Fascinating French Classic Cars: Peugeot 404

Peugeot produced the 404 which followed the 403, from 1960 to 1975 with a total of 2,885,377 units in France. This practical car was still manufactured in developing countries until 1991.

Giovanni Battista « Pinin » Farina (1893-1966), later known as Pininfarina (pinin means the youngest son in Italian) was a famous automobile designer from Turin who created many sports cars especially Ferraris immediately after WWII. He gave the drawing for the Peugeot 404, the body resembling very much the British Austin A60 Cambridge which he also designed.

The engine of the Peugeot 404 is a straight-4 engine of 1618 cc (72 hp – 142 km/h) or 1816 cc Diesel (55 hp – 110 km/h). The first version was also available with the mechanical fuel injection reaching 96 hp and 160 km/h. The 404 gained a reputation for robustness and economy, so Pininfarina also built a station wagon and a pickup sold until 1980.

In 1961 a convertible, due to the same Italian designer, was presented at the Paris Motor Show and one year later an elegant coupé, in the style of the Ford Continental Mark II as seen from the side but in smaller dimensions. In 1963, is launched a new Diesel sedan with a 1948 cc engine (68hp – 130 km/h) and in 1965 the station wagon also receives this engine. In 1966, the Peugeot 404 is the second most sold car in France immediately after the Renault 4L with 200 000 units.

In October 1975, after 15 years, the last Peugeot 404 is produced in the Montbéliard factory.

Peugeot 404 Super Luxe 1965

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Peugeot 404 Coupé SL 1964 -

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Peugeot 404 Cabriolet (convertible) 1964

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Peugeot 404 « Familiale » station wagon, 1968 

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