Peugeot 302

Infobox Automobile
name=Peugeot 302


manufacturer=Peugeot SA
class=
body_style=4-door sedan
various cabriolets and coupés
engine=1758 cc straight-4
production=1936 - 1938
25,083 produced
platform=
related=
layout=FR layout
predecessor=Peugeot 301
successor=Peugeot 402 légère (light)
similar=
wheelbase=
related=Peugeot 402
length= Auto mm|4500|1 standard steel bodied saloon
width= Auto mm|1570|1
height=
weight=|

The Peugeot 302 is a mid-weight saloon introduced in 1936 Paris Motor ShowCite web|url=http://motorshow.cars.uk.msn.com/motorshow/Paris2006/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=988389|title=History of the Paris Motor Show|accessdate=2008-03-15|work=motorshow.cars.uk.msn.com] by Peugeot and sold until 1938.

Background

The 302 was effectively a shortened version of the Peugeot 402 with a smaller engine. It was launched a year after the 402.

The aerodynamic 402 was enthusiastically received by the market, but it was half a class larger than the Citroën Traction Avant which had in many ways rewritten the rule book when launched in 1934, and which during the later 1930s acquired a range of different engine sizes and wheel base lengths. The 302 could compete more directly with the Citroën as the consumer boom of the late 1930s pointed to a growth in market demand for middle sized saloons.

The body

The 302 faithfully followed the style of the longer 402, complete with a sloping front grill behind which lurked the head lights. An eye catching detail was the hole for the starter handle on lower part of the front grill, and which passed through the middle digit of the name ‘302’ inscribed patriotically in blue, white and red on the grill.

In addition to the saloons, a small number of special bodied versions were produced including a Darl'mat built 302 roadster and a cabriolet incorporating the automatic fold-away steel roof design patented by Georges Paulin back in 1931.

The engine

The four cylinder water cooled 1758 cc engine was in most respects similar to the slightly larger engine fitted to the 402. Maximum output of 43 bhp was claimed, along with a maximum speed of 105 km/h (65 mph).

ources and further reading

*Italian|Peugeot 302| 2008-03-15