Peugeot 404

Lore & Background

The Peugeot 404 was introduced in 1960 as a saloon with a 72 hp petrol engine and a column-shift four-speed gearbox with a reversed gate pattern. The bodyshell, designed by Pininfarina, was similarly styled to the 1959 Austin Westminster. A Super Luxe model arrived in 1961 with silver superstructure and tan leather interior, while the Grand Touring model featured body-colored wheels. In 1962, the suspension was revised, the dashboard gained circular vents, and estate versions (Commerciale, Break, and seven-seat Family) were introduced with a longer wheelbase and tandem coil spring rear suspension. The convertible debuted at the Paris Motor Show in October 1961, followed by the coupé six months later; both had bodies built by Pinin Farina in Turin and shared only the floorpan and mechanicals with the saloon. A fuel-injected engine option was added in March 1962. The 404 Diesel with an Indenor engine launched in March 1963. Over the years, the model received various engine upgrades, including the XCKF2 injection engine in 1965 and the XC6 carburetor engine in 1967. The 404/8 Confort, an economy model with a 1468 cc engine, was introduced in October 1967 and featured front disc brakes. The last coupé and cabriolet were produced in October 1968 after a run of 17,223 units. The 404 Injection was discontinued in 1969, and the Super Luxe was dropped in 1970. French production ended in 1975, but licensed manufacturing continued in various countries, including Kenya until 1991.

Reader's Guide

The Peugeot 404's significance lies in its reputation for durability and value, which made it a popular choice for taxicabs and led to widespread licensed production across Africa, South America, and Oceania. Its design by Pininfarina gave it a clean, timeless appearance that was shared with the Austin Westminster. The model's mechanical robustness was reflected in its long production life: the French run ended in 1975, but assembly continued in Kenya until 1991. The 404 also demonstrated Peugeot's willingness to offer diverse body styles, from utilitarian pickups to elegant convertibles and coupés. The convertible, priced at US$3,899 in 1965, competed directly with the Jaguar E-Type in the American market. The 404's engine range included carbureted and fuel-injected petrol units as well as a diesel option, and it was one of the first Peugeots to offer a ZF automatic transmission. The model's legacy is further underscored by its total production of nearly 2.9 million units worldwide, making it a significant volume seller for Peugeot during its era.

Did You Know?

• The Peugeot 404 convertible was priced at US$3,899 in 1965, putting it in the same bracket as the Jaguar E-Type in the American market.
• The 404's bodyshell was styled by Pininfarina and was very similarly styled to the 1959 Austin Westminster.
• The millionth Peugeot 404 left the Sochaux plant in June 1966.
• The 404/8 Confort model, introduced in 1967, was the first 404 to feature front disc brakes.