Important model for Peugeot
In the 50s and 1960s, Peugeot's model range was not as diverse as it is today. When the Peugeot 404 was launched in 60, the passenger car range consisted of the 403 in various variants and its predecessor, the 203. French car manufacturers often produce new and old models in parallel during a transition period, during which the outgoing model is sold at a price advantage.
The series of important models over the years consisted of the 203, 403, 404 and 504. The Peugeot 404's predecessor, the 403, was very popular. Expectations for the 404 were enormous. Pininfarina was responsible for the design with its straight lines that ended with straight, pronounced fins at the rear. The 404 formed 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 pickup.
Models
The model never received a facelift – only minor visual changes during its entire production run (1960 to 1975). It can be difficult to determine the model year just by looking at the car. There are minor external characteristics such as the fact that the cars in 1964 got rubber bumper horns, and that the front turn signals 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 with the rings around the headlights in body color and the 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 4-door cars were photographed at car shows in and around Perpignan. The pickup was photographed at a farm in Céret, France. The green car with a Norwegian registration number participated in Hobby Vehicle Day at Hof School in Vesffold.
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