In the early 1930s, a dentist named Paulin envisioned a revolutionary concept that would merge the protection and quietness of a closed car with the joy of open-air driving. His solution was a retractable metal roof that could completely disappear into the trunk, a design he patented and named Eclipse evoking the image of a hidden star. This innovative idea required a complex mechanism to operate, but Paulin’s determination led to the creation of a prototype based on a Panhard chassis, proving the viability of his vision.
The journey of the Eclipse design took a significant turn when Paulin collaborated with Marcel Pourtout, a renowned car body maker from Bougival near Paris, introduced to him by Emil Darl’mat, a prominent Peugeot dealer in the capital. Darl’mat provided a Peugeot 301 chassis, which Pourtout used to install the Eclipse system. By the end of 1933, the Peugeot 301 Eclipse was completed, addressing the issue of the retractable roof’s bulk by pushing the passenger compartment as far back as possible. This design was marketed by Darl’Mat starting in 1934 and could be adapted for the 401 and 601 models upon request. A total of 79 units were produced, each priced at 34,750 francs, a substantial amount compared to the 27,000 francs for a standard cabriolet.
The Debut of the Peugeot 601 Eclipse
The Peugeot 601 Eclipse made its official debut at the Paris Auto Show in 1934. This model featured a 2.148 cm³ inline-six engine and a synchromesh transmission, although it retained the chassis of a 401 D. The car’s body was slightly evolved with more streamlined lines, and its price increased to 39,750 francs. Only 21 units of the Peugeot 601 Eclipse were produced, making it a rare and exclusive vehicle. This model combined style and advanced technology, offering the unique ability to switch from a coupé to a cabriolet with the press of a button. Today, only one example remains, preserved at the Peugeot Museum in Sochaux, a testament to its historical significance.
The Evolution and Legacy of the Eclipse Design
The true success of the Eclipse system came with the Peugeot 402 in 1935, which embodied the aerodynamic Fuseau Sochaux design. This model marked the transition from Pourtout’s artisanal production to licensed production by Peugeot. In the same year, Paulin designed a special Peugeot 601 Eclipse for Marcel Pagnol, featuring a modern ponton body style that anticipated post-war automotive design. This vehicle won first prize at the Monaco Concours d’Elegance and appeared in a film, showcasing its elegance and innovation.
The concept of a coupé-cabriolet inspired other manufacturers in the following decades. In the 1950s, Ford introduced the Fairlane 500 Skyliner, and by the mid-1990s, the idea experienced a resurgence. Mercedes launched the SLK in 1996, followed by Peugeot with the 206 CC, and later the 207 CC and 308 CC. Today, when we press a button to retract a car roof, we can trace this convenience back to Paulin’s ingenious design. The Peugeot Eclipse remains a pivotal innovation in automotive history, a testament to the vision of a dentist who dared to think beyond his profession.
