1970 Peugot 404 Utility

Description

With a well-founded reputation for mechanical toughness, the Peugeot 404 was introduced in May 1960 and remained in production for the next fifteen years. The rather plain exterior styled by Pininfarina belied the amazing ability of the 404 to soak up punishment on the roughest roads, while contemporary road tests were amazed by the beautiful ride, willing 1608cc four-cylinder engine and great handling. Front suspension was via MacPherson struts, with coil springs and telescopic dampers all round and the rear axle was unusual, featuring worm-drive with a torque tube. All 404s were originally equipped with a four-speed column-shift gearbox with synchro on all gears and the steering was a superbly weighted rack and pinion system. In addition to the sedan and stylish coupe/convertible off-shoots, Peugeot offered the 404 in station wagon and utility guises on a stretched platform, increasing the models versatility, as did the addition of a diesel option. Indeed, Peugeot - along with Mercedes-Benz - were pioneers of oil burning engines in the 1960s, combining good fuel economy with performance that comfortably outstripped most of its peers. In Familiale guise, the wagon had a third row of seats added, making the car an eight-seater. Many 404s were assembled outside France, with production taking place in Australia, New Zealand and various African countries to name but a few. The 404 proved a worldwide success for the French company, with over 2.7 million sold and it remained a common sight on the roads in many African countries for decades after production ceased, testimony to the ruggedness inherent in the original design. Sadly, the 404's unitary construction body did not last as well as the mechanical components and the vast majority have succumbed to the dreaded rust, although spares availability is still good. As the number of surviving cars dwindles the 404 remains sought after, both as a classic workhorse and for historic rallies or club runs.