1937 Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse

The Peugeot Type 402 was a luxurious automobile produced by the French automaker from 1935 to 1942. In 1937, Peugeot released the Eclipse version of this model, which was a convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. The Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse was a masterpiece of engineering, combining style, comfort, and performance in a single package.

The Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, which produced 55 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which sent power to the rear wheels. The top speed of the car was 86 mph, which was impressive for a vehicle of its era.

The most remarkable feature of the Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse was its retractable hardtop roof. The roof was made of steel and was operated manually, with two people required to raise or lower it. When the roof was fully raised, the car looked like a traditional sedan. However, when the roof was lowered, the car transformed into a stylish convertible, with the hardtop folding neatly into the trunk. The roof was designed to be easy to use, with minimal effort required to lower or raise it.

The Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse was built on a ladder frame chassis, which was extremely rigid and provided exceptional stability and handling. The suspension system consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. The brakes were hydraulic and were operated by a foot pedal.

Inside the car, the Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse was a masterpiece of comfort and luxury. The seats were upholstered in fine leather and were adjustable, providing excellent support and comfort. The dashboard was made of high-quality materials and featured a range of gauges, including a speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge.

The Peugeot Type 402 Eclipse was a rare and exclusive car, with only 563 examples produced between 1937 and 1942. Today, the car is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, with examples in excellent condition commanding high prices. The car's technical details, combined with its elegant design and luxurious features, make it a true icon of automotive history.