Peugeot 404
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 |
| Founder | Armand Peugeot |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
The Peugeot 404 is a large family car manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot between 1960 and 1975, with a truck version remaining in production until 1988. Designed by Pininfarina, it was initially launched as a saloon, estate, and pickup, later expanding to include a convertible in 1962 and a coupé in 1963. The vehicle was equipped with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, available with either a Solex carburetor or Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, alongside an optional 1.9-litre diesel variant. A significant innovation was the debut of a 3-speed ZF automatic transmission at the Paris Motor Show, providing an alternative to the traditional manual gearbox.
Celebrated for its robustness and cost-effectiveness, the Peugeot 404 gained widespread use as a taxi and was produced under license throughout Africa until 1991, notably in Kenya. Production also extended globally to locations including Argentina by Safrar/Sevel in El Palomar; Canada at the SoMA facility in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville; New Zealand through Campbell Industries; Australia via Renault Australia Pty. Ltd.; and Chile at Automotores Franco Chilena S.A. in Los Andes. By the conclusion of its French production in 1975, Peugeot had manufactured 1,847,568 units, contributing to a total global output of roughly 2,885,374 vehicles.
1960
The saloon was introduced featuring a petrol engine paired with a column-mounted four-speed gearbox employing a reversed gate pattern similar to those found on the Peugeot 203 and Peugeot 403, but with a direct-drive fourth gear. The Grand Touring edition boasted square air vents on the dashboard and wheels painted to match the body colour.
1961
The Super Luxe trim was added to the lineup, distinguished by its silver-painted exterior, chrome headlight surrounds, large hubcaps, tan leather upholstery, and front armrest. Meanwhile, the Grand Touring model updated its wheels from body-matched paint to metallic silver.
1962
Suspension systems were enhanced to provide greater travel and improved flexibility. Dashboard air vents transitioned from square shapes to circular forms with anti-reflective coatings applied. Additionally, drum brake linings were strengthened.
New variants including Commerciale, Break, and seven-seat Familiale estate models were introduced:
- Commerciale / Station Wagon (gasoline U6 and Diesel U6D): launched in June;
- Familiale / Family Saloon/Estate (L): released in September;
- Break / Estate Car (U6A): available from February 1963;
- Camionette bâchée / Canvas Top Van (U8, U8D, U10 & U10D): introduced in March 1967.
These estate versions incorporated tandem coil spring rear suspension instead of the single spring setup used on saloons. Design revisions included a balanced spring mechanism for easier tailgate operation, updated rear light assemblies, modified bumper layouts, and relocating the fuel filler cap from behind the license plate to a flap on the rear wing. Compared to saloons, these estates were longer ( vs. ) and heavier ( vs. ). The Commerciale (U6) was powered by a 1468 cc engine (XB2), producing at 5000 rpm.
Convertible introduction
The Peugeot 404 cabriolet made its first appearance at the Paris Motor Show in October 1961, with the coupé variant following six months later. Both cabriolet and coupé body shells were crafted by Pininfarina’s Turin workshops, sharing only their floorpan and mechanical components with the saloon model. Initially fitted with the same single carburettor engine as the saloon, a fuel-injected version (XCKF1) featuring a Kugelfischer injection system was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1962. Priced at US$3,899 in 1965, this convertible directly competed with vehicles such as the Jaguar E-Type within the United States market.
1963
The 404 Super Luxe sedan came equipped with a fuel-injected engine (XCKF) and door panels finished in leather. The Grand Touring sedan replaced the chrome trim around the side windows with painted trims and featured refreshed steering wheel and horn ring designs. In March, the 404 Diesel model powered by the Indenor engine (XD85) was introduced, although it remained in production for only seven months before being updated. Between July and September, carburetted sedans received five-bearing engines (XC5), bringing them in line with the power units used in fuel-injected variants (XCKF1).
The Family estate gained a split middle row to enhance rear passenger access. The 404 coupé was launched, sharing its body style with the cabriolet but featuring a fixed roof instead of a convertible top.
1964
The XD85 engine in the 404 Diesel was superseded by the more robust and higher-performing XD88, which utilized a Bosch fuel pump. Bumpers were updated with rubber over-riders, while coupés and convertibles introduced bi-colour oval front indicator clusters—a styling element that was later extended to sedans and other models.
1965
The XCKF1 fuel-injection engine () was replaced by the XCKF2 version, increasing output to . In September 1964, the carburetted XC5 engine's power was raised to . The braking system featured Thermostable Hydrovac brakes assisted by a Bendix mechanical vacuum servo. Wheel covers on Super Luxe, coupé, and convertible models were upgraded from six-hole to eight-hole designs. Grand Touring seats were redesigned with cloth upholstery quilted into longitudinal ridges similar to those on Super Luxe models; reclining front seats became standard across all variants.
In October 1964, Peugeot introduced the 404 A8, equipped with an updated 1.5-liter XB2 engine from the 403 series and simplified equipment tailored for French government use (the "A8" designation representing Administration and eight fiscal horsepower). Production totaled only 525 units before it was replaced by the 404/8 model in September 1967.
1966
The Grand Touring saloon incorporated the XCKF2 fuel-injection engine and offered an optional ZF automatic transmission. Front indicator clusters were standardized to an orange/white colour scheme for all models. Two-tone door panels featuring black upper and lower sections were introduced across the range. A cigarette lighter became standard equipment on the Super Luxe trim, while petrol-powered cars were fitted with a brake compensator. In June 1966, Peugeot marked the milestone of producing its millionth 404 unit at the Sochaux facility.
1967
The XC6 carburettor engine was enhanced to deliver a net output of 68 bhp (80 bhp SAE), incorporating improved bearing shells. A rear anti-roll bar was added along with a redesigned dashboard featuring three circular gauges. The spare wheel was relocated from inside the trunk to beneath the rear of the vehicle, and fuel tank capacity increased from 50 to 55 liters in saloon models. Cigarette lighters became standard across all trims; additionally, the Super Luxe included an automatic light installed on a lockable glove compartment. Coupés and convertibles received updated front ends with new grilles integrating driving lamps and rectangular indicator clusters. Convertible tops featured a "Panoramic" rear window design, while seat mechanisms were refined to facilitate easier entry and exit.
In March, Peugeot launched the Camionnette bâchée or Canvas Top Van pick-up version.
1968
At the Paris Motor Show in October 1967, Peugeot introduced the 404/8 Confort model (8 CV), equipped with the XB5 engine—a refinement of the 1468 cc XB2 engine that had powered the Peugeot 403 and 404 A8 since 1960. Marketed as an economical option within a lower French tax bracket compared to the 9 CV variant, it was widely accessible to consumers. The 404/8 maintained the previous dashboard layout and bumpers without overriders, featuring painted headlight surrounds instead of chrome. Notably, it was the first 404 equipped with front disc brakes. Although it was not officially imported into the UK, some right-hand drive versions were manufactured for other markets; these RHD 404/8 models retained drum brakes on all wheels. Despite being priced roughly ten percent less than the 9 CV version, limited tax advantages meant its appeal outside government fleets was modest.
Production of the final 404 Coupé and Cabriolet ceased in October 1968, totaling 17,223 units.
For the 1968 model year, Super Luxe editions gained reversing lights, and all variants adopted a new BA7 gearbox featuring a European shift pattern, replacing the earlier "C3" transmission. Additional revisions included a redesigned steering wheel and an updated dashboard.
Year 1969
The launch of the Peugeot 504 occurred in 1969. The 404 Injection model was phased out, while new interior door panels were introduced alongside front disc brakes for all petrol-powered versions. The 404/8 received an update but was discontinued by October 1969 to prevent overlap with the newly released 7CV Peugeot 304.
Years 1970–1972
In France, both the 404 Super Luxe and the 404 (8 CV) Confort were withdrawn from production in 1970, leaving only Grand Touring, Break, and Familiale variants available in petrol and diesel forms. However, the 404/8 Confort continued to be produced for export markets until February 1972. The Grand Touring model received chrome headlight surrounds and standard reversing lamps, while wing-mounted indicator repeaters were eliminated. A new XC7 engine was introduced with reduced output at 73 PS but torque equivalent to the XC6.
The front indicator assemblies were refreshed in 1971; this year also marked the final sales of Break and Familiale models in France. In 1972, sedans were equipped with two-speed windshield wipers and offered an optional rear window demister.
Years 1973–1975
Warning lights replaced dashboard water temperature gauges during this period, and the grille emblem was updated to a lion motif. The six-speed automatic transmission option remained available until production ended in late 1974. European passenger car manufacturing concluded in May 1975 as buyers increasingly favored newer Peugeot models like the 304 and 504. Only 15,780 sedans were produced during the first five months of that year.
Technical specifications
- Petrol (8 CV): 1468 cc engine producing 60 PS; production ceased October 1969
- Petrol (9 CV): carbureted 1618 cc engine delivering 72 PS or KF/KF1 fuel injection with output of 85 PS at 5,500 rpm; fuel consumption approximately 10.8 L/100 km
- Petrol (9 CV): KF2 injection variant rated at 96 PS at 5,700 rpm
- Diesel (8 CV): naturally aspirated 1948 cc producing 64 PS
- Transmission options: manual clutch, semi-automatic Jaeger electromagnetic coupling, or ZF automatic gearbox
- Suspension: front coil springs paired with hydraulic shock absorbers; rear solid axle stabilized by Panhard rod
- Maximum speed: up to 167 km/h achieved by fuel-injected KF2 Cabriolet and Coupé versions
| Version | Model Code | Bodystyle | Engine | Size cc |
Fuel feed | Power | Torque | Brakes front/rear |
Weight | Top Speed | Years produced | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hp | kW | / rpm | Nm | lbft | / rpm | kg | lb | km/h | mph | ||||||||
| Petrol-engined models | |||||||||||||||||
| 404 berline administration |
404 A8 | Saloon | XB2 | 1468 | Carburetor | SAE:66 DIN:60 |
49 44 |
5000 | SAE:112 DIN:107 |
82 79 |
2500 | drum/drum | 1070 | 2357 | 135 | 84 | 1964-09.67 |
| 404/8 Confort | 404/8 | disc/drum | 09.67-02.72 | ||||||||||||||
| 404 Commerciale | 404 U6 | Station wagon | drum/drum | 1150 | 2535 | 125 | 78 | 07.62-63 | |||||||||
| XB5 | 1963-09.70 | ||||||||||||||||
| 404 U6S | XC7 | 1618 | SAE:73 DIN:68 |
54 50 |
5600 5400 |
SAE:127 DIN:118 |
94 87 |
2500 | disc/drum | 1190 | 135 km/h (84 mph) | 09.70-71 | |||||
| 404 GT | 404 | berlina | XC | 1618 | Carburetor | SAE:72 DIN:65 |
53 48 |
5400 | SAE:127 | 94 | 2250 | drum/drum or disc/drum (from late models) | 1070–1100 kg (2359–2425 lb) | 142–150 km/h (88–93 mph) | 1960-09.70 | ||
| Diesel-engined models | |||||||||||||||||
| 404 Diesel | 404 D | Saloon | XD88 | 1948cc | Naturally aspirated diesel |
SAE:68 | |||||||||||
Foreign assembly
The 404 was produced in a variety of countries beyond France, including Argentina—where Safrar and later Sevel manufactured a total of 162,583 units—Australia, through a Renault subsidiary with 8,600 cars built, as well as Belgium, Canada (approximately 3,100 sedans assembled at the SoMA facility shared with Renault), Chile with 14,892 units, Ireland, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, New Zealand producing around 2,800 units, Nigeria, Portugal, Peru where Braillard handled production starting in 1967, Rhodesia, South Africa with 79,045 units made, and Uruguay.
In South Africa, the saloon version of the 404 remained in production until 1978. The GL and Automatique variants were equipped with the more robust 1.8L XM7 engine found in the 504 model. The GL also featured front seats and a floor-mounted gear lever similar to those of the 504. Due to limited availability of 404 parts in later years, steering wheels from the 504 were adopted. The station wagon continued production until early 1976 when shipments of French CKD kits ceased.
The pickup variant continues to be widely used across North and West Africa. Argentine-made 404s offered both petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of 1.6 liters and came in Standard or Luxe trims; the Luxe trim included sporty alloy wheels and a distinctive grille design incorporating integrated lamps.
404 coupé injection
In December 1965, The Motor magazine conducted a test of the 404 coupé equipped with the "KF2" fuel-injected engine. The vehicle received acclaim for its design and performance, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 12.2 seconds and completing a standing quarter-mile in 18.8 seconds while achieving a top speed of 105.2 mph. Fuel consumption was measured at 23.8 mpg (imperial). Although high British taxation made it an expensive option—on par with a Jaguar Mark X—the review concluded that it was an outstanding automobile.
404 saloon
During spring 1965, Autocar evaluated the fuel-injected KF2 variant of the 404 saloon. They highlighted its top speed of 100 mph, efficient fuel injection system, powerful drum brakes resistant to fading, precise steering feel, well-balanced suspension setup, and comfortable leather seats complemented by a standard sunroof. Despite its relatively high price in the U.K., performance figures included an 18.8-second standing quarter-mile time along with commendable fuel economy.
In May 1965, Canada Track & Traffic Magazine reported a zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of 12.1 seconds and noted its top speed while recommending an optimal cruising speed for best efficiency. Their review emphasized the vehicle’s overall excellence regarding comfort, build quality, fuel economy, durability, and reliability.
A test by Motor magazine in 1968 criticized the styling as somewhat outdated and described the interior as plain compared to British rivals such as the Triumph 2000, but praised its robust construction quality. The car was considered well-suited for demanding environments like African safaris or Arctic conditions.
404 Familiale
The Family estate model was reviewed by Motor magazine in 1965. They pointed out certain idiosyncrasies such as the original column-mounted gearshift and noticeable body roll at low speeds but complimented its solid build quality and characterized the interior as "quietly tasteful," though appealing to a niche audience.
A follow-up review in 1970 by Motor reiterated earlier styling criticisms—calling it "square cut" but more "mature than dated"—and noted that ride quality improved when carrying heavier loads or at higher speeds. The handbrake was found difficult to reach when fixed seat belts were engaged. Noted competitors included the Citroen Safari and Volvo 145. Anecdotally, one reader mentioned using the Familiale to transport twelve children.
An article from The Times comparing the outgoing 404 with its successor, the newer 504 model, praised both vehicles’ performance relative to their respective engine capacities.
404 Diesel
During the 1960s, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz were among the first to mass-produce diesel-powered passenger vehicles. In November 1965, Autocar magazine evaluated a Peugeot 404 Diesel, noting a maximum speed of and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 25.5 seconds, with fuel efficiency measured at . When compared to the petrol variant, which achieved a top speed of and accelerated to 60 mph in 20 seconds (using the same gear ratios), the diesel model surpassed rivals such as the diesel Austin Cambridge and Mercedes Benz 190D in terms of performance, although the Austin excelled in fuel economy. The pricing for the 404 Diesel in the UK was set at £1,396, higher than the petrol version priced at £1,093 and considerably above the Austin’s £875; meanwhile, the heavier Mercedes catered to a different segment with a price of £2,050. Reviewers described the 404 Diesel as "the fastest diesel yet," acknowledging its distinctive engine sound but praising its strong performance, responsive handling, robust brakes, comfort, impressive fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Six years afterward, Autocar conducted another test on the 404 Diesel Family estate model, which revealed a slight improvement in top speed to , though acceleration slowed slightly to 26.8 seconds for 0–60 mph. The assessment highlighted its roomy interior and distinctive features like a reverse-acting gearbox gate and non-standard door locking mechanisms. The 404 Diesel became widely adopted as a taxi model and frequently appeared in cinematic productions.
In June 1965, a specially adapted 1962 Peugeot 404 convertible equipped with an Indénor 88 Diesel engine (just under two liters with 68 BHP SAE) established endurance records at Montlhéry racetrack near Paris. Operating continuously for 103 hours at an average pace of 161 km/h (exceeding 100 mph), it covered a distance of 16,627 kilometers while five drivers alternated shifts. To comply with record-setting regulations, the vehicle carried an extensive supply of spare parts and tools and weighed 1,135 kg in this record-attempt configuration.
Motorsport
Peugeot 404 models secured victories at the Safari Rally in the years 1963, 1966, 1967, and 1968; the latter three wins featured engines equipped with Kugelfischer fuel injection systems. In 2014, a Peugeot 404 from 1963 participated in a 24 Hours of LeMons event held at Thunderhill Raceway Park, demonstrating reliable performance throughout and earning the competition’s Index of Effluency accolade.
Current usage
Drawing inspiration from the HTTP 404 Not Found error, numerous Peugeot websites incorporate images of the Peugeot 404 as a hidden Easter egg element.
See also
- Peugeot 403, the predecessor model to the Peugeot 404
- Austin A60 and Morris Oxford, Pininfarina-designed vehicles with visual similarities produced by British Motor Corporation
External links
- Martin Brunner's Peugeot 404 site – features photographs and official promotional materials
- Technical information on Peugeot 404 (French) – original manufacturer documentation
- Coche Argentino – production details specific to Argentina