1938 Peugeot 402 Darl'Mat Special Sport
- Engine
- 2.0–2.1L inline four-cylinder OHV, twin Zenith carburetors
- Colour
- Two-tone (exact colors not specified)
The 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl'Mat Special Sport is one of approximately 30 surviving examples of a limited run of aerodynamic roadsters, coupés, and cabriolets styled by dentist-turned-designer Georges Paulin and bodied by Marcel Pourtout for Paris-based Peugeot dealer Émile Darl'Mat. Built on 2 June 1938, this car retains its original chassis, wooden body structure, coachwork, windscreen, and hood frame. Sister cars campaigned at Le Mans in 1937 and 1938 with notable results, and this example has remained in France throughout its documented history, passing through several owners before its current custodian acquired it at auction in 2012.
Ownership
- 2021-03-10Auction saleEstimate €350,000 – €550,000
- 1940-08-28 →Private saleMr Lefranc of Sury-le-Comtalpartial documentation
First registered owner; vehicle was manufactured in June 1938 but not registered until late August 1940. Purchased via the Peugeot dealership in Nîmes for 27,550 FF.
- 1978-02-02 → 1982Acquisition unknownMr Jean Zobelpartial documentation
Re-registered the car with chassis number 400233 and registration 1068 HQ 47 on acquisition.
- 1982-07-07 → 1993Acquisition unknownMr Gérard Ramospartial documentation
Registered the vehicle in Gironde with number 6445 GB 33.
- → 1993Acquisition unknownBruno Vendiessepartial documentation
Dealer who displayed the car at Rétromobile in spring 1993 and subsequently offered it for sale.
- 1993-05-11 → 2001Private saleMr Guy Dubrullepartial documentation
Purchased from dealer Bruno Vendiesse; registered the car in Pas-de-Calais. Entered the car in local events in July 1993.
- 2001 → 2012Private saleMr Géry Montpellierpartial documentation
Lille-based businessman who acquired the car in exchange for a Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio Convertible. Exhibited it at motor shows and had it offered for sale by dealer Christophe Pund from 2010.
- 2010 → 2012Acquisition unknownChristophe Pund / Gallery Damierspartial documentation
Dealer who offered the car for sale from his Gallery Damiers establishment from 2010 until it was sold at auction in 2012.
- 2012-07-01 →AuctionCurrent vendorfull documentation
Acquired at the Le Mans Classic auction and subsequently spent approximately €50,000 on mechanical and cosmetic upkeep by named specialists; invoices retained on file.
- Date unknownMr Lucien Mettepartial documentation
Owner during the 1970s; during his tenure the manufacturer's plate was missing and the Carte Grise had been lost. The car wore a two-tone paint scheme at this time.
Competition
- 19371937 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Pujol7th overall
Three Darl'Mat Peugeots finished in the top ten; the best-placed entry was co-driven by Pujol and Contet.
- 19381938 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: de Cortanze5th overall, 2-Litre Class winner
The Darl'Mat entry co-driven by de Cortanze and Contet took class honors while finishing fifth overall.
- 1993Rétromobile display
Exhibited at the spring 1993 Rétromobile show by dealer Bruno Vendiesse, where it was offered for sale.
- 1993-07-01Grand Prix de Péronne
This specific car participated in the Picardy event in July 1993 while owned by Mr Guy Dubrulle.
- 1993-07-01Rallye des Châteaux
The car also took part in this rally during the same period in July 1993.
- 2002Lille Motor Show
Displayed during the 2002 edition of the show while in the ownership of Mr Géry Montpellier.
- 2003Darl'Mat meeting at Cassel
Displayed alongside chassis 400246 and 400249 at a marque gathering hosted at Christophe Pund's dealership.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Interior trim refurbishment including replacement of the soft top and bucket seats, while the original hood frame and structural elements were retained.
Scope and date not precisely stated; described as having been done prior to the current owner's acquisition.
- —MechanicalRestaur'auto (François Cointreau, Pelouailles); Paillet engine specialist, Tours
Various mechanical and cosmetic work totalling approximately €50,000, covering engine components, shock absorbers, and renewal of the soft top on the original hood frame.
Carried out after the current owner's purchase in July 2012; invoices retained in the vehicle file.
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