1938 Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

When Peugeot presented the 402 in the mid-1930s, it signaled a decisive shift toward modernity in French automobile design. The 1938 Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme represented the most refined and ambitious interpretation of this model line, combining aerodynamic styling with long-distance comfort and advanced engineering. It was conceived not as a sporting machine, but as a fast, stable, and sophisticated touring car for France’s evolving road network.

Technical Details:

The Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme was powered by a front-mounted inline four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,991 cc. In N4T specification, the engine was tuned for improved output compared to standard 402 variants, producing approximately 63 horsepower. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, a notable step forward at a time when many competitors still relied on three-speed transmissions. The chassis used a conventional rear-wheel-drive layout with independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle, prioritizing stability and ride comfort over agility. Hydraulic drum brakes were fitted on all four wheels. With its relatively streamlined body and longer gearing, the N4T Grand Tourisme was capable of cruising at higher sustained speeds than earlier Peugeot touring cars, aligning with its long-distance travel intent.

• Manufacturer: Peugeot
• Model Name: Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme
• Year of Manufacturing: 1938

Design:

The design of the Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme was defined by aerodynamic principles that were still novel in series production during the 1930s. Its most recognizable feature was the integrated headlight arrangement, hidden behind the vertical grille bars, giving the front end a smooth, unified appearance. This solution reduced aerodynamic drag while creating a distinctive visual identity that set the 402 apart from more traditional competitors. The body lines were fluid and elongated, with flowing fenders and a gently sloping rear that reinforced the car’s streamlined character.

Inside, the Grand Tourisme emphasized comfort and refinement. Seating was generously proportioned, with attention paid to long-distance usability rather than sporting restraint. The dashboard layout was symmetrical and functional, reflecting Peugeot’s pragmatic approach to interior design. Materials were selected to convey solidity and calm rather than luxury excess, reinforcing the car’s role as a capable and reassuring touring companion.

Historical Significance:

The Peugeot 402 series emerged during a period of rapid change in automotive engineering and design. In the mid-1930s, manufacturers across Europe began experimenting with aerodynamics, influenced by aviation research and high-speed record attempts. Peugeot was among the first major French manufacturers to apply these ideas consistently to a mass-produced model. The 402 replaced the more conservatively styled Peugeot 401 and immediately positioned the brand as forward-looking.

The N4T Grand Tourisme variant represented the upper end of the 402 range, aimed at customers seeking comfort and modernity rather than outright performance. Its introduction coincided with improvements in European road infrastructure, making sustained high-speed touring more realistic. Production of the 402 series ended in 1942 under wartime conditions, and the Grand Tourisme versions, built in comparatively small numbers, became rare survivors. The 402’s engineering and aerodynamic approach laid groundwork for post-war Peugeot models that continued to emphasize stability, efficiency, and understated innovation.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

One of the enduring quirks of the Peugeot 402 is its concealed headlight design. While technically beneficial for aerodynamics, it also gave the car a slightly enigmatic appearance that stood out in period traffic. This feature became one of the most discussed elements of the model and remains a key identifier today.

The 402 also gained a place in popular memory through its use as a basis for experimental and specialized vehicles, including streamlined prototypes and record-attempt cars developed by Peugeot engineers. In later decades, restored 402 Grand Tourisme models have appeared regularly at French classic car events, where they are often cited as symbols of pre-war optimism and technological confidence. Though not a staple of cinema or literature, the 402 enjoys a strong presence in enthusiast culture as one of Peugeot’s most visually and technically distinctive pre-war cars.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The 1938 Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme stands as a clear expression of pre-war French automotive modernism. Technically competent, aerodynamically informed, and designed for sustained road travel, it combined innovation with restraint. Its four-cylinder engine, four-speed gearbox, and streamlined body reflected Peugeot’s effort to adapt to changing expectations of speed, comfort, and efficiency. Today, the 402 N4T Grand Tourisme remains a significant and respected example of how French manufacturers approached progress on the eve of the Second World War.