Peugeot to Celebrate 75 Years of Coupe Cabriolets

With the launch of the new 308CC next month, which replaces the 307CC, Peugeot is also celebrating the 75th anniversary what they call the "invention of the retractable steel roof". This year marks 75 years since the launch of the 401 Eclipse model, the world’s first vehicle with an electrically retractable steel roof.

The Eclipse, manufactured in collaboration with the designer Paulin, Peugeot concessionaire Darl’Mat, and coachbuilder Pourtout, was built in a limited run of only 79 units. Later, the same technology was applied to the 301, 402 and 601 models.

Now, 75 years later, Peugeot’s latest CC is somehow similar to the 401 Eclipse, or at least that is what Peugeot Automobiles Australia’s General Manger/ Director, Ken Thomas, believes.

“The technology has come a long way in 75 years; to the point where this version opens or closes in 20 seconds,” Thomas said in a release. "While the Eclipse’s distinctly art deco appearance marks it as a classic design of its time, the sculpted lines of the 308 CC mark it as a masterpiece of today.”

“The innovation behind Peugeot introducing an electric retractable steel roof in 1934 can be traced through to Peugeot introducing the world’s first side head airbag in the 308 CC in 2009. Over 10 per cent of Peugeot sales in Australia are coupé cabriolets – proving that the concept invented by Peugeot 75 years ago continues to grow in popularity today,” Thomas added.

The new Peugeot 308CC will also introduce several innovative features, including world’s first side head airbags which deploy to cushion the occupant’s head in the event of a collision. The innovation is one of a raft of safety features that comprise a five-star EuroNCap rating.

The vehicles also features the Neck Airwave Heating System, which diffuses warm air through the head rests, protecting the head and neck from the cold.