elegant lines and its association with French automotive craftsmanship. The production of the Cabriolet was primarily handled by Pininfarina, although the first ten pre-series units were built by French coachbuilder Marcel Portout. These early versions had slight differences compared to the production model, particularly in some design details. The engine was one area where change occurred: while the first pre-series models were equipped with a 58-horsepower engine, the production version saw a modest increase in power, reaching 60 horsepower. In terms of luxury and equipment, the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet stood out compared to the sedan. It featured leather upholstery on the seats and carpeted floor mats, giving it a more refined and comfortable interior. These details highlighted the Cabriolet’s premium positioning within the Peugeot 403 range, emphasizing both its elegance and performance capabilities. Although production of the 403 Cabriolet ceased in 1960, the model would gain lasting recognition decades later, becoming a familiar sight on television. It made several memorable appearances in the popular detective series Columbo, where its stylish design added to the charm and sophistication of the show’s setting. Today, the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet is celebrated not only as a symbol of mid-20th-century French automotive design but also as a piece of pop culture history, remembered by both car enthusiasts and fans of the iconic TV series.