This 1960 Peugeot 403 was the Sport Sedan of its Day, and Made by a Fascinating Company

It is without question that Peugeot is a fascinating car company. They are the oldest continuing manufacturer of Automobiles, the oldest continuing manufacturer of motorcycles, and they've won the Tour De France ten times with their bicycles. Additionally, they make one hell of a pepper mill.
Karl Benz may have beat Peugeot to the punch by a few years, but how many companies can trace their roots back to the days of Thomas Jefferson? Peugeot can. Since 1810, they've been producing a variety of items, finally moving on to cars near the end of the century, and sticking with them ever since.
The 403 marked their first official foray in to the US market, and it was thought of as the sports sedan of its day - something like a BMW 5-series in later years. Racers like Phil Hill used them as personal vehicles, which seems a bit strange given their lackluster acceleration - but they did handle very well, and had a thoroughly modern suspension and steering for a car of this vintage.
This car is from a private collection, and not officially for sale.
Review and road test by Bill of Curious Cars.

[@aussie8114]

I bet none of these filthy rich friends have a KZbin channel that’s about to hit 100k subs.

[@theschof96]

Monetization baby... Curious Cars is a great channel for late night car appreciation and all of us fans, both casual and diehard (I'm more of a casual car fan but they do fascinate me) can appreciate Bill's reviews.

[@E34Benzin]

35:55 Something tells me Penelope might actually be called Richard. lol

[@e.f.clarke2041]

Bill’s description of the modern Peugeot Lion emblem was spot on and strikingly hilarious. I could imagine exactly what he described. 😭

[@pt008]

Temperature gauge 104/140/176/212 Farenheit = 40/60/80/100 Celsius :) They just converted the numbers without moving the lines. Chugging whiskey in the morning and driving an antique 4-on-the-tree while operating a camera, what could possibly go wrong? :O

[@Chapps1941]

Well Celsius makes sense: 0° Freezing Water 100° Boiling Water

[@spinb]

You could do a video on that spectacular garage floor.

[@thesultan4030]

I have a 40+ year old Peugeot peppermill, gets used constantly and works perfectly.

[@gonzalosotomori557]

So exiting to see a Peugeot in your channel. I born in 1971 like you and I am the owner of a Peugeot, the third one I have. I love my Peugeot and I was thrill listening all the history of the brand told by you. Thanks so much for this review

[@robertamoyaw1979]

I 👍 agree, it is fantastic! I had a 504 n my buddies next door had a 404 , a better classic than mine , but another guy 2 blocks down had this 403 n never did any repairs ever! These were tanks! Thanks for the show 🤠

[@treedeblue]

Looks like Bill named Anonymous Richie rich Richard! 😂

[@foxxster3565]

Yes, and I think there was another clue as well. But a truely electric review.

[@treedeblue]

@@foxxster3565 Bill is a total Enigma, One of my KZbin hero’s for sure

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Good Evening Bill just enjoying a Jameson on the rocks, raising a glass to you.

[@curiouscars9282]

Right back at you, Paulie.

[@crispylineslim5041]

I'll join y'all with a Kentucky owl, and a Byron. Cheers

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Bill needs to start reviewing whiskeys on the side

[@P.Galore]

I love the French Auto industry...it's like a parallel universe.

[@paveantelic7876]

citroens are something else!

[@BlueBox-2002]

French cars have always been interesting to me. In the fog of my memory I seem to remember seeing a Simca in the late 60's early 70's in Monroe, Louisiana visiting my grandparents. I was fascinated. It was so different. Maybe I dreamed it.

[@paulparoma]

The French are very creative and often come up with great designs. Their technology in certain areas is also very impressive. At the same time, when I look at those unionized French autoworkers, I am not sure I would trust them with building a reliable automobile. I know France all too well. I've been to the main Citroen factory in Rennes. It's both awe-inspiring and depressing.

[@ulflei]

@@BlueBox-2002 You were not dreaming ,actually a Simca 8 what is a convertible from 1950 selling for $ 50-60000 a more comment one was the 1301 I remember you saw a lot of them in Germany in the early 70s

[@chrisclermont456]

French cars are a trip!! I owned a Renault that I loved. My cousin had a Citroën SM that was cool but it had a hydrolic suspension which failed and was impossible to repair.

[@IHeartMyLada]

As a European, it's always interesting to see Americans reviewing Euro cars (other than Benzes, Beamers and Audis). Great video as always.

[@Stormin2548]

As an American, I would like to see more European imports in the States aside from Benzes, Bimmers, and the like. Would make life more interesting.

[@Visionery1]

We owned one of these in the early 70s, I remember sitting on my dad's lap and 'driving' it into the garage when he came home.

[@michaela1655]

Richard's synchromesh will never be the same after Bill played one handed driver :)

[@EarlofBaltimore]

If you can't find 'em, grind 'em

[@watershed44]

@Michael A Yes, Bill is more of the cig in one hand and steering wheel in the other driving your typical 1970s American barge, the guy doesn't have a clue about driving manual transmission cars, you can tell.

[@watershed44]

@Just Mingled He's probably full of poop. Remember this guy IS a salesman at heart, and they live to BS people.

[@tylernewton7217]

Also hilarious that he was so careful to keep “Penelope” anonymous, then he slips at the end with “Richard”.

[@watershed44]

@@tylernewton7217 Bull Sheeting is a specialty of car salesmen, always has been always will be.

[@toefield251]

Airplanes overhead, takes me back to the Auto Europa days.

[@ThePrissy11]

My neighbor had one. The sun roof was awesome. Really was able to keep the car cool

[@be5952]

*Please turn on the automatic closed captions!* This is useful for many people, _besides the hearing impaired_---if children are playing in the backgroud; outside noise coming through an open window; listening late at night when others are asleep, and others. *_PLEASE TURN ON AUTOMATIC CLOSED CAPTIONS._*

[@neilgibbons2532]

Also the occasional F, S,& B word😁

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

one can turn it on themselves at the bottom right of the screen using the box icon which is right next to the wheeled settings icon.

[@detonator2112]

The "Columbo" cabriolet model is extremely rare and actually quite valuable.

[@sreginkc]

I recognized this from the old Columbo series. I did forget that his was a convertable. I had a 1972 Renault 16 with the silky-smooth 4 on the column manual transmission and shared the "couchette" feature that this Peugeot has . It was really easy to drive and a comfortable car that took my eyes away from the heavy american cars of the day. I believe it had a 1.5 liter and the 4-minute 0 to 60 speed. It was also the first front-wheel drive car that I had ever experienced. Thanks for another informational and entertaining video.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Dude my first car was a 1981 Peugeot 505 turbo diesel. Amazing car. This is so good bill. Wow

[@jackmidst8304]

Bill, thank you for getting into the history of Peugeot. I have at home an early 50's Peugeot manual coffee grinder. I use it every day. I like fresh coffee and I've found that electric grinders tend to heat the grind and consequently alter the taste.

[@glynjones2540]

We have a 1900 Peugeot Freres coffee grinder which works as if it were new. Our more recent salt and pepper mills have a lifetime warranty. When in France 60+ years ago we couldn't believe how hard and fast cars like the 403 were driven compared to the UK. 212 degrees is the boiling point of water in Fahrenheit!

[@upscaleshack]

L'auto est bonne! Peugeots have been locally assembled here in Kenya since 1968 and are still very popular here.

[@Chapps1941]

I want a 504 Ute from Kenya

[@georgi.rushkov]

Yes Yes Yes! Love those real Peugeots not the new front wheel drive crap. My father had a 404 diesel, indestructible engine!!Awesome to see you reviewing the king of african cars. Did you know that in south america they built a sort of a truck version of the 505 with a crew cab and on a separate chassis?!? French engineering at it's finest! And that's not to mention the beautifully Italian styled Coupé versions of the 403, 404 and 504!

[@LynxStarAuto]

Lol the French are only good at perfume and bread. That's what my dad always said 😂

[@georgi.rushkov]

@@LynxStarAuto haha

[@timhancock6626]

You have obviously never driven the excellent handling Front Wheel Drive 204, 304, 305, 205 and 405. The 205Gti was the finest hot hatch in its day. Peugeot lost their way from the 406 onwards in the late 1990s but seem to be finding their mojo again these days.

[@georgi.rushkov]

@@timhancock6626 I meant basically everything after 80s and the 205. And I don't really think they or any car manufacturer is or will find their mojo any time soon.

[@8corymix8]

Awesome review on a car ive never seen. Thanks Bill! Truly the highlight of my week when you send us videos

[@alexandrecouture2462]

My father had a 80s Peugeot 505 when I was a child and is was a nice car for the time, but it was broken very often...

[@neilgibbons2532]

They try to introduce that same model as taxi's in NYC in the mid 80s. .needless to say they don't last to long, and was replaced with the caprice

[@Chapps1941]

You were lucky. I've had nothing but excellent runs from them.

[@samuelthompson2605]

The sunroof is letting all the stank out!

[@ronmccullock1407]

Fantastic review of a fantastic car Bill

[@WrenchingOnCars]

The psychic reading explains the birds and squirrels.

[@billace90]

….and goats.

[@michaellangmdl]

And maybe the Canadians? 😉

[@mobeemobee2520]

The most hilarious review I've ever seen. loving it!

[@LynxStarAuto]

The rolling bordello got me good.

[@CORVAIRWILD]

I have a 1988 Peugeot 505 on my tow teeruk in front of my house. It was parked 15 years ago with a bad water pump

[@28bikes53]

I grew up in Peugeot 504(s) and my first car when I was foolish enough to buy a used car (from my brother, of all people) was a 404 which I called Mr. Magoo. Almost as quirky as anything the Italians have put out. I also have several of their pepper grinders. If you would like one so you can see why they are the best, hit me up! I love how easily distracted... Squirrel! I mean... CAT! :) Love this video! Keep it up, Bill.

[@HypocriticYT]

The 53 Caddy I once had, had a similar tail light that was hinged to access the gas cap

[@LynxStarAuto]

A lot of American cars of the 50's and 60's did that.

[@BerraLJ]

Great history lesson as always, and it is a very nice car

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

36:44 and nice casual passing humour lol

[@v1cenzo56]

Hi Bill ! As a French guy who lives in France and who did discover your channel a few years back when I was studying in Virginia Tech, I must suggest you to have a look at the new logo. As you mention it, previous older logos are much more classy, charismatic and bolded. Well guess what ? God seems to have heard your complains : please check out the new one that comes out this year with the new 2021 Peugeot 308, you will love it ! 😉

[@mp3545]

Unfortunately, Peugeots, Renault, and Citroen do not sell their cars on the US market anymore. It will be very difficult to check out a 2021 without traveling overseas.

[@terrencebiggane8648]

A very enjoyable video - thanks Bill!

[@kaibrings7026]

Thank you so much. Excellent!

[@randolfo1265]

I remember Peugeot bicycles, used to see lots of them here. The Peugeot cars were around then too (in the 1970s)

[@wyle569]

My Dad had one of these, bought brand new I think in 1959. I use to ride in the back on the arm rest. Think I was 3 yrs old. Had it until 1963 when he bought a new Country Squire.

[@spinb]

Good review on an interesting car. I liked the part when Bill turned the Clutch into a Pencil Sharpener and blamed the car.

[@MasonMorris_RadioSaladStudios]

Bill, I love your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@darktater2020]

‘Roll off Mrs. Philippe…’. 😏

[@christopherkraft1327]

Golden oldies continue!! I'm glad that you're inside, out of the shitty muggy weather. This is a very cool car!!! 😎 Remember, Lieutenant Columbo drove a Peugeot!!! 😳

[@HoschtonBoy]

Sadly that car is in a scrap yard rotted away by mother nature never to be driven again. :^(

[@iancolePRD129G]

Lovely car, and great review as always Bill

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Great channel. Subscribed. ✌️🇨🇦

[@lukepeita7026]

Hahahaha 🤣 your videos are always cool bill because you put in a great narrative no car is exempt from bill's brutally honest execution style happy days 👍😊

[@johnplovanich9564]

I absolutely love this channel.Bill I would love to have a drink with you and talk cars. Don't ever change your curmudgeonly ways.

[@jptech57]

For the coolant temperature gauge, the reason they went with those particular numbers is because they used the same sensor as in Europe but wanted to put the gauge in Fahrenheit for the U.S. model, so the 40, 60, 80, 100 Celsius became 104, 140, 176, and 212 Fahrenheit.

[@leelee3995]

Your videos keep everyone sane during these hard times with the virus

[@rolandthomasset1713]

I bought one fresh from the Boston Auto Show. It was my first brand new car ! Loved it. Only one thing bothered me as I lived in NH. Once the winter came, it was not comfortable but behave very nicely on snow. The car felt very solid, had all I needed but then, as I drove by my Peugeot dealer, he had just received a 404 !….Drove it less than a mile and said “it’s mine”. kept it four years but then needed a huge American trunk for work. Peugeots were great ! Can’t say anything about the new ones. Would love a nice 404 or 405 Cabriolet or convertible.

[@BugSmasher9]

I would have never found the gas filler tube either on my own. Love your tube channel, always puts a smile on my face!

[@jinxylad71]

Great car and review Bill, you can tell you like her!

[@Banglish123]

Colombo had the rag top

[@curiouscars9282]

Sure did. They're worth a fortune now.

[@Banglish123]

@@curiouscars9282 but Bill I know you Americans have problems with pronouncing our little European cars but really it's Per-zho not poo-zho. And while I'm about it it's Jag-ewer not jagwar. What the hell. I too may well have had a bit too much covid scotch. Love ya work.

[@MrRhino10]

@@Banglish123 in Australia called Purr geot and Jag u whar

[@thechancellor3715]

Learned to drive on the family dark blue 1960 403. Heck of a nimble, great handling car with the MacPherson strut front suspension and rack and pinion steering. Four on column with overdrive in fourth. BTW despite your criticism of the turn signal it was ergonomically placed, one could flip the lever up or down by extending a finger without removing one's hand from the steering wheel. The crank starter had a return spring once the engine caught so as not to get a broken wrist ala early Fords. There was also a pull up screen in front of the radiator for really cold weather starts reducing warmup starting time. Also quite useful in adjusting timing by slow crank to get TDC. The sun roof was weather tight with that authoritative rolling and slaming shut sound. The sun roof could be locked in any position, adjusting aurflow to the cabin. It was a rare novelty at the time. None on American cars at all. When allowed to drive it with my HS buds the urge to play tank commander was irresistible...and heck a lot of fun. Being a French car there were some oddities. The bolt on wheel covers hid the three lug nuts, yep only three. However they had captive thick, you might call them boat shaped washers. The shape of which added considerable more bearing surface to match the wheel grooves. The included scissors jack had a thick square lug that was placed in designated sockets welded to the frame. The trunk was fully carpeted and held family luggage quite well. Only flaws were the paint job and plastic dash covers. Sunlight faded the dark blue paint to a dull chalky blue, while the plastic cover became came as did the urethane foam cushioning. Gearbox was smooth, one could max the available power through quickshift and clutch work. Surprised a few people in the quikness to 50. Long vacation trips from Maryland to Canada were made in comfort for our family of four. Funny bit: At the annual car show my dad and I were looking over a 403 and overheard a middle aged man telling his wife it was a Jaguar sedan..."see the Jaguar medallion on the grill, and look at the speedmeter, written right there.". Was as a Jaeger instrument. But he was done. Showed her the engine compartment, pointing to the sound insulating material on the underside of the hood..."and that's there in case a piston is thrown, keeps it from going thru the hood." as they walked away with two shopping bags of auti brochures.

[@stewartwilson382]

Jaeger 😅😂

[@mattattack5205]

Wow the battery is almost larger than the engine block 😂. Bill I just love this channel!! Keep it up and hope you still enjoy make these videos for years to come.

[@gtjgtj8334]

Good video Bill !!

[@jerryspitz6757]

My family moved to Nice in 1960 and got a 1960 Peugeot station wagon in tan. It was beautiful. For some reason it is the car that I drive in my dreams when I sleep to this day.

[@samsen3965]

Father to very successful 504 Peugeot !

[@allanbriggs807]

Some advice. Changing gears. It is a 4 speed spring loaded synchromesh gearbox. Being spring loaded means you use the palm of your hand to change gears. All changes are done in two motions - to neutral - the spring loading finds the gate - then into the next gear. 4th Gear is not fourth gear - it is overdrive - use for touring. When you want to use overdrive you rev the engine out (won't hurt the engine) and then go into overdrive. It is a brilliant system. Just takes getting used to. Most people make the error of trying to use a closed hand to change the gears - That's a no no.

[@cole6854]

My first Car, 1961 403 sedan! Used to get stopped by NY State Troopers often and told to "put some air in the tires, son" no one had ever seen radial ply tires. Wish I could find one now my was a 1961

[@johnfloore9799]

Hey Bill, What's that paint color called? Looks like what the french would call louche green (in honor of the color of a properly mixed absinthe cocktail)

[@vladgladkov405]

Pleasant video

[@terrencesimpson9113]

Almost 100K subscribers! You should have a million, in my humble opinion. I enjoy watching your videos after I have my nightly “COVID whiskey” ration.

[@solarsailor55]

Great car. I noticed that Penelope became Richard when you were worried about screwing up the synchro - slip of the tongue perhaps?

[@ab.3800]

too much coronavirus treatment will do that

[@joe08867]

Great review. What an interesting car. I bet once it's sorted out we'll be a fun car to take a spin in.

[@davidgold5961]

9:04 legend has it that the first automobile race was started five minutes after the second car was built.

[@Raptor3388]

This garage floor is a thing of dreams.

[@ulflei]

That was a very enjoyable review ,with an interesting car I don't mind the length

[@tylernewton7217]

Oh my god, the test drive was pure comedy gold!

[@maxrobitaille1417]

Legendary Bill shifting a manual column shifter one handed while filming !!!!!!!!!

[@andrewcooney2387]

Fabulous car, love the video, greetings from Ireland, the cars I still have are Nissan cedric 1986 v6, Mercedes 300 se 126, 1987, Daimler 3.4 1977. Nissan bluebird 1.6 hatchback 1990. Daimler 3.6 1989. And my every day toyota rav 4 2. 0 diesel.

[@stepheng5843]

Bwahahahaha! I can't believe you screwed up! Tell "Richard" His Synchro Mesh will be fine, even though you man handled it like a child to their favorite G.I. Joe doll at war in the dirt on the playground at school.... I love your videos. I can't get enough of your banter and comical interactions with these classic cars.. Keep up the amazing work sir.

[@mikeholmes1313]

This could be a really nice branch off for the future and do vehicles outside of the Autohouse echelon. The variety of cars and knowledge to share could be an awesome, classic car version of another well known KZbinr to remain unnamed in this comment. I'd love it!

[@MissouriMatt54]

I have a wonderful Peugeot pepper mill. I was not aware they were the same company! It is a great pepper mill.

[@Chapps1941]

I've owned 14 Peugeot's. I love them. I've even owned 4 Front-Wheel Drive ones which have been most excellent. But my all-time favourite is the 404 & the 504. But l like 403 & 203 too. I like 405 Mi16, 306 GTi6, 405 SRDT, 307 HDi16. I'd love to get a 308 GTi 270 (200kw)

[@HypocriticYT]

This is a surprise!!!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

What a treat.

[@jaygatz4335]

Nice clean lines, fully reclining seats, bordello red interior, wide whitewalls - nice to see something different. While in the French frame of mind, would love to see Bill review a Citroen cabriolet.

[@waltersticht7653]

Bill your KZbin channel is now officially my favorite. Keep up the Coronavirus whiskey treatments!

[@tdiscbetween]

Never heard of more than three on the tree... cool!

[@dp1109]

Hey Bill, great video. You know, I'm really looking forward to your subscriber appreciation video when you receive your golden play button from KZbin. It'll be nice to see you come out from behind the camera and unbox that thing .. maybe while enjoying a glass of that coronavirus whiskey. Should be lovely.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Interesting ride in that car!

[@ROLXXII]

Another great video Bill. This classic car behaved just like it did in Columbo.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Columbo would be considered hate propaganda these days.

[@ROLXXII]

@@LynxStarAuto Anyone who considers that is clearly deranged or totally indoctrinated.

[@LynxStarAuto]

@@ROLXXII lmao I was called racist for using the term "Italian tune up". I have PTSD now.

[@ROLXXII]

@@LynxStarAuto The thing I enjoy about this channel the most is that it will offend all the snowflakes and woke members of our increasingly miserable modern society.

[@hottubz1965]

ooh, I'd like to see the rest of that garage and hidden carport!

[@the-btc-tradingfloor2808]

The GOAT of car reviewer

[@masher1832]

Great review, made my day. For a minute I thought you were going to join that fast moving highway in that this.. yikes! Peugeot's are still very popular in the UK, although we pronounce it 'Purr-geot' , not sure if that's the french way or not.

[@BougieTheMan]

Come for the review, stay for the banter.

[@glenmcneill1675]

Quite amazed that you hit on so many features these have. My first car was a 403 wagon. For the year the technology was amazing. 4 speed synchromesh, all trim is stainless, hemi engine, worm rear end. The Armstrong shocks were not the greatest with so many bushings.

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

This car looks like a mini Rolls Royce.

[@vorsprungdurchtech]

Better place, no birds, goats, rabid deer, and no wolverines 👍

[@robertamoyaw1979]

I would love a 404 convertible! There's a few in Beverly Hills but not many left 🤠

[@ivanfairweather6049]

Peugeot does sell many cars in America. Under their new ownership of Chrysler, Dodge, Mopar, Jeep, Ram as well as Alfa Romeo, Maserati under the powerhouse Stellantis corporate name.

[@RecoveringGenius]

Gorgeous car...

[@Pr3ct]

You, sir, will be hearing from the Pro Dazzle Coalition.

[@mysticstarhf9265]

Now this is a unique and curious car here in the U.S. market. I need friends like yours!! haha. Used as a taxi also.....the Crown Vic of their time :-)

[@vinnybruce2874]

Very unique car I like

[@mrmarcuscars2072]

We Swedes had Volvo PV. And you could make the seats to a bed also. We are obsessed with time so we used it 16.01 - 16.34 after work ;)

[@aaronm.2790]

100k subs! Eventually, Bill will have his own museum of cars carefully curated. The caveat is that it will be next to a thriving wilderness with an absolute cacophony of birds going off.

[@pablocespedes5880]

This is a curious car indeed! it remind me to Peter Falk's Peugeot in Columbo!

[@georgemartin1436]

100K subs real soon because these are great videos. I'd watch him review a LeCar or a Yugo...it would be awesome...

[@mountaineermonkey7714]

I have a non American 1961 version. I love it! I taught my son how to drive in it