Peugeot D4A by Jaco Verheul

About "Peugeot D4A"

by Jaco Verheul

About the artwork

The Peugeot D4a is one of France's small space wonders from the period just after World War II. Just before and especially during that turbulent period, several brands in France were working on the van of the future. Citroën's TUB only had a very short life, while the post-war HY had a much greater success. Less well known to the general public was the Chenard&Walcker CPV. Like the TUB, a simple empty box with all the technology between the front wheels. As a result, the French created spacious vans with very limited exterior dimensions. The absence of the powertrain and heavy chassis beams kept the load floor low and easily accessible, which for the first time really distinguished such delivery vans from the small trucks of yesteryear. Peugeot never really pioneered modern technology. The solid family business from Sochaux has always made a name for itself with reliable, rather conservative cars. The fact that Peugeot, in particular, was at the forefront of offering practical, front-wheel-drive commercial vehicles was therefore more a matter of clever accounting than of technical progressiveness. The Chenard&Walcker CPV entered the market in 1946 with a severely underperforming two-stroke two-cylinder behind the grille.Very soon it was succeeded by the 1200cc four-cylinder purchased from Peugeot from the Peugeot 202. Buying is one thing, paying is another. img_7625When Chenard&Walcker's debts were so ho