Peugeot 402 Taxi 1939 - An Exceptional Model
This magnificent yellow and blue Peugeot 402 model from 1939 transports you to the Parisian atmosphere of the pre-war years. A faithful reproduction of an authentic taxi of its era, this collectible piece perfectly captures French elegance and the art of living of the 1930s. With its distinctive two-tone livery and carefully crafted details, this miniature is a must-have for any enthusiast of period vehicles.
A true collector's item, this Peugeot 402 taxi bears witness to a bygone era when French automobiles shone around the world. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to prestige French vehicles or 1930s die-cast cars.
Model Specifications
- Model: Peugeot 402 Taxi
- Brand: Peugeot
- Year: 1939
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Yellow and blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The Peugeot 402: An Automotive Revolution
Launched in 1935, the Peugeot 402 marked a true revolution in the French automotive industry. With its revolutionary streamlined design and headlamps integrated into the grille, it broke with the aesthetic codes of its time. This prestige sedan perfectly embodied the French automotive avant-garde of the 1930s, combining technical innovation and stylistic refinement.
The 402 stood out with its 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine producing 55 horsepower, a remarkable output for the period. Its monocoque chassis and independent front suspension delivered exceptional driving comfort. Available in several versions - saloon, convertible, estate - it appealed to a discerning clientele seeking elegance and modernity.
Commercial success was immediate: over 75,000 examples were produced until 1940, making the 402 one of the most iconic Peugeots of the interwar period. Its career was sadly cut short by the world war, but its legacy lives on today.
Peugeot: French Automotive Excellence
By 1939, Peugeot was already a centenarian brand, backed by its expertise in precision engineering. Founded in 1810 by the Peugeot family, the company first excelled in tools and light metalworking before turning to automobiles in 1889. This long tradition of technical innovation was fully reflected in the design of the 402.
The year 1939 marked the peak of the pre-war Peugeot golden age. The lion brand dominated the upmarket French market, rivalling Europe's greatest manufacturers. Its engineers, led by visionary Jean-Albert Grégoire, were revolutionising the car with bold technical solutions. This prosperous period would end abruptly with the German invasion, but the technical legacy of those productive years would have a lasting influence on the automotive industry.
Peugeot's philosophy of the time - combining mechanical robustness and French elegance - found its perfect embodiment in the 402, a symbol of an era when French cars shone across the world.
Paris Taxis and the Peugeot 402
The story of the Peugeot 402 Parisian taxis is closely tied to the last months of peace before the Second World War. In 1939, the French capital counted several thousand of these yellow and blue saloons cruising its boulevards. This two-tone livery, now legendary, had been mandated by the Paris police prefecture since 1909 to distinguish taxis from private cars.
These 402 taxis were privileged witnesses to a pivotal era. They carried Parisians during the 1937 International Exposition, ran through the "phoney war" of 1939-1940, and lived through the final moments of Parisian carefree life. Many of these vehicles were requisitioned during the Occupation, converted into service vehicles or fitted with wood-gas generators.
A memorable anecdote recounts that in September 1939, during general mobilisation, many taxi drivers abandoned their Peugeot 402s on the great boulevards to join their regiments. These orphaned cars, parked along the Champs-Élysées, offered a striking sight of a France tipping into war.
After the Liberation, the few surviving 402s returned to service, but the era of the grand, elegant taxi was drawing to a close. Post-war industrialisation favoured simpler, more economical vehicles, making these Peugeot 402 taxis the last representatives of a French art de vivre that had truly passed.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Peugeot 402 taxi holds a special place in the world of French model cars. It fits perfectly into thematic collections devoted to pre-war vehicles or French die-cast cars. Its taxi livery also makes it an excellent addition to collections of service vehicles and public service vehicles.
Collectors passionate about French automotive history will enjoy pairing it with other iconic models of the period, such as Citroën miniatures Traction Avant or contemporary Renault Juvaquatre. This combination lets you faithfully recreate the automotive atmosphere of pre-war France.
Appealing to both seasoned collectors and automotive history enthusiasts alike, this miniature wins over with its authenticity and evocative power. It also has its place in collections devoted to vintage cars or classic models, reflecting the stylistic evolution of French automobiles. Beyond being a collectible, it is a true fragment of history, immortalising an era when French elegance graced roads around the world.
