Many African nations feature harsh climates and rough roads. Buyers in those countries often focus on vehicles produced by Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot, because both marques enjoy well-earned reputations for producing cars that will withstand abuse without caving under the pressure. However, Peugeot entered the luxury car market in 1975 with the 604, and this first-year example is a beauty. It presents exceptionally well and is a turnkey proposition with a V6 under the hood. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Peugeot listed here on Craigslist in Costa Mesa, California. The seller set their price at $12,000 for this rare French classic.
Launched in 1975 at the Geneva Motor Show, the 604 represented Peugeot’s entry into the luxury car market. Penned by Pininfarina, the styling is sharp and has stood the test of time quite well. The first owner ordered the car in a shade called “Gris Fume,” which became known as Executive Gray in subsequent model years. The overall presentation is exceptionally tidy. There is no patchiness or signs of developing matte areas, and the panels are straight. I can’t see evidence of rust, and this Peugeot scores extra points for the factory sunroof. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the 604 rolls on its original steel wheels with center caps and trim rings.
Joint ventures are a common occurrence in the automotive world, and Peugeot joined forces with Renault and Volvo to develop a range of V6 engines in the 1970s. While perhaps the most recognized is the 2.8-liter variant that powered the ill-fated DeLorean, the 604 features a 2,664cc version of the same motor. It sends 134hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The seller states that this survivor has 82,000 kilometers on the clock, which equates to approximately 50,900 miles. Given the bulletproof nature of the mechanical components, it could be considered barely broken in. The seller states that it provides a wonderfully smooth driving experience, suggesting it is a turnkey proposition.
Trimmed in Tan leather, the Peugeot features power windows and a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. Unusually, there is no air conditioning. However, why would you need it if you can slide open the sunroof and enjoy plenty of fresh air for free? The seats sport the wrinkles typically associated with elegantly aging leather, but there is no evidence of significant wear. The dash looks crisp and clean, with no signs of UV damage. I guess it wouldn’t be unkind to describe the overall impression as austere by the standards of modern luxury cars. Still, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage.
Many readers might recognize this 1975 Peugeot 604, because we have seen it before. It was featured in this excellent article by Michelle Rand in May, and the change in location since then suggests the seller may be looking to “flip” this car. Further investigation revealed another attempt to sell the car via auction in April, when the bidding stalled at $6,277. It suggests the Peugeot has experienced a fairly busy year, but do you think it will find another new home?
“Bulletproof” seems generous when discussing the PRV engine.
Perhaps “delusional?”
Stole the XD2S diesel out of one of these, over a decade ago, and dropped it into a 505. This was back in the days when I was running French cars on waste french-fry oil.
I should have taken the 5-speed with it, and swapped them as a unit, as the BA 10/5 that I kept in the 505 cracked its housing, in the middle of a cold, snowy winter, a year and a half later.
The rest of the 604 has been quietly converting to finest French rust in the woods behind my house ever since.
Even as a fan of French automobiles, having owned and driven a Citroen, a Renault and two Peugeots over the years, it’s hard to consider owning this particular 604, or perhaps any model other than a 504 or 505. I don’t know what the replacement parts supply line is like these days, and it was getting sketchy even thirty years ago for some of the pieces required to keep my Peugeots operating. Great cars, however, and having a manual transmission is absolutely key.
The 604 is basically just a 504 with a slightly stretched wheelbase (60mm or 2-1/3″ longer), different sheetmetal ahead of the firewall and aft of the B-pillars, and a different interior.
I own 2 of these including the fuel injected GTI. I wouldn’t ever buy one without AC. I question whether they were ever delivered stateside without it.
This can’t be operated/registered in California. Even though it’s grey market, our fascist “air resources board” does not allow for the registration of 1967 or later vehicles not original sold in the USA. The exception to this is having a lab test and certify it to the tune of $15,000 or more. Oh, wait- the one “lab” that did this is no longer in business.
Well, I guess that the ARB has protected Californians from buying a car that’s impossible to get parts for and that is generally viewed as somewhat less appealing than acne