206 CC

Peugeot was right on the ball by identifying a new niche and filling it with a light car-based four-seat convertible that was (reasonably) affordable.

But the real coup for the 206 CC (for Coupe-Convertible) was its Mercedes SLK-style folding hardtop drop-top – an idea the company claims it first marketed in the 1930s anyway.

Two versions were marketed, the 80kW/147Nm 1.6 Cabriolet with a four-speed auto only gearbox and the 100kW/190Nm 2.0-litre with a five-speed manual.

Buyers worldwide flocked to the bijou sun-baker, although many kept returning to Peugeot dealers as a result of the Heuliez-designed roof-mechanism’s propensity to leak or stop working, usually halfway closed during a sudden downpour.

Peugeot claimed to have fixed the situation, but some irate newer 206 CC owners disagree.

For the larger 307 CC, it went to Mercedes’ German supplier anyway, although General Motors recently introduced (in Europe) Opel Tigra CC with a similar Heuliez roof.

The Barina-based Opel was inspired by the 206 CC, as is the upcoming Nissan Micra CC and new Mini Cabrio.