Driving an old acquaintance: the Peugeot 504 Coupé V6 TI

The regular readers of Auto Motor Klassiek will recognize the car in the image accompanying this article. AMK 1-2016 featured a nice report by Thomas Touw. He described the Peugeot 504 Coupé V6 TI of Adriaan Kikkert. The former owner certainly restored the beautiful French coupé in a cosmetic sense, which left the factory in Turin in 1980. Former owner? Yes, because nowadays the beautiful coupé is also owned by Pieter Fokkema, the driving force behind the 2015 and 2016 editions of CLASSICSNL in Leeuwarden.

Some time ago Fokkema told us that he and his brother had taken over this Peugeot 504 Coupé from the participant in the aforementioned report in Auto Motor Klassiek. Pieter tackled a number of technical matters in the period after purchase. The rear suspension and wishbones were replaced. Brake lines, brake hoses and the K-Jetronic injection were also addressed. Outwardly, nothing had to be done to the car. This also applies to the interior, which is in excellent condition.

Frenchman with bodywork from Turin

Pieter Fokkema invited us to take a tour of this Peugeot 504, which was built 6 times in the V1757 injection configuration. We are going to experience the joys of this genuine French classic with the body from Turin. Before we get in we take in the beautiful Pininfarina lines, the factory alloy and that beautiful low rounded nose. And immediately after the entrance in the beautiful Peugeot 504, the French genes are wonderfully forced on you. You sink deep into the furniture, which is located in a wonderfully brown, luxurious and neatly finished interior with beautiful details, such as the ribbed headliner, wood accents, beautiful buttons and… electric windows. You automatically adopt a sitting position that suits you when driving a coupé. And that sitting position is extremely pleasant in this Peugeot 504, which again was fitted with that typical idiosyncratic placement of ignition lock and control levers.

Pleasant cruiser with performance potential

There is more that pleasantly surprises. When we drive we notice a surplus of comfort and a stable road holding. Those driving characteristics are not disturbed for a moment when we turn the beautifully running 2664 cc PRV engine (144 HP) to serious performance. Then the 504 Coupé turns out to be not only a pleasant cruiser, but also a car that does not hide its performance potential and sporty features. What is striking is that the V6 is mainly civilized and when the speed climbs in a decidedly civilized manner – with an edge of spunk – conveys its sounds to the occupants.

Not manufactured for a little one

The extent to which the power source, in combination with the excellent shifting five-speed gearbox, builds up its torque and speed is impressive. Without a push in the back, but with the necessary potential, the power source in combination with the beautiful carriage makes it clear that it is not for a little one and can accelerate considerably. Meanwhile, the chassis completely unaffected provides a wonderful driving balance, which in a pleasantly French way gives a feeling that nothing can happen to the occupants. Braking and coupling are also child's play and confidence-inspiring.

Very good

This rare Peugeot 504 is perfectly fine and really a wonderful car to drive. And Pieter Fokkema is happy with his unique coupé. “You don't see them much anymore, and I think this is a really distinctive car. Several contemporaries were nevertheless less luxuriously finished. In this car, the driver and passenger are really spoiled. In turn, I spoil this car – along with my brother – too. Because I am aware that this rare classic really should be preserved for posterity. Driving dynamics, finish, design and comfort are of a high level. This coupé cannot really be compared with its contemporaries.”

Privilege

When we say goodbye to Pieter and the Peugeot 504 Coupé V6 Ti, we realize it again. Once again we were able to drive a beautiful creation. A car that has everything to please its occupants. And grants the driver a desirable privilege to drive it.

Thanks to Pieter Fokkema