1937 - Peugeot 402 eclipse - Lot 12

1937 - Peugeot 402 eclipse The advantages of a coupé and a cabriolet in a classic car French registration Chassis n°618502 - The model that spread the concept of the coupé-cabriolet with retractable hardtop - Very rare surviving model out of 580 produced in all series - E4T version with manual convertible top and Cotal electromagnetic gearbox - Known history with essentially three owners since 1957! - Two-tone green paintwork and quality restoration with a pleasant patina. - 47,500 kms on the odometer, with engine completely rebuilt in 2022, invoice attached The Peugeot 402 Eclipse is one of the most emblematic models of the French automobile of the 1930s, both for its innovative styling and for its technical advance. Produced between 1935 and 1940, it was part of the Peugeot 402 range, famous for its aerodynamic lines nicknamed the "Sochaux spindle". This modern aesthetic is characterized by flowing shapes, wraparound fenders and, above all, headlights integrated behind the grille - a bold signature that contributes to its resolutely avant-garde identity. Available in numerous body styles (sedan, limousine, coupé, cabriolet), the 402 finds its most remarkable expression in the Eclipse version, a true synthesis of elegance and innovation. It is considered one of the world's very first production coupé-cabriolets, thanks to its retractable hardtop. This ingenious system, devised by Georges Paulin and developed with coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout, transforms the car into a convertible in a matter of moments, with the roof fitting into the trunk. A highly complex solution for its time, it would not be used on a large scale until several decades later. Produced in limited numbers - around 580 examples - the 402 Eclipse remains a rare car. It combines elegance, comfort and modernity, and represents the pinnacle of Peugeot's stylistic and technical expertise on the eve of the Second World War. Manufactured by Pourtout and marketed in particular by the Parisian dealer Darl'Mat, it is also distinguished by its exclusive character. In addition to its technical innovation, it stood out for its driving qualities: modern, comfortable and relatively dynamic for its time, it was one of the most desirable convertibles of the late 1930s. Today, the Peugeot 402 Eclipse is recognized as a true pioneer in automotive history. With its retractable hardtop concept and aerodynamic design, it embodied an innovative vision of the automobile, heralding solutions that would not become widespread until many years after its demise. Put on the road in 1937, the Peugeot 402 Eclipse we're offering bears chassis number 618502 and body number 442. Of the 580 examples of 402 Eclipse produced, this is one of 149 in the E4T version, with the spare wheel on the rear trunk and in 5-seat configuration. It also features the optional Cotal electromagnetic gearbox, further proof of the model's technological refinement. Its history is pretty well mapped out. Indeed, it was registered in the Lot region in 1957 and kept by its owner until 1973, before he sold it to a person in the Tarn-et-Garonne region, who in turn kept it for 40 years, only selling it at auction in 2013 and its current owner acquiring it, also at auction, in 2015. That's only 4 owners in almost 70 years! It was the owner, based in Meauzac in the Tarn-et-Garonne region, who, as a passionate mechanic, gave it a second lease of life by restoring it. Repainted at the time in an elegant two-tone shade of green, probably corresponding to its original configuration with matching leather, it now boasts a pleasant patina, testifying to the quality of its restoration. The manually retractable hardtop is equipped with a rear window curtain and is fully functional and operable by a single person. What's more, in 2022 the engine was completely rebuilt by a professional for almost €10,000 (main invoice available on file). Since then, it has covered just under 300 kilometers, but is in perfectly satisfactory running order, with its mechanics now working very well and its running gear in good condition. It now boasts just under 47,500 kilometers on the odometer, and has been used sparingly, notably at various weddings and tourist rallies in recent years, where it has caused quite a stir.