THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1952
- Body style
- Coupé
- Engine
- Inline-4
- Type
- Limited
- Production
- 14
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
Design & manufacture
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Frua
- Designer · Documented
- Pietro Frua
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Peugeot
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
35° Salone Internazionale dell'Automobile – Torino General · From the historical archive
- Date
- 22 Apr 1953
- Chassis
- General
- Venue
- Torino Esposizioni / Palazzo delle Esposizioni · Torino
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 11 photographs
Show 5 more photographs Show fewer photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Pietro Frua Catalogue raisonné — 1950–1959 www.pietro-frua.de | Specialist designer archive catalogue raisonne |













THE CONVERSATION
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