Peugeot D3 and D4
| Company type | Light commercial vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Chenard-Walcker CPV |
| Founded | October 1950 |
| Fate | Discontinued, replaced by Peugeot J7 in 1965 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | France |
| Products | Panel vans, minibuses, ambulances, horse transporters |
| Parent | Peugeot |
The Peugeot D3 and its follow-up model, the Peugeot D4, were front-control panel vans marketed by Peugeot between October 1950 and 1965. These light commercial vehicles, originally developed by Chenard-Walcker as front-wheel-drive vans, became part of Peugeot’s lineup after the company acquired Chenard-Walcker in 1950.
Derived from a design dating back to wartime, the van was reintroduced in June 1946 under the name Chenard-Walcker CPV. It initially featured a small two-cylinder, 1,021 cc two-stroke engine producing 26 hp. In 1947, to boost output, the powertrain was upgraded to a 1,133 cc four-cylinder engine sourced from the Peugeot 202, raising power to 30 hp. The integration of this larger engine necessitated extending the front end, which earned it the nickname "Nez de cochon" (“pig nose”).
Peugeot’s role as an engine supplier to Chenard-Walcker made it a principal creditor and ultimately led to its acquisition of the financially troubled firm. After taking control, Peugeot rebranded the vehicle under its own name and ceased production of the Chenard et Walcker CP3 in January 1951.
By late 1950, Peugeot introduced a new 1,290 cc engine from the recently launched Peugeot 203, resulting in the D3A variant with an advertised output of 32 hp. Further improvements increased power to 40 hp by 1952 with the D3B version, and in February 1953 a passenger seat was incorporated into the design.
With Peugeot broadening its passenger car lineup in 1955, the van adopted the 1,468 cc engine from the new Peugeot 403, offering 45 hp in its commercial configuration. The D4 model replaced the D3 in August of that year, featuring minor exterior modifications such as optional side doors and unique “baguette-style” bumper overriders until their removal in 1960.
Diesel engines were introduced in October 1959, marking an important advancement for the model range. Petrol-powered versions saw an increase to 55 hp with the D4B update in 1960. That same year brought flashing turn signals along with subtle styling refinements throughout its production life, including a grille redesign implemented in 1963.
The lineup encompassed panel vans, minibuses, ambulances, and horse transporters; notable conversions were carried out by Théault at Avranches. Customers included French law enforcement agencies as well as La Poste for mail distribution services.
Production of the D4B ended in 1965 when it was succeeded by the Peugeot J7.
Celebrity connections
A Peugeot D4 painted in police colors was featured in the original Pink Panther film, driven by Inspector Clouseau following his capture with the diamond.
Sources and further reading
- Contains information derived from the French Wikipedia article.