When Peugeot launched the 404 in 1960, it never envisaged an extended production run. It also produced a car that was so robust and comfortable that it became a firm favorite in African nations with harsh climates and rugged roads. Our featured 404 rolled off the line in 1969 and still looks great as a survivor with 58,000 miles on its odometer. Meticulously maintained, it is a turnkey proposition, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the 404 listed here on Craigslist in El Dorado Hills, California, for $11,400 OBO.
Peugeot launched the 404 in 1960 to compete in the country’s large family car market segment. Styled by Pininfarina, it remained fundamentally unchanged until production ended in 1975. Our featured Peugeot emerged in 1969, ordered by its first owner in Araranth Red. The overall presentation is quite tidy for an unrestored survivor. The paint might benefit from polishing to eliminate the swirls, but it still has a pleasant shine. It has chips and marks, but nothing severe enough to justify a cosmetic refresh. The rockers have a couple of small dings, which appear to be the only panel imperfections. Rust is rarely a problem with the 404, and if this one has spent its life in its current location, it should be rock-solid. The trim is in great condition for its age, and the glass is clear.
The seller provides no engine bay images but supplies plenty of relevant information. The 404 features a 1,618cc four-cylinder motor, bolted to a four-speed manual transmission. The four isn’t the most powerful beast on the planet, producing 80hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque. However, its trump card is its flexibility: it can chug along at little more than walking speed in remarkably high gears. That is one reason the 404 became a favorite in African nations: it could cope with loose surfaces without breaking a sweat. The drivetrain is also under-stressed, ensuring bulletproof reliability and amazing longevity. Add soft, long-travel suspension, and the 404 becomes the ideal weapon for tough conditions. The seller recently replaced the clutch, the radiator, fuel pump, and boiled, cleaned, and coated the tank. They fitted a new coil, plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, points, and condenser. That amount of work, plus the odometer reading of 58,000 genuine miles, suggests this turnkey Peugeot has plenty left to give its new owner.
It wasn’t just the compliant suspension that won the Peugeot 404 a strong following. Owners and contemporary road tests rated the seats as amongst the most comfortable low-back buckets in automotive history. They provide excellent lateral and under-thigh support, minimizing fatigue on long journeys. The good news for potential buyers is that this Peugeot’s interior needs nothing. The seller recently replaced the seatcovers, while the remaining vinyl upholstery looks excellent. The dash is in good condition, and the wheel shows no appreciable wear. No one will mistake it for a Cadillac, but the beautiful seats and AM/FM radio will help the miles fly by.
This 1969 Peugeot 404 won’t suit enthusiasts seeking a high-performance classic. However, it is an affordable entry point for anyone looking for a European survivor that combines comfort, practicality, and bulletproof mechanicals. Its low odometer reading and recent maintenance should keep it on the road for decades, long after modern cars have made their final trip to the scrapyard. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, slipping behind the wheel of this Peugeot should do the trick.
A “Poo-Joe”, the old man called them. No dad, it’s pronounced “Puh-JEAU”, he said, “yeah, that’s what I said, POO-Joe”,,,While most of my “sweethearts” are confined to US cars, one could easily call this a sweetheart as well. What’s great about French cars, is pure function. They weren’t out to impress anyone, like those swoopy Italians. We didn’t see many of these in Beertown, but I read, Peugeot sold an astonishing 2,885,374, 404s worldwide. I’d say parts should not be a problem, if any needed. The 404 was renowned as one of the most reliable cars, and I believe it. For a manual shift, I think they are very easy cars to drive. Great find.
Canadian Major who I shared an office with at our NATO head quarters in Noway had one and it handled the mountains and snow like it was flat and dry. Got to drive it once and it matched Adams write up to a T.