Important model for Peugeot
In the 50s and 60s, Peugeot's model range was not as diverse as it is today. When the Peugeot 404 was launched in 1960, the passenger car range consisted of the 403 in various variants as well as the predecessor 203. French car manufacturers often produce new and old models in parallel during a transitional period, where the outgoing model is sold with a price advantage. The range of important models consists of the 203, 403, 404 and 504. Its predecessor, the 403, was very popular. Expectations for the 404 were enormous. Pininfarina was responsible for the design with straight lines that ended with straight, marked fins at the rear. But the fins were not as extreme as on American cars. The 404 was to form the backbone of Peugeot's model range, with several variants such as sedan, coupé, station wagon in two versions – commerciale and 7-seater familiale – and pick-up.
Models
The model never received a facelift – only small visual changes during the entire time it was in production (1960-1975). It can be difficult to determine the model year only by studying the car. There are small external characteristics such as, for example, that in 1964 the cars got rubber bumper horns, and that the front indicators got orange glass in 1966. In 1967, the instrument panel was changed from a horizontal speedometer to three separate clocks. In 1968, Peugeot launched a new model of the 404, called the 404/8 Confort. This was a cheaper version where the rings around the headlights were body colored and bumpers without horns.
Engines
A 1,6-litre engine was consistent throughout the model series, although some improvements were made along the way. Standard engines without injection produced 72 hp. Cars with the first generation injection system produced 85 HP - from 1965 96 HP. The Confort version got a slightly smaller engine, 1,5 liters with 60 HP. The power reduction meant that the model came in a lower tax bracket in France. The diesel engine of 1,9 liters produced 64 HP.
404 Pickup/Utilitaire
The pickup version was produced several years after the sedan model was discontinued.
About the pictures
All the cars with 4 doors are photographed at car meets in and around Perpignan. The pickup is photographed at a farm in Céret, France.
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