Peugeot 504 (1968 – 1983) Review

The Peugeot 504 was launched in Paris in 1968 and continued its maker's drive towards increased market penetration by moving slightly upmarket from the 404. Unlike the 204, the 504 was a very conservative mechanical package, with a longitudinal engine driving the rear wheels. The interior was roomy, the suspension soft, and the resultant saloon was an excellent long-distance cruiser. The body variations soon followed - coupe, estate, convertible and pick-up - all helping to make this Peugeot's best-selling car so far in its history.

The 504 Cabriolet arrive on the market alongside the saloon, and was utterly graceful to look at, and possessed great road manners. With fuel injection as standard, the open 504 proved fast and effective, especially the final five-speed version. The Coupe then followed - and once again thanks to Pininfarina, was stunning to look at. It had an all-new body on a slightly shortened 504 platform, and was as good as it got from the Franco-Italian partnership. The top-of-the-range was powered by a PRV 'Douvrin' V6 also found in the 604 - as well as diverse products sich as the DeLorean, Alpine Renault A310 and Volvo 262C.