1960 – 1975
Peugeot 404
The Peugeot of tracks and taxis: 2.9 million units, and four victories at the African Safari
Unveiled to dealers in May 1960, the 404 is the second Peugeot designed by Pininfarina after the 403. The Turin coachbuilder abandons the curves for a taut line, with sharp edges and discreet fins: a silhouette that will stand the test of time without aging.
Under the bonnet, a 1,618 cm³ four-cylinder engine inclined at 45° to clear the bonnet, rated at 72 ch. The mechanics are robust, and it is this that will establish the model's reputation far beyond France. In 1962, the 404 receives fuel injection — a first for a French production car. A Diesel version follows, and then, in June 1965, a prepared 404 Diesel sets forty international records at the Montlhéry track, including 72 hours at an average of 161.49 km/h.
The 404 wins the African Safari in 1963, then three times in a row in 1966, 1967, and 1968. On the tracks as well as in the cities, it becomes the car of choice for taxis and long distances: puncture-proof, repairable everywhere, and available in spare parts to be assembled on-site. French production ceases in 1975 for the saloon, but the canvas-topped van continues until 1988 — and the 404s remain a common sight today in North and West Africa.
A total of 2,885,374 units will have been produced, including 160,246 estates, 10,387 convertibles, and 6,837 coupes. No Peugeot had ever reached this figure before.
Forty Diesel Records
In June 1965, on the Montlhéry track, a prepared 404 Diesel seized forty international records. The most striking: 72 hours of driving at an average speed of 161.49 km/h. At the time, Diesel was considered slow — this demonstration permanently changed that perception.
Four times queen of the Safari
The 404 won the African Safari in 1963, then three consecutive years in 1966, 1967, and 1968 — the last three with the Kugelfischer injection engine. Six thousand kilometres of tracks, mud, and fords: the toughest event on the calendar, and the one that established the model's reputation for indestructibility across the continent.
Fuel injection before anyone else
In 1962, the 404 became the first French production car equipped with fuel injection, featuring a Kugelfischer pump. This technology was then reserved for racing cars and a few prestigious German models.
Gallery
In video
Peugeot 404 — launch film, 1960
Peugeot 404 (1960-1988)
Period documentation — 404
11 documents
1022 pages
Spare parts catalogue published by Peugeot. View source
Parts for the Peugeot 404
