Bordeaux et Naturel

Introduced in 1960, the Peugeot 404 ranks among the truly great automotive designs of all time. These cars are considered exceptionally well-balanced. They are spacious, offer outstanding visibility, are very comfortable, handle well on the road, are completely effortless to drive, remain highly controllable in critical situations, consume fuel economically, require relatively little maintenance, and possess legendary durability. Even their susceptibility to corrosion is significantly lower than that of most of their contemporaries. Furthermore, like all Peugeots produced since 1930, the 404 featured a 12-volt electrical system—a standard that most other automakers did not adopt until later in the 1960s. These attributes made the 404 a global sensation; indeed, following Ford’s Model T, the 404 may well have been the second automobile in history to achieve true worldwide mega-success. We deliberately exclude the VW Beetle from this comparison; for while it was undoubtedly a massive success in its own right, its popularity in Africa remained relatively limited. This stands in stark contrast to the 404, which remains a common sight on the roads of many African nations to this very day. There, after decades of hard use and often in a dilapidated state, these vehicles continue to perform their daily duties. In Europe, just over 2.8 million units were built by 1975; however, production in South America and Africa continued for many years thereafter. The very last unit was not built until 1989, in Kenya! Diesel-powered versions were also available, as were models equipped—starting in 1961—with a Kugelfischer fuel injection system; consequently, the 404 is recognized as France’s first mass-produced car to feature fuel injection. However, these “404 Injection” models—much like the rare Coupé and Cabriolet variants (which cost roughly 50% more and saw a combined production run of just over 17,000 units)—tended to remain within Europe or North America. There was also a massive station wagon with a longer wheelbase—optionally available as the so-called seven-seater *Familiale* with three rows of seats—as well as a pickup truck featuring a large cargo bed. Today, the 404—particularly the later models equipped with disc brakes—ranks among the most robust classic cars ever produced; moreover, driving such a vehicle is guaranteed to elicit a wave of goodwill and affection wherever you go.

This 404 Grand Tourisme was first registered on May 12, 1972, in Bruinisse, near Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The original delivery documentation—including the warranty card and specifications for the tow hitch—is present. On November 29, 1999, ownership of the vehicle changed hands within the Netherlands. On November 2, 2021, the Peugeot was imported to Germany and registered in Gnarrenburg, situated between Bremen and Bremerhaven. Under this owner’s stewardship, the vehicle—which had remained entirely original up to that point—received a complete exterior repaint. On March 7, 2022, the vehicle was purchased by a collector of well-preserved, classic “people’s cars” based in Müllheim im Breisgau. This collector had previously purchased a Peugeot 304 Cabriolet from us and subsequently entrusted us with the 404 for resale. According to the previous owners, the car’s total mileage stands at 107,873 kilometers. While this figure cannot be definitively documented, the vehicle’s excellent overall condition—and, in particular, its interior, which shows virtually no signs of wear—lends considerable credibility to this claim. The strong compression readings from the original, “matching numbers” engine further reinforce this impression. As a relatively late-production 404 from the 1972 model year, this car features not only the improved transmission with the standard “H-pattern” shifter but also front disc brakes and a robust brake booster. In addition to the sunroof, the selected optional features include the faux leather upholstery and period-correct coconut fiber floor mats.
We subject every vehicle to a systematic inspection—covering everything from the bodywork and engine to the electrical system. Based on this assessment, we prepare three distinct service packages. You decide which option best suits your needs.

Économie – €15,400
An inspected and roadworthy vehicle, complete with an H-certificate (historic vehicle status) and a main inspection that expired in August 2023.

Standard – €18,400
Includes the above, plus a major service, oil change, new battery, retrofitted hazard warning lights, and a new main inspection certificate.

Suprême – €20,500
Includes the above, plus an installed trunk light, cavity sealing, and an underbody wax treatment.

We would be happy to send you the detailed specifications for all three packages. Alternatively, simply give us a call, and we will be pleased to explain everything to you personally.