Peugeot 403 1955–1966 car dimensions: 4470 mm long, 1670 mm wide and 1510 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,025 kg. Braked towing is 750 kg.
The cabin holds 5/6 people with a column gear change for easy three-abreast seating up front. Front seats recline fully to form a couchette bed with the rear bench. Heating, defrosting and a cool-air fan system are fitted, along with a soft padded dashboard, large glovebox, ashtrays, sunvisors and interior light. A sliding sunroof is standard on Grand Luxe versions.
The boot is spacious enough for a full family holiday load, taking five or six suitcases plus small bags. The spare wheel sits in its own lower compartment so luggage does not need to be moved to reach it, and a boot light is fitted.
Braked towing capacity is listed at 750 kg for the 403, rising to 900 kg or 1000 kg on later 403/7 and 403/8 versions. No unbraked figure or sedan payload rating appears in the published material.
The cabin seats five or six with front seats that recline fully to form couchettes for overnight use. Large glass areas and a sliding roof on higher grades give good visibility. A complete dashboard includes heater-defroster with cool air fan and lockable quarter vents. Soft padded materials cover the dash. Cloth or plastic-coated fabric trims match body colours. The boot holds five or six suitcases with spare wheel in its own compartment.
Fuel use 9 to 10 litres per 100 km on petrol versions
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels
Padded anti-shock rubber dashboard as standard
Child-proof safety locks on rear doors
Thermostatically controlled engine fan
Petrol models use 9 to 10 litres per 100 km. Later diesel versions use about 8 litres per 100 km. An automatic cut-out fan helps cut fuel use by 5 to 10 percent in many conditions by stopping when not needed.
The car has a reputation for solid build and low running costs close to the smaller 203. Workshop manuals cover routine work on the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and electrics. No fixed service intervals appear in period brochures.
Safety centres on hydraulic drum brakes, a low centre of gravity and suspension that keeps the car stable. The full dashboard padding was an early passive safety step. Rear doors have child locks. Soft interior surfaces reduce injury risk in a frontal impact.
Daily use suits family trips thanks to the roomy cabin, large boot and reliable four-cylinder engine. Column shift allows six seats. Keep the cooling system healthy so the fan works as designed. Parts and manuals remain available for long-term ownership.
Length 4470 mm, Width 1670 mm, Height 1510 mm, Wheelbase 2660 mm (403 1955–1966)
Sources: manufacturer data, motorsdb.com fiche technique Peugeot 403 1955-1967, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_403.