Description
Peugeot 202 Cabriolet | 1938
Highlights:
– Restored in 2024 including engine, chassis, brakes and interior
– Rare pre-war French cabriolet with matching vintage aesthetics
– Burgundy-on-cream colour scheme with recent upholstery and soft top
– Original mechanical gauges and details preserved
– Roof and roof-frame in good condition
The seller offers for sale this 1938 Peugeot 202 Cabriolet, an elegant and increasingly rare French pre-war convertible. This vehicle left the factory on 13 December 1938 and has since undergone a restoration. The work includes a rebuild of the engine, chassis and brake system, as well as refreshed upholstery and a new convertible top completed in July 2024. Just 250 km have been covered since the restoration, meaning the car is still being gently run in. The vehicle is registered in France, verified by the FFVE, and carries valid French documentation and insurance.
Power comes from a 1,133 cc inline-four petrol engine, mated to a manual transmission. The drivetrain and supporting components have all been inspected and overhauled. Notable work includes the replacement of piston rings, timing chain, radiator, water pump, seals, and braking system. The car’s electrical system has been renewed, with period-correct headlamps fitted with classic bulbs, while the turn signals, sidelights and brake lights now feature LED units for improved visibility.
The exterior is finished in cream with burgundy accents and matching burgundy wheels. The paintwork, completed in 2020, remains in good condition with only minor blemishes noted. The cabriolet frame has been custom-recreated, and the roof operates correctly, complementing the car’s well-maintained appearance.
The interior presents well, featuring burgundy leatherette upholstery on the seats and door panels, in harmony with the vehicle’s exterior trim. The carpet throughout the cabin and trunk is fresh and professionally fitted. Original instrumentation—including the speedometer, ammeter, fuel gauge and clock—are intact and operational. The overall finish is consistent with the car’s 1930s style, offering a classic open-top motoring experience with authentic period charm.
The Peugeot 202 was introduced in 1938 as a compact family car positioned below the larger 302 and 402 models. Its styling was advanced for the time, featuring a distinctive “streamlined” body with integrated headlights behind the grille—a feature that would inspire later designs. Production was interrupted by World War II, with fewer than 105,000 examples built in total, including only a limited number of convertibles. As such, surviving 202 Cabriolets are now uncommon and highly sought after.
The chassis of the 202 featured independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, which made it quite advanced compared to many rivals of the time. Although modest in power, its efficient 1.1L engine made it a nimble and lightweight car, especially desirable for open-air driving in the countryside. Post-war production briefly resumed until 1949, but cabriolet versions from the pre-war era remain the most collectible due to their hand-built nature and low production numbers.
This example stands out not only for its level of restoration but also for its colour scheme and period-correct finish. It offers a chance to own and drive a piece of French automotive history that embodies 1930s elegance and craftsmanship. With fresh mechanicals, tasteful presentation and correct documentation, this Peugeot 202 Cabriolet is ready to be enjoyed as a weekend classic or preserved as part of a collection.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located on the island of Crete, Greece.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a French registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
