Peugeot 504 classic cars for sale

History of the Peugeot 504

Launched in 1968 as a successor to the Peugeot 404, the 504 embodied a modern shift in Peugeot’s upper mid-size segment. The design, penned by Pininfarina, introduced refined European aesthetics combined with solid mechanical engineering. 1969 saw the 504 claim the prestigious Car of the Year award, quickly broadening its lineup to include saloon, estate (Break), 7-seater Familiale, Commerciale, Coupé, Cabriolet, and a robust Pickup that became a workhorse around the globe. European production of the limousine ended in 1981, while estates lasted until 1982. The elegant Coupé and Cabriolet rolled off the lines till mid-1983. Remarkable for its durability, over 3.7 million units were built, with production continuing as late as 2005 in markets such as Nigeria and Argentina. In Peugeot history, the 504 stood for resilience and international appeal, ultimately replaced by the Peugeot 505 in 1979.

Model History

The Peugeot 504 traces its roots to the Peugeot 404 and introduced several improvements—most notably, its advanced independent suspension and refined bodywork. After debuting as a four-door saloon (Berlina), the model line rapidly expanded to Kombi (Break), Familiale, Commerciale, stylish Coupé, Cabriolet, and rugged Pickup variants. The Coupé and Cabriolet featured shorter wheelbases and Italian design DNA by Pininfarina, setting them apart as distinctly elegant. Powertrains evolved from the 1.8-litre carburetted and injection petrol units to a 2.0-litre inline four, culminating in the introduction of a 2.7-litre PRV V6 (shared with Renault and Volvo) for the upmarket Coupé and Cabriolet from 1974. Production for European passenger models concluded in the early 1980s, but utility and export models continued into the new millennium.

Highlights of the Peugeot 504

The 504 stood out for its body style diversity – four-door saloon, wagons, coupés, cabriolets, and pickups – each meticulously engineered. Advanced independent suspension, strong disc brakes, and a rear-wheel drive platform furnished remarkable ride quality and predictability for its era. The Coupé and Cabriolet, crafted by Pininfarina, are considered reference points for classic European elegance. The 504 was famed for pioneering fuel injection in its class (Kugelfischer or later Bosch systems) and robust diesel engines, particularly in export markets.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Noteworthy variants include the TI (with more powerful injection engines and higher comfort levels), rare automatic transmission models, and the limited V6-powered Cabriolets (fewer than 1,000 produced). The Pickup, practical with a one-ton payload, became especially valuable in export markets. Optional factory equipment included leather or velour trim, metallic paint, special hardtops for Cabriolets, and Jaeger instrument clusters.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Peugeot 504 models delivered a range of driving experiences—from relaxed cruising in the saloon and Break to more spirited performance in the Coupé and Cabriolet, particularly with the V6 or upgraded 2.0-litre fuel-injected engines. Rear-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes, and advanced suspension provided superior comfort and surprising agility by 1970s standards. Top speeds reached up to 180 km/h in some petrol models. The five-speed manual and smooth automatics (in rare Coupé/Cabriolet) underscored the breadth of the range, while Diesels became workhorses in commercial and export applications. - Coupé V6: 2.7L V6 engine, 136 PS, 5-speed gearbox

• Berlina 2.0i: 4-cylinder fuel-injected, 106 PS, automatic/5-speed manual
• Pickup Diesel: 2.3L Diesel, notable for reliability and utility

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Pininfarina’s influence is visible in the Coupé and Cabriolet’s flowing lines, harmonious proportions and elegant details. Chromed bumpers and period-typical accents grace earlier models, while the 1975 facelift introduced flush-mounted door handles and a modernised dashboard. Interior options ranged from robust vinyl to plush velour and leather, with cabin designs often in brown and tan hues. Equipment like factory sunroofs, air conditioning, Jaeger dials, and original radios highlighted the advanced comfort for its time. Optional extras included Dunlop/Michelin alloys, hardtops for convertibles, and Moto-Lita steering wheels. Features such as 7-seat Familiale and expansive boot volumes reflect the 504’s everyday usability alongside classic panache.

Other Noteworthy Features

The 504’s international success story includes assembly in Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, and China, and its reputation for endurance was cemented in brutal African rally raids. It was nicknamed 'La Reine de la Route' (The Queen of the Road) and known as the 'French Mercedes' in some markets. Spare parts remain widely available due to continued use in Africa, and Peugeot’s build quality ensures many 504s are still on the road today.

Summary

The Peugeot 504 set a standard in the upper mid-size class for design refinement, mechanical consistency and versatility in use. With production spanning five continents and over 37 years, the 504 remains a central classic for Peugeot enthusiasts. Its robust construction, diverse model offerings and comfort-focused engineering have preserved its relevance far beyond its production era.