Faults:

Fan clutch failures: If the temperature sensor (thermal switch) fails or the electromagnet burns out, the fan does not start and the engine overheats.

With a wet-sleeve engine, prolonged use of ordinary water (instead of distilled coolant) generates scale deposits that obstruct circulation and pit the seals, allowing water to enter the oil.

Wear on the throttle shaft often causes air leaks, resulting in an unstable idle.

The classic distributor requires constant maintenance.

Rust issues typical of a 1960s car.

General Comments:

It was a spectacular car that we really enjoyed as a family in the 70s and 80s.

I can't really compare it to modern cars, as it would fall short in several areas (except for reliability), but for a car built in the 60s (and designed in the 50s), the interior was incredibly comfortable. Although we were a family of four (with two children) when we owned it, the car could easily accommodate five people.

Compared to American cars of its size, I would say it was well ahead of the curve in terms of equipment and comfort. It is a pleasure to drive. The steering is refined, smooth, and direct, requiring minimal wheel movement to achieve a wide range of wheel travel, making it ideal for all types of roads, especially winding ones with challenging layouts. The car handles effortlessly, and driving it is a genuine pleasure. That is, at least, how I experienced it, and that is my verdict.

What struck me most about the car is the sense of weightlessness and isolation one feels while driving. It feels as though the car is gliding through the air rather than traveling along the road, as if the wheels weren't touching the ground. Its suspension strikes a perfect balance between the excessively soft, floaty ride of American cars and the harsher feel of European vehicles in this class.

The suspension system features independent front wheels, a transverse leaf spring and coil springs at the rear, a stabilizer bar, and double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers on all four wheels; combined with the aforementioned features, this achieves maximum comfort and minimal risk, making it quite safe for that era.

The 403 features a novel pontoon-style body, characterized by a spacious interior and understated lines. The driver enjoys an excellent seating position with perfect visibility, a benefit shared by the passengers. Furthermore, the dashboard controls are arranged for effortless operation and, crucially, designed for safety in the event of a collision: the unit is edged with a rubber strip and covered in plastic material to cushion the impact.

It also featured various comfort details that made it a true luxury for its time, such as doors that opened at the simple push of a button, preventing them from closing on their own; front seats that converted into beds; a climate control system providing hot or cold air; a windshield washer; and a fuel filler cap concealed beneath one of the taillights.

As for power, one need only step on the accelerator to realize just how well it performs. It is powered by a 1,468 cc engine delivering 58 hp. Its transmission features four synchronized gears; the fourth is an overdrive gear that delivers high performance (reaching speeds of up to 85 mph on level ground) with very low fuel consumption. To that, I add a very smooth and quiet engine.

A fantastic car, it left me with very fond memories.