Peugeot 203 and 403 - Shannons Club - Episode 131

In this episode of Shannons Club TV, Mark Oastler & John Wright have a rare opportunity for a side-by-side comparison of two feature cars. They take an up-close look at the unbreakable French cars that won plenty of fans in Australia - The Peugeot 203 and 403.

[@olafeklund6200]

My Mom bought a 203 in 1952, and my Dad took me out to a large empty lot with dirt tracks on it, where I learned to drive at the age of 11! The '52 model was as originally designed, small rear window, central instrument cluster and no quarter lights.

[@Kapt-Kimbo]

Back in the 70's as a young fella, a couple of slightly older blokes moved in next door and we became firm friends, but I just couldn't understand why they drove these funny old fashioned weird Peugeots. Sure by then they were then really cheap to buy but they looked so ancient and underpowered to me. Then one weekend away up the back of Gafneys Creek near Jamieson where we were staying, my friend popped me in the passenger seat of the 203 and took me for a wild ride along the four wheel drive only goat tracks through the forest. Wow....I was amazed and finally understood. I eventually bought a 203 and like many had popped in a 403 motor and wheels which transformed it...20 yo 203's were a bit underpowered as stock . A wonderful car used as my daily drive. It ate up everything that was thrown at it. Commuting, interstate trips, going bush. Sadly the car was destroyed in the bushfires some years ago. Had a friend who circumnavigated Australia in one and another who rallied one very successfully due to its toughness (after putting in a larger engine...I think a 404...and a ridiculous floor shift. ) I wish I still had one to take my young daughter for a drive. The styling really grew on me too.

[@Dankmus]

What the heck, this channel is A1 content, well researched and delivered yet with nearly no views! I hope that changes.

[@Jo_Wardy]

Beautiful cars French cars are gorgeous and I’d love to own a 403 and daily one

[@1980PintoMan]

I just bought a '59 403 in the USA at an auction. I didn't find out about the auction in time to check out the cars in person. There were probably 50 old cars there. Judging by pictures the 403 looked to be in the best shape. I also figured there would be less bidding on it as it wouldn't be as popular as most of the other American cars. I was right, got it cheap. It was last registered in 2004. With a temporary gas tank, it started right up and moved forward and back. I'll certainly check everything out, but I'm thinking it's just going to need a new interior (not too bad though) and paint. The suspension is still good, press down once over any wheel and there's no bounce. I'm impressed with the turning radius too, looks like a freaking drift car with the wheel turned all the way. I don't think I've ever seen one before, but I'm in love with it.

[@Kapt-Kimbo]

I was a little disappointed that this video didn't go into more detail on the engineering side of things. For example, once I understood the torque tube setup I thought 'Brilliant!' This really contributed to the precision steering and great suspension. The driveshaft ran through a tube that was solidly bolted to the diff at the rear and was connected to the back of the gearbox via a large ball joint. This meant that the rear suspension was basically like a long swing arm on a motor bike, firmly controlling its position fore and aft. The rear end was also connected to the body via a Panhard rod which therefore also controlled any sideways movement. This combined with rack and pinion steering resulted in brilliant handling, out performing most of its contemporaries and even most local cars decades later. Other touches that that made me smile were the ignition timing adjuster knob on the dash to accommodate poor fuel quality in post war France...you could adjust the timing on the run, the tiny crank handle that stored in the glove box that in the event of windscreen wiper motor failure could be screwed under the dash to hand crank the wipers. And I loved that the choke knob was called the Strangulator! The video also mentioned the in house shockers. I was never particularly impressed with them. Other features were the hemi engine head, 'suicide' front doors, and tiny boot. I'd really love to see any other comments relating to these cars and the actually engineering design, both good and bad.

[@olafeklund6200]

The 403 was an early example of the "Ponton" genre of car styling, think Mercedes-Benz 180/190, and also a few English cars from the mid-50's, like the Austin A50. It was a departure from the inverted boat style bonnet as on the 203.

[@motorised1]

in your veiw this guys really starting to grind my gears

[@ramzeenmohomed4028]

Nice car

[@stevethorne9605]

this is good

[@wachapo]

reminds me of Columbo...

[@PreClassicCarsMotorcycles]

Peugeot 203

[@pablojones5613]

When you compare these old girls, probably even up to the 504, they were simple, well built, and reliable. The modern Peugeots are absolute junk by comparison.

[@olafeklund6200]

That's true!

[@michielengmann906]

True, with the exception of the '06 series. The 306 and 406 were also great. Better then their successors.

[@allanbriggs807]

I'd have to disagree. Our family has had Peugeots since 1957, including the only taxi run in Australia totally run with Peugeots. Peugeot lost the plot a bit in the 90's however the 308's (we have a 2012 and 2017 models) are great cars. Mine has the 2L diesel engine and goes like the clappers. Very reliable. We had two minor issues in the warranty period. Both fixed. 155,000 kms later and no money spent on the engine or suspension. I must admit the 403 and 404 are my favourites out of all the Peugeots we owned.

[@pablojones5613]

@Allan Briggs Ok, that's interesting. I guess, like many European brands sold in Australia, I have heard horror stories. I'm more than happy to be corrected if things have changed, however.

[@allanbriggs807]

@@pablojones5613 I can certainly attest to the Peugeot 308 quality. Just as an aside. I have the 2L diesel engine and our mechanics indicate ir is the best engine on the later model Peugeots. Unfortunately I don't think it will be available any longer.

[@chrispbacon3042]

When do French cars go the fastest?...When they are being chased by a German tank.

[@celiapainter1862]

Peugeot made cars before 1898 NOT 1904,!!!!