Peugeot 201 black sedan from 1931 - An exceptional miniature by Eligor
This black 1931 Peugeot 201 saloon miniature is a true gem of French automotive history. Faithfully reproduced in 1:43 scale by manufacturer Eligor, this collectible captures all the elegance and innovation of this revolutionary 1930s automobile.
A true testament to a pivotal era in the automotive industry, this Peugeot 201 miniature is a must-have for any collector passionate about French automobiles and industrial history. Its meticulous finish and authentic details make it a prestigious object that will naturally find its place in the finest collections.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Peugeot 201 sedan
- Brand: Peugeot
- Year: 1931
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Black
- Manufacturer: Eligor
- Protective case included: Yes
The Peugeot 201: A revolution in popular automobiles
Launched in 1929, the Peugeot 201 marked a decisive turning point in the Sochaux-based manufacturer's strategy. This compact sedan was born from Armand Peugeot's desire to democratize the automobile by offering a modern, reliable vehicle that was accessible to as many people as possible. The first Peugeot to adopt three-digit numbering with a central zero, it began a tradition that continues to this day.
The model stands out for its remarkable technical innovations for the time: a 720 cm³ four-cylinder engine , four-wheel brakes, and a particularly robust all-steel body. With its top speed of 75 km/h and moderate fuel consumption, the 201 perfectly meets the expectations of a bourgeois clientele looking for modernity and practicality.
Commercial success was immediate and lasting. Produced until 1937, the Peugeot 201 sold nearly 143,000 units , firmly establishing Peugeot's reputation in the popular car market and paving the way for future generations of family saloons.
Peugeot in the 1930s: The Golden Age of Innovation
In the early 1930s, Peugeot underwent a period of intense innovation under the leadership of Armand Peugeot and his engineers. The lion brand, with its experience in bicycle and tool manufacturing, applied its metallurgical expertise to the automobile industry with remarkable success.
This decade saw the birth of several iconic models that forged Peugeot's modern identity. The 201 continued this line of innovations, alongside more upmarket models like the 301 and 401. The company focused on manufacturing quality and reliability, values that appealed to a demanding clientele during the economic crisis.
The context of the 201's creation coincided with the profound transformation of the French automobile industry. Peugeot then established itself as a major player in the face of Citroën and Renault, favoring a rigorous technical approach and streamlined production that foreshadowed modern industrial methods.
An automobile at the heart of French social history
The Peugeot 201 accompanied the profound transformations of French society in the 1930s. It quickly became a symbol of the upward mobility of a new urban middle class, seduced by this modern and affordable automobile. On the streets of Paris and in the countryside, the 201 embodied emancipation through the automobile.
A particularly striking anecdote illustrates the cultural impact of this model: in 1934, the famous writer Georges Simenon used a Peugeot 201 for his travels while writing several detective novels. This discreet but reliable automobile accompanied the author in his documentary investigations, becoming almost a character in its own right in his urban stories.
The 201 also experienced the major historical events of the decade. During the paid holidays of 1936 , many French families discovered the joys of automobile travel thanks to their Peugeot 201. These black sedans crisscrossed the roads of France, transporting their occupants to the first democratized vacation in French social history.
Even more surprisingly, the 201's legendary robustness has earned it widespread adoption by public services. The Paris Police use it for urban patrols, appreciating its maneuverability in the capital's dense traffic . This official use further enhances the prestige of this iconic model.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This miniature Peugeot 201 occupies a special place in the world of French car collectors. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to Peugeot model cars or French model cars from the 1930s.
Collectors with a passion for automotive history will appreciate the complementarity of this 201 with other iconic models of the era. It sits harmoniously alongside contemporary Citroën model cars or Renault models from the same period, offering a comprehensive view of the French automotive industry of the 1930s.
This Eligor piece is particularly appealing to fans of 1/43rd scale model cars , a reference format that allows for a fine appreciation of details and proportions. It also finds its place in thematic collections devoted to 1930s automobiles or classic sedans . For industrial history enthusiasts, this miniature is a precious testimony to a pivotal era in the French automobile industry, where technical innovation and democratization combined to profoundly transform society.
