The Peugeot 404: 60 years
The Peugeot 404: 60 years
Presented to dealers in May 1960, the PEUGEOT 404 is distinguished by it’s unique style, the work of the Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina. Its angular lines deliberately break with the curves of the 403: protruding fenders, plunging bonnet, generous grille, curved windscreen, large rear lights, lowered body height, everything contributes to its modernism. Its interior of a new style and innovative colors contribute to its seduction.
From a mechanical point of view, the PEUGEOT 404 is distinguished by its front suspension with coil springs and concentric shock absorbers and its 4-cylinder 1618 cc engine inclined at 45º. It is offered in a 72 hp carburettor version, to which petrol injection (a first in France in 1962) and Diesel are gradually being added. As an option, the 404 is offered with a Jaeger coupler (elimination of the clutch pedal) or a ZF automatic gearbox (from October 1966). The power will continue to rise: 80 hp for the carburettor version and 96 hp for the injection. With its 1.9 liter 68 hp engine, the 404 will be equipped with a more powerful diesel engine than that of the 403. The model will have front disc brakes in 1969.
The 404 family grew with the arrival in 1961 of the Super Luxe saloon, but it was the cabriolet and coupé versions that caused the most sensation.
At the 1961 Paris Motor Show (the last one taking place at the Grand Palais), a splendid convertible was unveiled. Like the saloon, the convertible version is designed by Pininfarina, but its bodywork is entirely manufactured in Turin and the final assembly carried out in Sochaux. It also bears the Pininfarina signature on the rear wing.
After the entry into production in April 1962 of the convertible, the coupé made its appearance a few months later. These two models are, according to specialists, often considered the most beautiful convertibles and coupés of their generation. They will be produced until September 1968 (10,387 convertibles and 6,837 coupés).
Long versions (family, commercial, super luxury station wagons and vans) arrive in September 1962. The 404 Familiale 7/8 seats will be equipped with a range of carburettor petrol engines ranging from 68 to 80 hp, diesel from 55 to 68 hp and a 4-speed gearbox.
Competition, rally and endurance
Peugeot built its reputation for robustness in Africa mainly thanks to its multiple participations in rallies and especially its repeated victories in 1963, 1966, 1967 and 1968.
The 404 entered by the importer Tanganyika Motors Ltd, piloted by the crew R. Shankland and C. Rothwell, finished 1st overall in the East African Safari 1967. The East African Safari in Kenya has always been and still is one of the toughest international events in the world.
The same goes for the South American continent with two victories at the Argentine Grand Prix in 1963 and 1965.
404 Diesel records
Two years after the launch of the 404 Diesel, this version was specially designed to highlight the endurance and performance of the Peugeot Diesel engine. On the ring of Montlhéry she broke 40 international records from June 4 to 14, 1965.
Among the performances achieved are the 72 hours at an average of 161.49 km/h.
Technical characteristics of this unique model, on display at the Peugeot Adventure Museum: rear-wheel drive, 4-cylinder diesel engine, 1,948 cc, 68 hp, 4-speed gearbox.
Vehicle weight: 1135 kg. Maximum speed: 162 km/h.
Production figures
Produced in Sochaux, but also in Africa (Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa) and South America (Argentina and Chile), the 404 had a long international career and for the first time reached a total production figure of nearly 3 million copies.
All models combined, the 404 was produced from 1960 to 1978 (1988 for the pick-up version) in 2,885,374 units, including 160,246 family breaks, 10,387 convertibles and 6,837 coupés.
