Page 7 - The Kellner Affair Sample Pages

CHAPTER 2: LA VOITURE DE L'AVENIR - THE CAR Of THE fUTURE
Introduced at the Paris Salon in October 1935, the Peugeot 402 was visibly inspired by the Chrysler Air ow. (Peter Larsen)
At the 1935 Paris Salon, Peugeot had introduced its new line of four-cylinder 11 CV 1,991 cc semi-aerodynamic models, designated the 402 and designed by Henri Thomas. While visibly inspired by the Chrysler Air ow, Peugeot had succeeded in infusing a level of elegance to its designs, which had been nonexistent in the Chryslers. All models were extremely sleek for a production car, and running boards were notably absent, although there was little curvature to the body side and no tumblehome at the chassis rails. Performance and comfort was up due to these more ef cient bodies, and wind noise was down. Peugeot was well rewarded. All eight 402 styles sold well, and they became the rst semi-aerodynamic line of cars in France that was commercially successful.
Running boards were disappearing, although even an advanced pontoon design such as the 1937 Voisin Aérosport retained one of sorts.
(Peter Larsen)
An amazing in-line twelve-cylinder Aérosport model was offered by the factory. Note the extended hood and grille when compared to the six-cylinder model. One may possibly have been built. (Peter Larsen)
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