Peugeot 601
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 26, 1810 in France |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Peugeot 601 served as Peugeot's premier model from 1934 until 1935, signifying the brand's reintroduction of six-cylinder powertrains. Debuting on 5 May 1934, it was aimed at the luxury market segment, showcasing engineering advancements that were ahead of its time.
Together with the Peugeot 401 Eclipse, the limited-run 601 Eclipse stood out as one of the earliest mass-produced coupé-convertibles equipped with a retractable hardtop, crafted by Carrosserie Pourtout. This pioneering roof design folded away beneath a rear luggage compartment lid that opened in reverse, underscoring Peugeot’s commitment to blending innovative design with practical utility.
Powertrain
Under the hood, the Peugeot 601 housed a 2,148 cc inline six-cylinder engine generating 60 horsepower at 3,500 rpm. Although its power output was modest and the vehicle's weight varied according to body style (ranging from to ), it could reach a maximum speed near . Driving performance was influenced by the specific body configuration and wheelbase length.
A distinctive feature of the engine was its thermostatically managed oil temperature system, which routed oil through a heat exchanger cooled by radiator water to improve durability and reliability. Reflecting Peugeot’s engineering philosophy of the period, the 601 incorporated independent front suspension to enhance both ride comfort and handling dynamics.
Body
The design of the 601 drew heavily from Peugeot’s recently updated 201 and 301 models; however, accommodating the longer six-cylinder engine necessitated an extended wheelbase. Upon release, two wheelbase lengths were available: for the "Normale" version and for the "Longue" variant.
For the "Normale" wheelbase, customers could choose among three primary body styles: a four-door "Berline" sedan priced at 28,500 francs in spring 1934; a two-door "Coach dėcapotable" cabriolet with seating for four, which was offered at 34,000 francs but produced in limited quantities; and a two-seat "Roadster," often recognized with concours d'élégance awards.
The "Longue" wheelbase provided four standard body options. The entry-level model was a six-window "limousine familiale" featuring four doors and generous rear legroom, priced at 31,000 francs. Additional choices included an aerodynamic four-door "Berline aérodynamique" exceeding in length, a low-slung two-door four-seat "Coach Sport," and beginning in summer 1934, a lengthy two-door four-seat "Coach Profilé."
Among these variants, the special Eclipse body stood out for its electrically operated folding metal roof. This innovative retractable hardtop was conceived by Georges Paulin—a dentist turned automotive designer and war hero—and constructed by coachbuilder Pourtout on chassis supplied by Emile Darl'mat, a leading Parisian Peugeot dealer. Decades later, Peugeot revived interest in this concept following the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLK in 1996, which featured a comparable folding steel roof. Peugeot emphasized that their earlier 401 and 601 Eclipse models had pioneered this technology some sixty years prior.
In mid-1934, shortly after its initial release, the 601 underwent a subtle update for the 1935 model year, most notably featuring lowered headlight positioning.
Commercial Performance
The Peugeot 601 faced challenges in the market due to its less powerful engine. Nevertheless, considering the intense competition within the upscale French automobile segment, achieving a production total of 3,999 units over an eighteen-month period was a notable accomplishment for a six-cylinder vehicle.
End of Production
Manufacturing of the 601 ceased in 1935 after just a year and a half, leaving a void at the pinnacle of Peugeot's model range that persisted until the debut of the Peugeot 604 four decades later. The 604, which introduced a V6 engine, was also Peugeot's subsequent multi-cylinder offering, making the 601 the brand's last car powered by an inline six-cylinder engine.