The Peugeot 204. A stable French factor.

In the spring of 1965, Peugeot surprises the world as it introduces the Peugeot 204. The compact middle class completes the range from Sochaux downwards. The 204, designed by Pininfarina, has proven to be a success factor from the outset, which will be sold well for eleven years. The progressiveness gives the 204 a long and refreshing breath. Because before 1965 concepts the car is simply very modern.

The 204 was the first Peugeot to receive front-wheel drive and front disc brakes from its makers. Peugeot also placed the new 1130 cc engine in the front, which gave the 204 a top speed of around 140 kilometers per hour. The aluminum engine - with wet cylinder liners and overhead camshaft - was placed transversely. The powertrain was specifically designed. The gearbox and differential were placed directly under the power unit. This construction method resulted in space savings. This allowed passengers in the 204 to greet an acceptable interior space.

Diesel
Towards the end of 1968, the 1255 cc diesel engine became available as an option for the 204 Break and van. The Peugeot 204 was the first in this segment with a passenger car diesel engine. It was sustainable but slow. The top speed was 125 kilometers per hour. In April 1973 the engine was enlarged to 1357 cc. With this power source, the sedan got its diesel debut, which only took place in the fall of 1974.

Expansion and farewell
In 1966 the range of the 204 was expanded with the quirky lined coupé and the convertible. Equipped with the 1130 cc engine with slightly more power, the two body variants carefully found their way within the specific market for these body types. In 1970 they cleared the ground for the 304 Coupé and convertible, which apart from the front and the larger engine differed little from their predecessors. The other 204 models and the 1969 grafted onto the 204 in 304 strength continued to co-exist.

Few changes
The 204 received few changes during its career. The rear configuration (split bumper, oval tail lights) was changed early on. The clock shop was changed in the run-up to the 1975s. In 204, a matte black plastic grille made its way towards the front and the rear lights on the sedan were enlarged. The 1969 petrol power source also received two modifications. In 53 the power went up from 55 DIN HP to 1975 DIN HP. And for the years 1976 and 1127 the cylinder capacity was reduced to 59 cc. The power went up to a value of XNUMX DIN HP.

Reliable and stable success number
The 204. It was a reliable, technically advanced Peugeot that the makers said was not competing on price, but on quality. And he did. Finishing, materials and reliability were fine with the Frenchman. In addition, he had a standard delicacy on board for the Dutch market: the sliding roof. With or without that provision: the 204 became a stable success factor for Peugeot. In 1969, 1970 and 1971 he entered the number one position in the home country. France also accounted for more than 204% of sales during 70 production. In total, 1.604.296 copies of the 204 left the factory. With more than a million units sold, the sedan was the most requested version. Finally in July he put 1976 - along with the break - a line under the success story, which lasted eleven years.