In the early 1900s, Peugeot dominated racing in America, winning 24 events in 1915 and 1916 alone, and won the Indianapolis 500 outright in 1913 and 1916. Building steadily on its hard-won notoriety, and with the success of the 201, the company’s first mass-produced model in 1929, Peugeot further expanded their offerings with the 301 in 1932, and the 401 and exclusive 601 models in 1934.

A number of body styles were offered on the 601 chassis, and among the most exciting was the two-door, four-seater Roadster. Just 109 examples were built throughout the model’s 18 months of production, and it is thought that only about 20 survive today, with chassis 712071, the example offered here, likely being the only one domiciled in the US. This 601 Roadster was sold new in France and remained there until its discovery in Bar-le-Duc, east of Paris, in the mid-1990s, when it was exported to the Netherlands. It then received an extensive restoration spanning five years, before arriving on US shores in 2016. The dark blue paint complements the sporting open design brilliantly, and the contrasting red leather of the cockpit and rumble seat show only minor patina. The 601 is fitted with seldom-seen Robri wire wheels and a pair of low-set Marchal Aerolux headlights. The rear-mounted spare wheel, sweeping front fenders, and the absence of running boards accentuate the sporting design of the open coachwork.

Welcomed equally on tours and concours showfields, this striking and particularly rare Peugeot is sure to charm its admirers with its European style and sophistication.