Closing date for April issue -> February 17
Peugeot 203 Familiale: Space saver for Paul
The same ingredients every year, and yet every classic car show is different. Different participants, different cars, and especially different stories. Strolling through the show in Eelde, we came across this gleaming Peugeot 203 Familiale. A striking example of its time, with a practical and well-thought-out concept: six seats spread across three rows, designed for comfortable family transportation in an era when space was still a real consideration.
The compact family car
The Peugeot 203 series was a hit in France. Practical, reliable, solidly built, and competitively priced. No unnecessary frills, just a car that did what it was supposed to. Even today, the 203 has a loyal following in the classic car world. The streamlined pontoon design, combined with the indestructible four-cylinder engine, firmly put Peugeot back on the map after the war.
Proud to have achieved classic status
Classic cars are becoming increasingly popular. They stand out in traffic, attract attention, and drive something that's still clearly structured. No overcrowded engine compartments, no electronic dependencies, but technology you can see and understand. Perhaps that's also why Paul still "floats" in his car every day. Citroën DS Break, for him an iconic French car with a revolutionary design. Entire communities immediately recognize the DS; a car that brought color to the streets and continues to do so. Paul is therefore a passionate advocate for preserving and protecting classic cars.
Trading instinct
This manifests itself in Paul's strong sense of buying, selling, and the right moment. This play played a role in his life for years. Within a radius of a hundred kilometers from his home, he bought Citroën DS models and transported them to the Netherlands, with the aim of improving the streetscape there. Over the years, this amounted to respectable numbers, driven by a love of the model and a well-developed business sense.
French license plate
The Peugeot 203 Familiale has been in Paul's possession for over thirty years. He bought it—he considers the car feminine—in France during his time as lord of the manor. The Familiale was used as a wedding car and was part of everyday life. After returning to the Netherlands, the car was never officially imported, but all the details are available, even those of the first owner. The reason it's now for sale is simple: another exceptional classic is ready for restoration. Paul is confident in his own abilities. Despite his 77-year-old status, he is energetic and determined to complete this project successfully.
Above-average interest in DAF
Childhood memories also play a role. In his garage is a DAF Pony, a vehicle that balances between a truck and a van. Anyone who smells gasoline from a young age never quite gets rid of it. This Pony was once found at the GEB in Goes and requires not only cosmetic attention but also technical work. It was previously used in Paul's brother-in-law's gardening business, and Paul was allowed to drive it himself from an early age. During its deployment at a large military horse show, DAF Ponies were used to pull obstacles. DAF acted as a sponsor and provided the vehicles with temporary trade license plates.
The police are your best friend
Not everything went smoothly. During transport for the horse riding event, a law enforcement officer interrupted the fun. Transporting goods with a dealer registration wasn't allowed, as it wasn't legally considered a test drive. Yet, the connection with this model remained. Paul wants to restore the DAF Pony to its original condition and is now a member of the DAF Club, which makes finding parts much easier. The good feeling and atmosphere of yesteryear are returning to his classic cars, and anyone who speaks with him will immediately notice: Paul is younger than his odometer suggests.
Subscriptions Auto Motor Klassiek
We love the enthusiasm and passion of enthusiasts' stories, especially when they give us a glimpse into their hobby. You'll find that glimpse every month in Auto Motor Klassiek, the magazine for youngtimers, classics and vintage cars on two or four wheels, and daily on the free website amklassiek.nl. A request a trial copy is a nice first step, a Subscription is even better; welcome to the club.
Nice car, my late father once had a sedan model of it, nostalgia.
This is supposed to be about cars, please forgive my reaction.
But if, as a police officer, you're regularly denied support by magistrates and politicians on the street, and are even undermined and literally undermined by the highly respected, then I would sometimes think, "Just look at it." And this car is truly a beauty.
Peugeot was certainly known in those years as quality for a good price, especially the stuff from, say, the seventies.
Dear Mr. Jabuy, I understand, I didn't mean it personally. But every time! we, as heavily tax-paying citizens, are treated purely as subjects of a rip-off government system. Your only right is to pay! So, the question is: what do we get in return? For example, more corrupt asphalt from the 1% earners? Or well-being, which is what matters to (still) healthy people.
A cat's back isn't a 'pontoon', is it?
Luckily Paul has the very nice Peu, this is certainly to compensate for the DS "built full in the engine compartment"🤣 unlike the police, that is your "best enemy", never in my long life, had anything to do with them;
Just a reminder: during our last move, we burned a whole pile of tax returns—oops, environmental, everything from cars to many bicycles, burglaries, etc., etc., etc. Never heard anything, except, yeah. You get the picture :). We have a crappy police/justice system, but instead, a very valuable and efficient focus on collecting money!
and of course a picture of the beautiful back…
I also have one of those for sale, mechanically in excellent condition, rust-free, galvanised fenders/sills, new chrome.
Unfortunately too many vintage cars and far too little time to drive.
The 203 is a lot more comfortable and sure-footed at 100 km/h than the Volvo with its cat-back, while the cat-backed Volvo is better for traffic light sprints 😉