This blue 1935 Peugeot 601 POURTOUT is much more than just a model car: it is a true piece of history in French cinema and the automobile industry of the 1930s. This faithful reproduction transports us into the world of Marcel Pagnol and his famous film "Le Schpountz" with Fernandel, shot in 1937.
This exceptional collector's item bears witness to an era when French automobiles shone with elegance and refinement. Its rarity on the model car market makes it a particularly sought-after item among collectors passionate about French automobiles and cinema.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Peugeot 601 POURTOUT
- Brand: Peugeot
- Year: 1935
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The Peugeot 601: French elegance of the 1930s
The Peugeot 601 was launched in 1934 by the Sochaux-based manufacturer to replace the 301. This mid-range saloon perfectly embodied the French art of living of the 1930s, combining bourgeois comfort and technical sophistication. The bodywork by POURTOUT , a renowned Parisian coachbuilder, added an additional touch of elegance to this already distinguished automobile.
Equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine developing approximately 35 horsepower, the 601 offered respectable performance for the time. Its robust chassis and carefully crafted suspension guaranteed a comfortable ride appreciated by a demanding clientele. The version with Pourtout's bodywork stood out with its more fluid lines and particularly well-crafted interior, making it an accessible prestige vehicle.
This automobile enjoyed modest but consistent commercial success, attracting a bourgeois clientele concerned with elegance and reliability. Its presence in cinema, notably in the films of Marcel Pagnol, helped to anchor its image in the French collective imagination.
Peugeot in the 1930s: innovation and prestige
During this decade, Peugeot consolidated its reputation as a premium manufacturer by offering a wide range of vehicles, from utility vehicles to luxury cars. The lion brand invested heavily in research and development, anticipating the needs of an increasingly demanding clientele. This period marked the golden age of the French automotive industry, with Peugeot competing with Citroën and Renault to conquer the domestic market.
Peugeot's history, which began in 1810 with metallurgy, took a decisive turn towards the automobile at the end of the 19th century. Armand Peugeot , a convinced visionary, had bet on motorization as early as 1889. By the 1930s, the family business had become a major player in French industry, employing thousands of workers and exporting its vehicles all over the world.
This golden era was characterized by a constant search for technical and aesthetic innovation. Collaborations with prestigious coachbuilders like POURTOUT demonstrated this desire for excellence, creating automobiles that were true rolling works of art.
When Pagnol chose the Peugeot for his films
The story of this Peugeot 601 POURTOUT in "Le Schpountz" reveals the close ties between cinema and automobiles in 1930s France. Marcel Pagnol, a demanding director with a passion for authenticity, meticulously chose every element of his sets, including the vehicles. This blue Peugeot was not just a prop but a true character in the film, symbolizing the social rise of Fernandel's hero .
The filming of "Le Schpountz" in 1937 marked the height of pre-war French cinema. Pagnol, a pioneer of talkies, revolutionized the seventh art by shooting on location in his native Provence. The presence of this elegant sedan on the dusty roads of the region created a striking contrast, perfectly illustrating the clash between rural tradition and urban modernity.
This automobile thus unwittingly became a witness to a historic moment in French cinema. Decades later, its model car reproduction perpetuates this cinematic memory, allowing collectors to own a fragment of this golden era when the French automobile industry shone on screens around the world.
The anecdote tells that Fernandel himself fell in love with this Peugeot during filming, admiring its comfort and elegance. This shared passion between actor and vehicle shines through on screen, creating a genuine bond that still contributes to the film's timeless success today.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Peugeot 601 POURTOUT occupies a unique place in the world of French car model cars. Its dual historical and cinematic dimension makes it a masterpiece for any collector passionate about 1930s automobiles or the world of French cinema. Its exceptional rarity on the market places it among the most sought-after model cars in its category.
It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to historic French cars , alongside other iconic models such as the Citroën 2CV or other vintage Peugeots . For classic car enthusiasts, it is a valuable testament to pre-war French automotive elegance.
This model car will particularly appeal to discerning collectors, French automotive history enthusiasts, and film buffs who love Marcel Pagnol's films. Its historical authenticity and meticulous workmanship make it a lasting investment for any serious collection, capable of passing on the memory of this golden era of French motoring to future generations.
