In the 1970s, several car makers were gaining traction in the flourishing luxury car niche. Mercedes’ W116 S-class, BMW’s E9 series, Jaguar’s XJs, and American models from Cadillac and Lincoln were selling for premium prices, helping fund growth at all these manufacturers. But in France, the luxury market was limited to derivative products from Citroen. Peugeot aimed to change that with a clean-sheet model – the 604. Despite a consecutive naming designation vis-a-vis the 504, the two cars were completely different. Whereas the 504 was a workmanlike family saloon, the expensive 604 had higher aims. Those aspirations were never realized, however: though more than 3 million 504s were sold worldwide, the 604 managed sales of just 153,000 units. This 1975 Peugeot 604 SL is available here on eBay, with bidding at $3700, reserve not met. The selling dealer is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
The 604’s struggles began immediately, as it was launched in 1974 amid the global gas crisis. The engine was developed jointly with Renault and Volvo as part of the PRV series, without thrift in mind: this SL’s factory-supplied 2.7-liter V6 managed only about 16 mpg in the city. Early 604 V6s breathed through a triple-choke Solex carburetor, while later versions received fuel injection. Output is around 136 hp; decent torque figures support the car’s reputation as a comfortable cruiser. This example is equipped with a four-speed manual. The odometer reads 87k km. The seller notes that the car has “always been housed” in a climate-controlled museum, covering only 1000 miles during the last four years.
The 604 is mostly lauded for its interior comfort. Reviewers say the seating is plush but supportive, though notably, if you must move the seat forward, you will find that it arcs down, disappearing from under-thigh. Veglia gauges are set in a ’70’s-style box, with nary an ounce of charm. The rest of the instrument panel is forgettable as well. That said, in terms of condition, this example is excellent.
The body was designed by Pininfarina, which delivered many a rendering to Peugeot from the 1950s forward. The 604 retains Peugeot’s characteristic clean-box look, softened by a curved front fender line, but it’s missing the dip in the hood between the two headlamps. That trademark feature, giving the illusion of a slant-eyed look, is how I know a Peugeot is approaching. Instead, it’s as if company management aimed to mimic BMW, “sharking” the 604’s nose. Whatever you think of the design, this 604 is in superb cosmetic condition. If a luxury Peugeot is on your bucket list, I doubt you’ll find better, short of traveling to Europe.
A “POO-Joe”, as the old man called them, like “Renultz”, I think he felt silly saying it correctly. Nice car, and probably the most non-goofy French car to come along. Peugeot was a tough sell, Americans just didn’t take them seriously, with French cars like the Dauphine, or ha-ha, Columbos quirky 403, very rarely would one see one in the Badger. A what now, a POO-Joe? From France? Good heavens, fat chance we all laughed,OOOO La La,,,,in ’75 that is. You can imagine the irony when the Alliance came along,,,these were great cars, and for the record, dad, it’s pronounced “puh-ZHO”!
It’s too bad French cars have disappeared from US shores. The created and continue to create some beautiful and unique vehicles. Someone is going to get one very nice Peugeot here. This looks to have been really pampered. Surprise, being from IL, it didn’t succumb to the salt.
A “consecutive naming designation” from the 504 would have been 505, which did eventually appear as its successor model. Incrementing the first digit to 604 indicated a size-class larger than the 504.
Of note, the 604 used the front half of the 504’s passenger cell and most of its floorpan. Pininfarina simply designed new bodywork forward of the firewall and aft of the B-pillars, along with a new interior, to derive the 604 from the 504.
Really nice looking Peugeot. We had a family friend many years ago that had a couple of 504s . They were all solid, reliable cars. They also hold up well in a collision as they very unfortunately found out. The car was totalled but they walked away. Thats the important thing. I don’t think you’d find a nicer 604 around.
HA! I Was wondering when this would re-emerge. I was the high bidder on the Bring A Trailer auction a couple weeks ago but reserve was not met. We could not come to a deal on offers. I know what he wants for it and its well above this. I sold a few things and could spend more for it but not sure I want that much dough tied up in a weird Frenchmobile….
And yet you bid on it.
Yeah up to what I wanted to spend. He wanted way more. Does that make sense?