June 25, 2022 Collector Motor Series Auction Buyer's Guide

1938 Peugeot Darl’mat Lot 63 | Offered without Reserve

1935 saw the introduction of the 402 at the Paris Show in October. It marked a turning point in the history of the Peugeot brand, which was ahead of all its French competitors in introducing aerodynamic bodies as standard. This is the famous ‘Sochaux rocket’ range, characterized by fluid lines and a shield-shaped grill to protect the headlights. A total of 105 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat models were crafted on the 402 chassis. It is believed that 53 were roadsters, 32 cabriolets, and 20 coupes. They were upgraded at Darl’mat’s shop with Cotal four-speed electro-mechanical gearboxes, before being shipped to Pourtout and fitted with the Paulin-designed bodies, formed from pieces of sheet aluminum hand-shaped and then nailed to wooden structures of ash framing that were then attached to the chassis. Powered by a tuned two-litre overhead-valve four-cylinder engine with dual carburetors,

a Cotal four-speed pre-selector gearbox, the Darl’mat was a remarkable performer on road and track alike. Competition versions, remarkably similar to their road-going stable-mates were very successful. They competed at LeMans in 1937 and 1938, achieving a sterling class victory in the latter year.

This vehicle has undergone an exceptional restoration,

finished in stunning light metallic silver over blue leather.