FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): Peugeot 404 (Berline/ Familiale/ Camionette Bàchée) (1960

The Peugeot 404 is a large family car produced by French automobile manufacturer Peugeot from 1960 to 1975. It was also manufactured in other countries such as Canada, Argentina and Chile. A truck body (Camionette Bàchée) style variant was marketed until 1988. The 404 was also manufactured under licence in various African countries until 1991.

Styled by Pininfarina, the 404 was offered initially as a saloon (or berline) - with subtly implied tail fins. Station wagon (familiale/ estate/ break), wagon/van (Camionette Bàchée), and pick-up forms were also offered. A convertible was added in 1962, and a coupé in 1963. They were made by the Pinin Farina workshops in Turin and only the floorpan and mechanical elements were shared with the saloon.

The 404 was fitted with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, with either a Solex carburetor or Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection. The vehicle is one of the first mid-size cars (1.6 liter 88 hp) equipped with fuel injection engine. A 1.9 litre diesel engine was available as options. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show as an option was the inclusion of a 3-speed ZF automatic transmission, similar to the unit already offered on certain BMW models, as an alternative to the standard column-mounted manual unit. Units built from 1967 had new dashboard with three round dials.

Popular as a taxicab, the 404 enjoyed a reputation for durability and value. Peugeot's French production run of 1,847,568 404s ended in 1975. A total of 2,885,374 units had been produced worldwide at the end of production. (wikipedia, betterparts.org)