1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Coupe by Pourtout

If ever there were a vehicle that looks like it would be driven by a criminal mastermind in a Pixar movie, it’s this awesome looking 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Coupe by Pourtout which is going under the hammer with the guys at RM Sotheby’s. It is believed to be one of just six coupes built on the 402-series Legere (lightweight) chassis so you’ll be in exceptionally limited company if you manage to add this stunning steed to your line up of classic cars.

The 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Coupe by Pourtout from RM Sotheby’s is one of three surviving examples so you likely won’t see this one come cheap but if you’re all about unique vehicles and have deep pockets, it’s a must. It boasts exquisite coachwork design by Pourtout’s Georges Paulin and, quite frankly, you’re unlikely to encounter a more spectacular car out there and it is positively overflowing with cool design features that belie the car’s age.




PEUGEOT PERFECTION


  • Race-bred mechanicals; a direct sibling of the 5th overall finisher and 2-liter class winner of the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans
  • Originally gifted by Emile Darl’mat to racing team director Alfred Giauque
  • A unique and magnificent piece of French interwar automotive history

According to the research this magical looking Peugeot was originally finished in a two-tone exterior of French beige and black, and it was given by Emile Darl’mat in late December 1938 as a Christmas present to team director Alfred Giauque, as a gesture of his appreciation. This was a fitting gift considering that Giauque had long considered the coupe body style to have far more competition potential, although Darl’mat steadfastly insisted on running roadsters because they were lighter.

After two decades of the same owner, this jaw-dropping 1938 Peugeot 402 Darl’mat Special Coupe by Pourtout from RM Sotheby’s is now available to buy. It boasts exceptional coachwork by Pourtout, with eye-catching design cues evident in its faired-in headlamps and the series of circular chrome shields that elliptically descend the front fenders. The hand-built and tuned Peugeot is thought to be one of just six coupes made, and one of only three left in the world. It is the aesthetic equal of the finest Pourtout designs to grace other celebrated French marques, and its close relationship to the competition cars that finished as high as 5th overall at Le Mans testifies to its race-bred engineering.

Perfectly suited for display at major concours d’elegance and celebratory events highlighting the interwar French Curves design movement, this incredibly unique and rare automotive beauty would make a sensational addition to any collection of coachbuilt automobiles. If you’ve wanted the cornerstone addition to your collection, this one might just be it.

Leo Davie