I know that you’ve been wondering where all of the nice, French sedans have been on Barn Finds lately; well, no worries! This is a 1975 Peugeot 604 SL Sedan and it’s located in Glendale, California and is listed on eBay with an unmet starting bid of $5,000!
This is a nice car, and by that I mean that the Peugeot 604, in general, is nice as is this car, in particular. This one was listed on eBay three years ago but I’m not sure what it sold for. The seller says that this sedan is “from Paris. Euro model with four speed and euro bumpers.” There is also a moonroof, not to mention that these cars may have some of the most comfortable seats ever installed in a passenger car.
The 604 was made from 1975 to 1985 and it was designed by the famous Italian firm, Pininfarina. The 604 was a sales failure despite being a critical success. And, we all know that when it comes to business it’s all about money so no matter how much the reviewers loved this car, or any car, if the sales don’t follow it’s a tarnished failure. Although, they still sold 153,252 of them. This one looks like it’s in fantastic condition and if a person had a hankerin’ for a great 604 SL, this is the one to have.
Unfortunately, there are no engine photos, but this one has a PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.7L V6 with around 135 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque. Yes, this is a similar engine that was in the DeLorean DMC-12. Cool, eh? Being the oddball that I am, I would rather have this Peugeot 604 SL Sedan than a DeLorean, but I’m probably the only person on the globe who would ever think that. The interior looks nice here, with perhaps a good, deep-cleaning needed and possibly a few seams that need attention. The seller also says that the original steel wheels have been restored and they come with the car. I’d put those on pronto, but that’s just me. I think that this is about as nice as it gets if a person were looking for a comfy, unusual French sedan. Are there any fans of Peugeots or French vehicles, in general, out there?
These were competent business cars. Most were diesels. Handled well, quiet, cushy ride; problematic rust… Rare even in France.
I would love to have one of these! I would take this over a delorean too. Good find!
This used to be my car. It sold on eBay at no reserve for $3,300. The current owner had it shipped to California; touched up the paint on the hood, roof, and trunk; powdercoated the original steel wheels; and had some work done to the clutch and brake booster. This is a French market car that was imported in 2002.
Quite a few for sale in France. https://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/offres/aquitaine/occasions/?th=1&q=Peugeot%20604%20
Have it over a Deloren in a heartbeat…. Have never understood people’s desire for Delorens. Compromised styling, shoddy build quality, not exactly nice to drive and don’t get me started on the stainless steel body. The only way I can figure they ever came about is because JD was sampling a good deal of his other merchandise he was moving…….
Just another commentary spouting incorrect facts and some opinions about the DeLorean DMC.
Where it’s Eurospec it would be way more reliable than than a US spec model (two differrent assembly lines)
Frenchman’s Cadilliac
Always liked these. Stately, yet clean and timeless. Sitting still it looks like it’s cruising comfortably along.
Remember a black Turbo Diesel on the front line of the nearby Mercedes-Volvo dealer back when I was a kid.
It’s cool, but $5K cool? I’d say it’s quite the push.
I’ve got a 1982 parts car 604 (along with several 505’s) sitting in Connecticut, quietly rusting, if anybody is interested . . .
I had a high school friend back in the early 80’s whose father had a 505 diesel, in Ottawa Ontario Canada. IIRC he was some kind of engineer and he did appreciate the quality of the engineering that went into those cars. It was a really nice car to ride in back in the day, with the smoothest ride I had ever experienced.
My father bought a used 1979 slushbox model and it was far superior to just about anything else on the road at the time. He only sold it cos he couldn’t justify the sub-20mpg fuel economy.
I love all Peugeot cars and this looks like a great example. ONE NOTE ABOUT THE DeLorean, it’s model name was officially just “DMC”, not “DMC-12” as most ppl, including magazines, insurance companies, and even DMVs quote. If anyone is interested in the back story on this let me know in a reply here and I’ll be happy to oblige.
Ah ya, the are a few fans out here.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/peugeotnorthamerica/