1935 Peugeot 601D Convertible Coupe

This 1935 Peugeot 601D is purported to be one of two convertible coupes known to exist and the sole example in a right-hand-drive configuration. Chassis 712728 was ordered new by Captain Michael Wemyss, Laird of Wemyss Castle, and delivered from the factory to Kirkcaldy, Scotland. It remained with the family until 1999, when the car was sold to Phil Clatworthy, a founding member of Club Peugeot UK. An eight-year refurbishment followed, and a reported sum in excess of £127k was spent among specialists including Connoisseur Automobile Restorations, Prestige Autotrim, and Clanfield Coachbuilding. Subsequent work has involved refreshing the brake, ignition, and electrical systems as well as replacing the battery and engine coolant.

The 601 debuted in 1934 as Peugeot’s flagship model, and approximately 4,000 were built in several configurations before production ceased the following year. Convertible and roadster variants accounted for around 500 examples. Triple vents on the hood side panels distinguished the design from its down-market brethren, and revisions in 1935 included lowering the headlights below the peak of the front fenders.

A copy of a handwritten letter sent by Michael Wemyss on February 10, 1935, refers to a payment of 17,100 francs for a Peugeot 601 convertible coupe. An acknowledgement from the Peugeot export office is presented in the gallery.

Chassis 712728 was disassembled during the eight-year restoration, and the body was repaired and repainted in what is reported to be its factory shade of blue. The beige soft top has a glass rear window and a blue boot, and UK number plates have been retained. Other details include rear-hinged doors, electric windshield wipers, and oval side mirrors. Paint chips and other imperfections around the car are shown up close in the image gallery below.

Color-keyed 400mm wheels are wrapped in 150/160-40 Michelin Superconfort tires. The 601 rides on an independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring as well as a live rear axle supported by quarter-elliptical leaf springs. Braking is handled by hydraulic drums.