"Inside Columbo's Car" Everything You Always Wanted To Know About The Peugeot 403
Columbo's car is a major "character" in the series, a supporting player almost as familiar and beloved as the Lieutenant himself.
Columbo's car, somewhat like his dog, is both a co-star and a sort of alter ego: battered and unbeautiful, eccentric and woeful looking, but still a classic.
The car is also one of Columbo's many devices of deception: murderers take one look at the car, and assume that only a fool would own such a relic. As always, they are wrong.
Like its human owner, the little Peugeot is a veteran -- it goes the distance and shows no signs of being ready to retire. Man and machine, both a little wrinkled, a little wheezy and out-of-shape, but still on the job and getting it done. Appearances can be misleading, and no one should underestimate this plucky pair, the cop or his car -- they seem a little quirky, but they will persist and prevail.
But for all of its importance to "Columbo", very little is known today about the automotive actor that plays this crucial, long-running "role". So, in order to shed more light on Columbo's mighty Peugeot, we have obtained some vintage original documentation about this vehicle. Here is what we found.
HistoryThe Peugeot family, who still control the company that bears their name (the ads say it's prounounced "POOH-jo"), began as ironmongers. They sold a successful line of tools, coffee mills, umbrella spikes and corsetry before they got into the automobile business in 1876.
Early accomplishments for the Peugeot cars included the first journey across France by petrol car in 1891, the first sale of a petrol car to a private customer in France, and race-car victories at Paris-Rouen (1894), Paris-Bourdeaux (1895), and in America at the Indianapolis 500 (1913) and the Vanderbilt Cup (1915), among others.
In 1910 the company opened its plant at Sochaux, France, where the cars are still made today.
Columbo's car, the Peugeot 403, was introduced in 1955, selling in England for 1,129 pounds. It was an immediate best seller.
Most of the 403s were 4-door sedans, and a station wagon was also available.
The 2-door convertible was far more rare -- according to "Parade" magazine,
only 504 were manufactured in 1959. When Columbo claims that his car is
"very rare," that is the truth. No wonder information about the convertible is so hard to come by -- but it was basically the same car as the sedan.
The millionth Peugeot 403 left the factory in April, 1960, around the time that Columbo's car was made. The 403 was dropped in 1962, after 1,200,000
had been sold.
Columbo's car is a Peugeot model 403 Grande Luxe Cabriolet (convertible),
manufactured in Sochaux, France, by "SA Des Automobiles Peugeot". Different sources identify it as a 1959 or a 1960 -- probably there is one of each, including the original and the stand-in cars. This model was virtually unchanged between 1958 and 1965.
Here are some examples of how Peugeot advertised itself in those days: "One of the 7 best made cars in the world," the 403 was marketed as a "Sportsedan". The 403 was not touted as extravagant looking or flamboyant -- rather, the ads boast of "no fins, no excessive trim, no strange shapes".
Yet even the hard-topped 4-door version of the 403 was distinguished by an exotic sliding sun roof -- this was a car for a family man who still had a sense of adventure!!
And at a base price of $2,250.00 (American, which included shipping costs and import taxes), this was a great investment in European style and substance.
According to one ad, "The Peugeot's nickname is The Indestructible.
What more is there to say?"
Exactly right
DetailsSales brochures illustrate Columbo's model, the Cabriolet, in a sporty red. Other colors sold were ivory, yellow, metallic blue, metallic green, light grey, metallic dark grey, and black.
The car had an all leather interior, made in colors including buff, black, blue, or "coq de roche" red..
The brochures also call attention to the "automatic fan clutch, fog lamps and wheel embellishers."
Options The 403 boasted such "extras" as available white-wall tires, heater-defroster,
padded dashboard, reclining seats, electric clock, windshield washers, trip
mileage counter and "an outside rear view mirror," as well as dual tone horns
(have we ever heard Columbo use that?), and dual padded sun visors.
However, Peugeot points out that "The one thing we don't supply with every
Peugeot is a radio. We don't make radios."
Ah, but Columbo's own vehicle did have a radio installed -- going that extra mile for a touch of luxury!
For a small added fee, Peugeot offered the "Jaeger Electro-Magnetic Clutch,"
described as follows:
The Jaeger Electro-Magnetic Clutch permits discontinuation of of the clutch
pedal while enabling the driver to select the desired gear ratios.
"The metal powder Jaeger clutch provides high starting flexibility and eliminates slippage, jerky operation and engine stalling. It ensures ease of driving, particularly in heavy traffic conditions as encountered in large cities."
It is unknown whether Columbo's car is equipped with this option, but if so, the Jaeger Clutch seems to no longer perform as advertised.
Another option, available for the first time in 1959, was the Indenor diesel engine.
Specifications From an antique volume of "Glenn's Peugeot Repair and Tune-Up Guide -
Performance & Mechanical Specifications", we conclude with some technical specs for the immortal Columbo-mobile:
"This French-built car is powered by a 4-cylinder, in-line engine of "I" head design, with hemispherical combustion chambers. It has a conventionally mounted camshaft, operating the valves by means of push rods and rocker arms. The cylinder sleeves are replaceable, wet-type liners. The transmission is a four-forward speed unit, synchronized in all forward speeds. The drive is
through a torque tube, ending in an unusual worm-screw and worm-wheel type differential."
Curb weight: 2,420 lbs
Dimensions
length: 176.0 in
width: 65.8 in
height: 59.5 in
wheelbase:104.7 in
Tire size (mm): 165-380
Engine 
Displacement: 89.5 cu in
1468 cc
Horsepower: 58 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque: 74.5 ft.lb. @ 2500 rpm
10.3 kg/m @ 2500 rpm
Top speed: 80.8 mph
Acceleration:
0-30 mph 5.4 sec
0-40 mph 9.5 sec
0-50 mph 14.1 sec
0-60 mph 20.5 sec
0-70 mph 34.0 sec
Standing, 1/4 mi: 21.7 sec, speed at end 61 mph
SteeringRack-and-pinion type
Turning circle: 31 feet
Front suspensionDesigned about the familiar long-and-short arm suspension, the 403 uses a transverse leaf-type spring in place of the lower arms. Toe-in is the only front end angle that is adjustable.
NOTE!!: The body of the 403 has to be lifted from the suspension in order to service it.
BrakesConventional drum-type with mechanically-actuated linkage at the rear wheels for the parking brakes. The front wheel brakes are actuated by two single-piston hydraulic cylinders per wheel; the rear units have a double-piston cylinder arrangement.
Electrical system12 volts
"Peugeot uses Ducellier and Paris-Rhone electrical units. Unfortunately very few specifications are available for servicing these units. In fact the regulators are sealed and no adjustments are possible."
The manual gives this advice about the 403's electrical system:
"The suggestion is to replace the regulator in the event of trouble."
Fuel Tank capacity: 13.3 gal (U.S.)
11 gal (Imp.)
Mileage (avg): 23 mpg city, 27 mph hwy
For more information, see
The Car Topless and "It Could Use A Coat Of Paint": Columbo's Car Crashes and Car ProblemsAs an automotive enthusiast and expert, I can confidently dive into the details of Columbo's iconic car, the Peugeot 403. My extensive knowledge in automotive history, technical specifications, and the brand itself allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various concepts mentioned in the article.
Firstly, let's establish the historical context. The Peugeot 403 was introduced in 1955, with production continuing until 1962. The Peugeot family, initially ironmongers, ventured into automobiles in 1876. The 403 gained popularity swiftly, becoming an immediate best seller in England. It's worth noting that the convertible model, the Cabriolet, which Columbo drove, was a rare variant, with only 504 units manufactured in 1959.
The article mentions that the Peugeot 403 played a significant role in the "Columbo" series, becoming a character in itself. The car, much like its owner, was portrayed as worn but reliable, embodying a classic and enduring spirit. This narrative adds an intriguing layer to the vehicle's identity within the show.
Moving on to the advertising aspect, the Peugeot 403 was marketed as a "Sportsedan" and distinguished itself by avoiding extravagance. Advertisem*nts emphasized its solid construction, lack of excessive trim, and a focus on practical features. The convertible model, like Columbo's, was showcased in various colors, including a sporty red.
The article delves into optional features available for the Peugeot 403, showcasing the brand's commitment to offering a touch of luxury. Columbo's car, for instance, was equipped with a radio, despite Peugeot's usual policy of not supplying radios. Additionally, the "Jaeger Electro-Magnetic Clutch" was offered as an option, enhancing driving flexibility, although it's unclear if Columbo's car had this feature.
To provide a more technical perspective, specifications for the Peugeot 403 are outlined in the article. These include details on the engine, dimensions, weight, and performance metrics. The car was powered by a 4-cylinder, in-line engine with a displacement of 1468 cc, producing 58 horsepower. Its top speed was around 80.8 mph, with various acceleration times mentioned.
The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion type, and the front suspension featured a long-and-short arm design with a transverse leaf-type spring. The braking system utilized conventional drum-type brakes, and the electrical system operated at 12 volts.
In summary, my in-depth knowledge allows me to navigate through the historical, advertising, and technical aspects of the Peugeot 403, shedding light on its role in the "Columbo" series and providing a thorough understanding of its specifications and features.
