Peugeot 601
The final straight-six Peugeot and a pioneer of the retractable hardtop.
- Power
- 60 bhp
- Top speed
- 65 mph
- Est. value
- $90k–$165k
About the Peugeot 601
The Peugeot 601 was the marque's flagship luxury offering of the mid-1930s, marking a brief return to six-cylinder power. Produced for only 18 months, it featured advanced independent front suspension and a smooth, side-valve inline-six engine, though its performance was often considered modest for its weight. While the standard Berline and Roadster models were elegant, the 601 is most famous for the 'Eclipse' variant, which introduced the world's first production power-retractable hardtop. As the last straight-six Peugeot until the V6-powered 604 arrived four decades later, it remains a rare and significant piece of French automotive history.
Peugeot 601 specs
The Peugeot 601 produces 60 bhp (45 kW). It has a top speed of 65 mph (105 km/h).
| Make | Peugeot |
|---|---|
| Model | 601 |
| Trim | 2.1 |
| Years | 1934–1935 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | France |
| Production | About 3,999 built |
| Engine | 2.1-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,148 cc (2.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 60 bhp (45 kW) at 3,500 rpm |
| Top speed | 65 mph (105 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 43 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Peugeot 601 worth?
A typical Peugeot 601 is estimated to be worth $90,000 – $165,000 (about £67,000 – £123,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Peugeot 601 rarity in CarSpot
The Peugeot 601 is a Legendary card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 84 out of 100. Flagship models and limited runs, typically worth £250,000 or more. A Legendary card is worth 160 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Peugeot 601 fun facts
- The 601 Eclipse featured a retractable metal roof designed by Georges Paulin, a dentist who later became a hero of the French Resistance.
- Despite its luxury positioning, the 601 was only in production for about 18 months before being replaced by the more aerodynamic 402.
- The 601 was one of the first mass-market cars to offer independent front suspension, providing a level of ride comfort that rivalled much more expensive machinery.
