Peugeot 302
Encyclopedia
The Peugeot 302 is a mid-weight saloon introduced in 1936 Paris Motor Show by Peugeot
and sold until 1938.
with a smaller engine. It was launched a year after the 402.
The aerodynamic 402 was enthusiastically received by the market, but it was half a class larger than the Citroën Traction Avant
which had in many ways rewritten the rule book when launched in 1934, and which during the later 1930s acquired a range of different engine sizes and wheelbase lengths. The 302 could compete more directly with the Citroën as the consumer boom of the late 1930s pointed to a growth in market demand for middle sized saloons.
in blue, white and red on the grill.
In addition to the saloons, a small number of special bodied versions were produced including a Darl'mat
built 302 roadster and a cabriolet incorporating the automatic fold-away steel roof design patented by Georges Paulin
back in 1931.
. Maximum output of 43 PS was claimed, along with a maximum speed of 105 km/h (65 mph).
Peugeot
Peugeot is a major French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, the second largest carmaker based in Europe.The family business that precedes the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. On 20 November 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the lion...
and sold until 1938.
Background
The 302 was effectively a shortened version of the Peugeot 402Peugeot 402
The Peugeot 402 is a family car produced in Sochaux, France from 1935 to 1942 by Peugeot. It was unveiled in Paris Motor Show in 1935, replacing the Peugeot 401....
with a smaller engine. It was launched a year after the 402.
The aerodynamic 402 was enthusiastically received by the market, but it was half a class larger than the Citroën Traction Avant
Citroën Traction Avant
The Citroën Traction Avant is an automobile which was produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1934 to 1957. About 760,000 units were produced.-Impact on the world:...
which had in many ways rewritten the rule book when launched in 1934, and which during the later 1930s acquired a range of different engine sizes and wheelbase lengths. The 302 could compete more directly with the Citroën as the consumer boom of the late 1930s pointed to a growth in market demand for middle sized saloons.
The body
The 302 faithfully followed the style of the longer 402, complete with a sloping front grill behind which lurked the head lights. An eye catching detail was the hole for the starter handle on lower part of the front grill, and which passed through the middle digit of the name 302 inscribed patrioticallyFlag of France
The national flag of France is a tricolour featuring three vertical bands coloured royal blue , white, and red...
in blue, white and red on the grill.
In addition to the saloons, a small number of special bodied versions were produced including a Darl'mat
Darl'mat
Emile Darl'mat was the creator and owner of a Peugeot distributor with a car body business established at the rue de l'Université in Paris, France in 1923. In the 1930s the firm gained prominence as a low volume manufacturer of Peugeot based sports cars...
built 302 roadster and a cabriolet incorporating the automatic fold-away steel roof design patented by Georges Paulin
Georges Paulin
Georges Paulin was a dentist, part-time automobile designer and hero of the French Resistance during the Second World War. He was born 1902 in a working class section of Paris....
back in 1931.
The engine
The four cylinder water cooled 1758 cc engine was in most respects similar to the slightly larger engine fitted to the 402Peugeot 402
The Peugeot 402 is a family car produced in Sochaux, France from 1935 to 1942 by Peugeot. It was unveiled in Paris Motor Show in 1935, replacing the Peugeot 401....
. Maximum output of 43 PS was claimed, along with a maximum speed of 105 km/h (65 mph).