Peugeot 504

Unveiled to dealers on 12 September 1968 — three months late due to the events of May 68 delaying the planned launch in June — the 504 succeeded the 404 at the top of the Peugeot range. The design is still by Pininfarina, but it abandons the sharp edges of the 404 for a sloping bonnet and a truncated rear. The public first sees it at the Paris Motor Show from 3 to 13 October. The jury of the European trophy names it Car of the Year 1969.

Under the bonnet, a four-cylinder engine of 1,796 cm³ producing 82 bhp with a carburettor, and 97 bhp with Kugelfischer mechanical injection. But the real novelty lies beneath: it is the first Peugeot saloon with rear-wheel drive featuring independent suspension on all four wheels — McPherson struts at the front, trailing arms at the rear — and disc brakes on all four wheels. A ZF three-speed automatic gearbox joins the catalogue as early as February 1969. Following this, a 2-litre engine producing 93 bhp (104 bhp with injection) is introduced, along with Diesel engines of 2,112 cm³ (65 bhp) and 2,304 cm³ (70 bhp, from 1976) that will establish the model's reputation among high-mileage drivers.

In competition, the 504 wins the African Safari in 1975 with Ove Andersson and Arne Hertz, and again in 1978 — this time with the V6 coupe driven by Jean-Pierre Nicolas and Jean-Claude Lefèbvre. Between 1963 and 1978, Peugeot wins this six-thousand-kilometre event six times, first with the 404 and then with the 504. Additional victories include the Morocco Rally in 1975 and 1976.

European production ends in 1983, but the 504's story does not stop there: 425,000 units are assembled in Nigeria until 2006, 27,000 in Kenya until 2004, and production continues in Argentina from 1969 to 1999 and in China from 1989 to 1997. City taxi, bush taxi, family car with eight seats: on the African continent, it has been nicknamed the king of the road. In total, 3,711,556 units of all versions combined.