Peugeot 203 Dubois Coupé Frua

Vehicle Overview

The Peugeot 203 Frua Coupé Dubois made its grand debut at the prestigious 1953 Turin Auto Show, captivating audiences with its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design. This remarkable vehicle, born from the collaboration between Maurice Dubois and renowned coachbuilder Pietro Frua, bore the hallmark of exceptional engineering and aesthetic excellence. Founded in 1953, Maurice Dubois established his eponymous company with the singular goal of producing automobiles that would leave a lasting impression. Accordingly, the brand bore his initials, M.D., signifying a commitment to quality and ingenuity. The MD Peugeot, unveiled in 1953, boasted a lightweight tubular chassis by Nardi, seamlessly integrating the mechanical components of the Peugeot 203. However, its pièce de résistance lay in its aluminum body, expertly crafted by the skilled hands of Pietro Frua. This collaboration resulted in a masterpiece of automotive design, blending classic Peugeot styling cues with Frua’s signature elegance and sophistication. Under the hood, the MD Peugeot featured a potent engine, its power augmented by a Nardi intake manifold and a compressor by Constantin, boosting output from 42 to 90 horsepower. This impressive performance ensured a thrilling driving experience, delivering exhilarating acceleration and dynamic handling. Production of the MD Peugeot spanned from 1953 to 1954, with a total of up to 14 specimens crafted. Each vehicle was meticulously detailed, with some featuring distinctive design elements such as a central chrome strip in the grille, hood-mounted air intake scoops, and counter-rotating windshield wipers, further enhancing their individuality and allure. Though its production run was short-lived, the legacy of the Peugeot 203 Frua Coupé Dubois endures as a testament to the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit that defined an era of automotive excellence. These rare specimens continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike, representing a pinnacle of design and engineering innovation in automotive history.