FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): Peugeot 403 Cabriolet (1956

The Peugeot 403 was a car styled by Pininfarina, featuring ponton three-box styling, and was produced by French automobile manufacturer Peugeot from 1955 to 1966. A two-door cabriolet version of the car was also offered from late 1956 to 1961, with a luxurious interior featuring high quality leather upholstery. In 1958 the 403 cabriolet cost 80% more than the entry level "berline grand luxe" 403 sedan, and presumably for this reason the convertible 403 was produced and sold only in very modest numbers. Out of the 1.2 million 403s produced, only 2050 copies were 403 Cabriolets. Powered by a 1,468 cc, the straight-four to produce 65 hp. An unusual feature at the time was the thermostatically controlled engine fan which cut out when the engine temperature fell to 75°C and reengaged when the engine temperature increased to 84°C. Claimed advantages included an improvement in fuel consumption of between 5% and 10% according to average speed. The 403 came with a manual 4-speed all-synchromesh transmission driving the rear wheels. The gear change lever stuck out from the right side of the steering column. (wikipedia & history-of-cars.com)