THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Manufacturer
- Peugeot
- Base model
- 203 Coupé
- Coachbuilder
- Frua
- Production period
- 1952
- Body style
- Coupé
- Designer
- Pietro Frua
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Peugeot 203 Frua Coupé Dubois made its grand debut at the prestigious 1953 Turin Auto Show, captivating audiences with its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. This remarkable vehicle, born from the collaboration between Maurice Dubois and renowned coachbuilder Pietro Frua, bore the hallmark of exceptional engineering and aesthetic excellence. Founded in 1953, Maurice Dubois established his eponymous company with the singular goal of producing automobiles that would leave a lasting impression. Accordingly, the brand bore his initials, M.D., signifying a commitment to quality and ingenuity. The MD Peugeot, unveiled in 1953, boasted a lightweight tubular chassis by Nardi, seamlessly integrating the mechanical components of the Peugeot 203. However, its pièce de résistance lay in its aluminum body, expertly crafted by the skilled hands of Pietro Frua. This collaboration resulted in a masterpiece of automotive design, blending classic Peugeot styling cues with Frua’s signature elegance and sophistication. Under the hood, the MD Peugeot featured a potent engine, its power augmented by a Nardi intake manifold and a compressor by Constantin, boosting output from 42 to 90 horsepower. This impressive performance ensured a thrilling driving experience, delivering exhilarating acceleration and dynamic handling. Production of the MD Peugeot spanned from 1953 to 1954, with a total of up to 14 specimens crafted. Each vehicle was meticulously detailed, with some featuring distinctive design elements such as a central chrome strip in the grille, hood-mounted air intake scoops, and counter-rotating windshield wipers, further enhancing their individuality and allure.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production
- 14
- Production type
- Limited
- Construction features · Legacy attribution
- Gilco Chassis
Engine & performance
- Engine configuration
- Inline-4
Dimensions & accommodation
- Length
- 3,950 mm
- Width
- 1,540 mm
- Height
- 1,330 mm
- Length
- 3950 mm
- Width
- 1540 mm
- Height
- 1330 mm
03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS
Design, body & suppliers
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Frua
- Designer · Documented
- Pietro Frua
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Peugeot
Body form & construction
- Body style
- Coupé
04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY
Events & chronology
35° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 22 Apr 1953
- Chassis
- General
- Venue
- Torino Esposizioni / Palazzo delle Esposizioni · Torino
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD
General chronology
Chronological history1 dated records
- Unassigned chassis · Event
35° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino
08 / GALLERY
Photo gallery 11 photographs
Show 5 more photographs Show fewer photographs
09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE
Period photographs & advertising
The period archive gallery will show historical photographs, advertisements, brochures and press images once assets, provenance and usage rights have been recorded in the masterfile.













THE CONVERSATION
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