Grand Tourisme :Part Deux

There's a saying, when the italians and french get together to cook, you should stay. But if they get together to make a car, RUN ! Like any other nation, France has produced its fair share of dreadful cars, but there have been exceptions. From the delectable Citroen DS to the fiery 205 GTi, the French have experimented in creating excellent automobiles with a twist.

One such car is the Peugeot 406 Coupé, a design masterpiece penned by none other than Pininfarina. While many Sri Lankans may not have even seen one in person, this rare French beauty has quietly made its mark on a few passionate enthusiasts. And among them stands one man who loved the 406 Coupé so much, he bought it twice.

We previously featured a Peugeot 406 Coupé in our blog—a rare sight in Sri Lanka and an absolute gem. That particular car stood out not just for its presence, but for the dedication its owner had poured into it. Fast forward a few years, and that very same owner is back in our spotlight—this time with another 406 Coupé. Why? Because after selling the first one, the car left such a void that he just had to find another.

After parting ways with his first car, the absence gnawed at him. The sound of the doors closing, the refined interior, the way it cruised down the coastal roads—it all stuck with him. So, when the opportunity presented itself again, he didn’t hesitate.

The second car he found wasn’t perfect—but then again, second chances rarely are. The body had aged, the paint had dulled, and the years had taken their toll. But beneath the wear, he saw the same potential, the same soul that had captivated him the first time.

What followed was a full restoration project, one that paid homage not only to the car but to the memory of his first love. No detail was overlooked. The body was stripped, repainted to its original factory shade with a pristine finish. Trim pieces were sourced painstakingly, some even imported. The interior was rejuvenated with original materials wherever possible, maintaining that French charm and refinement.

Mechanically, too, the car was treated with the respect it deserved. Suspension components were renewed, the engine given a meticulous service, and all the little quirks that come with a car of its age were ironed out. The goal wasn’t just to make the car look good—it was to bring it back to life, exactly the way it was meant to be experienced.

In a market flooded with Japanese sedans and German premium badges, the Peugeot 406 Coupé is a breath of fresh European air. It’s rare, it’s tasteful, and in a way, it represents a kind of automotive individualism that’s hard to find. You don’t buy a 406 Coupé because it’s the fastest or the most high-tech. You buy it because it speaks to you.

We tip our hats to this owner—not just for his dedication, but for showing us that sometimes, the cars we love the most aren’t the ones that make the most noise, but the ones that leave the deepest silence when they're gone.

And that’s exactly what makes this story special. It’s not just about restoring a car—it’s about restoring a feeling, a connection. It’s about the joy of finding something that resonates so deeply, you’re willing to do it all over again.

Stay tuned for more rare finds and passionate restorations. Who knows what gem will show up next?