Drive in – La Peugeot du Schpountz

Two years later Césarone year later RegainMarcel Pagnol turns Le Schpountz in 1938. Alongside Fernandel, in the role of a failed actor, we find Orane Demazis and Fernand Charpin. We also see the personal car of Marcel Pagnol. A unique and strange piece.

The author and director had indeed ordered a very special model from coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout: a convertible cabriolet built on a Peugeot 601 chassis. It was delivered to him in August 1935 and he took part in several elegance competitions, the actress Josette Day, companion of Marcel Pagnol, being requisitioned to present the car.

The 601 is a rare model in the history of Peugeot. It was integrated into the top of the range in May 1934. Its main characteristic lies in its inline six-cylinder engine, a 2.1-litre group which does not shine by its modernity with its side valves and its modest power of 60 hp . Only 4,000 copies of the 601 will be distributed between 1934 and 1935.

The Peugeot 601 convertible in its standard version.

In the abundant catalog, there is a convertible convertible which is subcontracted by the coachbuilder Pourtout. This workshop works with an amazing collaborator, Georges Paulin, dental technician, who devoted himself to bodywork from 1931. Talented draftsman, author of several masterpieces, he is also the inventor of the retractable roof system which was be marketed by Peugeot.

The patent is applied to special bodies like this 601 delivered to Marcel Pagnol and unfortunately fitted with a “pontoon” winged body which is singularly lacking in finesse!

A 601 Eclipse presented at the 1934 Paris Motor Show.
A 601 Eclipse presented at the 1934 Paris Motor Show.

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