Peugeot 404 1971

History and Background

The Peugeot 404 was introduced in 1960 as the successor to the 403 and became one of the brand’s most famous models in the 1960s and early 1970s. The model was designed by Pininfarina, which is evident in its balanced lines and relatively timeless design. The Peugeot 404 was available in multiple body styles, including sedan, station wagon, coupe, and convertible, and also featured versions tailored for specific markets and purposes.

Within the Peugeot range, the Peugeot 404 held an important position as a mid-size family car and as a practical model for a wide variety of markets. The car was known as a robust and versatile model, with production in France and licensed manufacturing elsewhere, including in various African countries and South America. Due to this international production and its long lifespan, the Peugeot 404 remained in use for quite some time even after the introduction of its successors. The sedan remained in production in France until the mid-1970s, while the station wagon and a few other variants remained available longer.

Technically, the Peugeot 404 was a further development of the pre-war and early post-war Peugeot tradition, featuring a conventional design and an emphasis on practicality. Over the course of its production run, the model received various improvements in terms of powertrains and equipment, but always retained the recognizable character of a practical and business-oriented car. The combination of French body styling and a solid mechanical foundation has helped the Peugeot 404 secure a permanent place in Peugeot’s model history.

Features and details

The 1971 Peugeot 404 belongs to the later series of the model, from a period when the car had already established a solid reputation. Various engine and transmission combinations were available for this generation, depending on the market and trim level. The 404 was known for its conventional rear-wheel drive and independent front suspension, a design that contributed to the model’s distinctive character within its segment.

A distinctive feature of the Peugeot 404 is its long production run and the wide geographical spread of its assembly. The model was built not only in Europe but also in various countries outside the continent, often under local production or assembly. This led to variations in trim levels and detailing. The model’s versatility is also characteristic: the Peugeot 404 was used as a passenger car, station wagon, and commercial vehicle, underscoring its broad applicability. In the collective memory, the 404 is also one of the Peugeot models that has become strongly associated with the brand as a symbol of the 1960s and early 1970s.

For the Peugeot 404, Pininfarina’s design was combined with a technically simple yet well-thought-out construction. The balance between the body and the chassis gives the model a recognizable place among the European mid-range cars of that era. It was precisely this combination of Italian design input and French engineering that set the Peugeot 404 apart from many of its contemporaries.

Summary

The 1971 Peugeot 404 is a model with a clear place in Peugeot’s history, designed by Pininfarina and produced in various versions and markets. The model combines a recognizable design with a conventional technical foundation and a long production run. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend that you attend the viewing day.