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Driving Report: Peugeot 504 V6

Good times

It was a year of rebirths and revolutions: 1968, a time when students stood up against tradition and society challenged long-established norms. In the same transformative year, Peugeot launched its new flagship model, the 504. This was no ordinary car; it was an elegant touring saloon designed by the renowned Pininfarina, introducing a vehicle format that combined technical innovations with the luxury and extravagance typically reserved for higher classes. The robust and reliable Peugeot 504 carved out a long and distinguished global career, with around 3.7 million units produced over its 37-year lifespan. The model range included the classic saloon, a family-friendly estate, a utilitarian pickup, and the perennially beautiful coupé and cabriolet, each a testament to style and functionality.

The design of Peugeot’s largest model at the time was a collaborative competition between the in-house Peugeot Centre Style, led by Paul Bouvot, and the external Pininfarina studios. Ultimately, Pininfarina’s vision prevailed, particularly with their distinctive and stylish rear design of the 504 saloon, featuring an innovative kink in the boot lid. However, the striking front design with its trapezoidal headlights was Bouvot’s contribution, which redefined the Peugeot aesthetic. Sergio Pininfarina himself lauded Bouvot’s design, comparing the headlights to the captivating eyes of Italian film star Sophia Loren. In 1969, the introduction of the 504 Coupé and Cabriolet at the Geneva Motor Show marked a pinnacle in style, with these models remaining highly coveted among collectors and enthusiasts to this day.

Initially available with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine adaptable to regular petrol, the 504 soon expanded its engine offerings. By 1970, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine joined the lineup, later enhanced to 104 hp with an optional fuel injection system. The range also included an efficient 2.1-litre diesel engine from 1971, with subsequent expansions to 2.0-litre and 2.3-litre diesel variants. The autumn of 1974 heralded another significant milestone: the introduction of the first post-war French-developed six-cylinder engine, a remarkable feat for the “Grande Nation.” Known as the PRV engine, this collaboration between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo (hence PRV) was initially intended to be a V8. However, the oil crisis led to a downsizing to a V6, retaining the V8’s firing order which resulted in a distinctive, albeit rough, engine performance.

Despite the challenges, the PRV engine endured, powering various models until 1997, though the Peugeot 504 coupé and convertible were phased out by 1983. Many of these models succumbed to rust, but those that survived are now prized for their rarity and charm. The example highlighted here is meticulously maintained at the Peugeot Museum in Sochaux—a worthy destination for automotive enthusiasts. This particular model is seldom driven, hinting at the occasional challenges posed by the quirky six-cylinder engine, which doesn’t quite roar like its contemporaries but offers a smooth, almost reluctant performance.

Today, driving the Peugeot 504 V6 evokes a sense of nostalgia and a slower pace of life, ideal for serene drives through scenic landscapes rather than aggressive overtaking. Its suspension and steering are deliberately soft, providing a relaxed ride reminiscent of the era’s French “Grand Tourisme,” distinct from the Italian “Gran Turismo.” While the brakes are reliable, their necessity is rarely tested due to the car’s leisurely capabilities.

Reflecting on its launch price in 1975, the Peugeot 504 stood alone in its class for its simple elegance and affordability compared to its contemporaries. Even today, as it stands gracefully outside a charming boulangerie, it attracts admiration and fond glances, a timeless beauty that continues to stand out.

We invite you to explore more extraordinary vehicles in our archive as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Peugeot 504’s innovative French V6 engine. Let’s take it for a drive and relive the good times.

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