AutoCult Peugeot 203 Darl´Mat DS (1953) (France)

About the Original

Small Edition

In the scene around the French brand Peugeot, the name Emile Darl’mat is primarily known for professional car tunning in a smaller scale. He delighted the fan base with converted series models. He became known by his sporting engagement in the ’24 heures de Lemans’ from 1937. In a small edition he offered his successful racing cars under the designation 302/402 DS as a road-approved version for sale.

After the time of World War II, Peugeot presented a completely new development with the Type 203. The 45-year old immediately realized that the focus on the French’s buying behavior in the future would no longer be based on the pre-war design of the 202, but on the new 203. This point of view proved to be extremely wise, as it became clear that the Type 203 had conquered the hearts of the French as early as the start of series production in October 1948. For his modified version, Emile Darl’mat decided to replace the filigree standard front grille by a new one, which looked coarser, but more ‘American-like’. Less noticeable was the fact that he lowered the car body by seven centimeters. Technically simple, but visually quite effective, the two rear wheels of the Darl’mat conversion were covered. This style element was very often found in expensive, noble car bodies in those years and also gave the 203 a touch of luxury. The convertible version showed this esprit undoubtedly a nuance better than the closed version. In order to underline the position of a “slightly better” 203 compared to the standard models, the power of the standard engine was increased from 45 hp to 80 hp. The fitting of a second carburetor made this impressive increase in performance possible, which of course also greatly improved the driving values. This special version of the 203 was manufactured from October 1948 in the car dealership ‘Darl’mat’. Some sources mention a total of 120 copies – other sources mention 150 copies.

In 1970, Darl’mat died at the age of 78.