The Peugeot 402 is a family car produced in Sochaux, France from 1935 to 1942 by Peugeot. It was unveiled in Paris Motor Show in 1935, replacing the Peugeot 401. The 402 was characterized by what became during the 1930s a "typically Peugeot" front end, with headlights well set back behind the grille. The style of the body was reminiscent of the Chrysler Airflow, and received in France the soubriquet Fuseau Sochaux which loosely translates as "Sochaux rocket". Streamlining was a feature of French car design in the 1930s, as can be seen by comparing the Citroen Traction Avant or some of the Bugatti models of the period with predecessor models: Peugeot was among the first volume manufacturers to apply streamlining to the extent exemplified by the 402 and smaller Peugeot 202 in a volume market vehicle range. Recessed ‘safety’ door handles also highlighted the car’s innovative aspirations, as did the advertised automatic transmission and diesel engine options. Comparisons with Citroen's large family car of the time were and remain unavoidable. In that comparison, the basic underpinnings of the 402 remained conventional, based on known technologies, and presumably were relatively inexpensive to develop and manufacture: it was Citroen that in 1934 had been forced to sell its car manufacturing business to its largest creditor. Sticking to a traditional separate chassis configuration also made it much easier for Peugeot's 402 to be offered with a wide range of different bodies. Even by 1930s standards, the range of different 402 models based on the single chassis was large, comprising by one estimate sixteen different body types, from expensive steel bodied convertible cars, to family saloons which were among the most spacious produced in France. There were three different standard wheelbases of 113 in (short), 124 in (used on the standard. 191 in long saloon) and 130 in (long). The standard bodied saloon, first presented at the Paris Motor Show in the Autumn of 1935 was advertised as a six seater. As volume production got under way, the range was complemented by coupe and cabriolet versions. A lengthened wheelbase supported the eight seater 402 Familiale with dickey seats. A hugely expensive cabriolet version was the 402 Eclipse Decapotable, featuring the first powered retractable hardtop which had been designed, and in 1931 patented, by Georges Paulin. Interest in the Eclipse resurfaced with the reintroduction of the retractable hardtop by the 1995 Misubishi 3000GT Spyder and subsequent popularization of the concept by cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Peugeot re-publicized the Eclipse Decapotable with the 2001 introduction of its 206 CC retractable hardtop two seater. The retractable roof system was incorporated into various low volume Peugeot cabriolets in the 1930s, assembled by Emile Darl'mat’s Paris based Peugeot dealer and coachwork business — which also produced aerodynamic sports coupe 402s following the line of the coach builder’s own body for the Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic. The car was launched with a four cylinder water cooled engine of 1991 cc with poppet valve. Claimed maximum output was 55 PS at 4000 rpm. With 55 PS the car could achieve top speed of 75 mph). In 1938 the capacity was raised to 2142 cc with the introduction of the Peugeot 402B, stated output now being 60 PS. Given the wide range of body lengths and styles offered, there was and is correspondingly wide range of different performance figures quoted for the standard engined 402. Other engine versions existed, with a claimed output of 70 bhp for a Darl'mat bodied performance coupe version. A 2.3 L Diesel engine was also developed which would have made the 402 one of the very first diesel saloons available commercially: approximately twelve diesel 402s were constructed but the outbreak of war prevented the introduction of the 402 diesel to the market. The development work was not wasted, however, and in 1959 Peugeot would launch one of the world's earlier diesel powered saloons, albeit beaten to the market by Mercedes Benz. Standard transmission was a three speed manual system, driving through the rear wheels. The option of a Cotal three speed automatic was offered, but this was an elaborate system more commonly seen on upmarket models from the likes of Delahaye and Delage. Stopping the car was achieved using cable operated drum brakes: cable-operated brakes were by this time regarded as an old technology which compromised the innovative image presented by other aspects of the 402. Approximately 75,000 402s were produced during the seven or more years of production. It took Peugeot from the 1930s to the 1940s, covering two decades that saw a dramatic reduction in the number of automakers in France. Of the survivors, Citroen was taken over by a tyre/tire company in the 1930s: Renault was nationalised in the 1940s. Peugeot survived and retained its independence.

Estimate ?48,000 to ?55,000 Bids to ?40,000 - "Not sold" For many the cream of the crop, the second generation or C2 Corvette was introduced in 1963. Styled by Larry Shinoda under the watchful eye of Bill Mitchell and christened the 'Sting Ray', its fibreglass bodywork was punctuated by numerous taut, flattening lines that gave onlookers due warning as to the latent power lurking under the 'hood'. Based around a new perimeter-frame chassis equipped with five crossmembers, independent rear suspension (a Corvette first) and large-diameter drum brakes, even the 'base model' 'Vette boasted 250bhp and 350lbft of torque from its small-block 327ci (5.4 litre) V8. Built in St Louis during 1963, this particular example is understood to pleasingly retain its factory-fitted cylinder block. Believed to have had just one previous keeper (the gentleman in question apparently being a close associate of Silvio Berlusconi), the 'Vette entered the current ownership on the say-so of Willie Green. The latter citing its condition, originality, provenance and FIVA papers as good reasons to buy. Duly imported from Italy, the roadster was converted to race specification at great expense but nevertheless remains capable of road use. Having spent some ?95,000 on the Chevrolet (including ?65,000 for parts and engineering services), the vendor justifiably believes it to be among the very best available today. Indeed, in comparison with certain '63 'Vettes which have reached prices of over ?100,000 during recent times, this well-prepared racer seems something of a bargain. The car was gone through from stem to stern by RW Racing Services, the overhaul work including all-new suspension and brakes, changing to the optional front discs. The new rear spring incorporates an extra leaf, and there is a new aluminium radiator and oil cooler. A roll bar was added, but the dashboard remains standard, with extra gauges matching the style of the originals. An extra fuel tank was added for long-distance events. A refurbished competition-ready four-speed manual gearbox was sourced from the US, and the engine was given to Tim Adams for an overhaul; in FIA-eligible spec, it produces 400-plus bhp on a four-barrel Holley. With new FIA/HTP papers, the car has only run four races in the GT & Sports Car Cup since it was acquired in 2007, and the owner admits he is selling only because he's not comfortable with left-hand drive on race circuits. Describing the coachwork as "excellent and original" and the paintwork as "first class", he adds: "The car comes with hard and soft tops and is genuinely ready to race. Much of the interior is original and even the original radio and electric windows work well. The hood and original seats are currently stored". As well as the GT & Sports Car Cup, the 'Vette is eligible for the Gentlemen Drivers' Series among various others and has the potential to be, in the right hands, a regular front runner.