Lot 32: Peugeot 202 Caminonette Bachee (pick-up)

In 1938, Peugeot released the 202, an 1100 cc, four-door saloon that featured headlamps fitted close together just behind the grille (similar to the larger 402 that had been introduced in 1936).  While the saloon cars and cabriolets were of monocoque construction, a rugged but straightforward commercial chassis was also available with the cab section similar to that of the car and a choice of body types.  Production was halted in 1939 to recommence in 1945 and continue until 1954.  Particularly popular, especially in the wine growing regions, was the Camionette Bâchée (small covered truck), with a dropside pick-up bed and canvas flap rear window.  This practical and venerable load carrier benefits further from having a particularly good steering lock, rivalling that of a London Cab.This particular example dates from 1949 and is believed to have been initially put to work on a vineyard in the south of France, later migrating to the north east, again employed in the vineyards before being brought to England by its French owner in the mid 1970s.  Here it was put to work on his farm in Sussex before being laid up in a barn and then offered for sale in 1985.  Bought by a Peugeot dealer, it continued its travels north, to be restored in his Macclesfield workshops.  In 1992 it was used as ministerial transport carrying Sir Kenneth Carlisle (then a minister from the Department of Transport) during the opening of the new Macclesfield by-pass.  Although used regularly, with increasing traffic it was deemed unsuitable for busy roads and was sold on, ending up in the hands of another Peugeot dealer in the south of England as a promotional item and showroom centrepiece.  For the last two years it has been in the hands of a third Peugeot agent and only lightly used for local shows, etc.  Remaining in excellent condition, it has been much admired and is somewhat of an eye-catcher in its green and black livery complete with period signwriting.Offered for sale with a substantial file covering its restoration and subsequent history, this unusual commercial vehicle was recently featured in an article in Classic Van & Pick-Up magazine.  Included in the file is the current V5C document, and a new MOT is expected to be applied before the sale.