Break Élégant

The Peugeot 404, designed by Pininfarina, is a typical example of the trapezoidal body style of the 1960s, a design also found in the Mercedes 190, Opel Rekord P2, Austin Cambridge, DKW Junior, Fiat 2300, Sachsenring Trabant 601, and others. From 1960 to 1978, 2,885,374 units were built in France, making it one of the most successful cars in the upper-middle class segment ever. It was precisely this model that allowed Peugeot to truly gain a foothold in the German market. But its success wasn’t limited to Germany; the car became a global phenomenon, and many examples can still be seen in daily use in developing and emerging countries. While they are often subjected to heavy use, these cars appear technically indestructible and are among the most robust vehicles the automotive industry has ever produced. Moreover, these cars offer a wonderfully smooth ride, excellent road holding, and a comfortable suspension. The steering is precise, the brakes excellent, the interior space is generous, and the visibility from the body is superb. A 404 is undoubtedly one of the most well-balanced cars ever built. The almost enormous station wagons have a 190 mm longer wheelbase. A total of 393,732 units of all station wagon versions (Commerciale, Break, and Familiale) were produced. Most of the station wagons were equipped with diesel engines, but the very smooth-running gasoline engines are also exceptionally robust. Mileages exceeding 500,000 km were not uncommon at the time. The elegant Superluxe Breaks are the rarest trim level and, with their lavish chrome trim, metallic paint, leather upholstery, and a cargo area lined like a sailboat, were considered luxury station wagons in their day. It’s a shame that so few good, original examples have survived.

This 404 Superluxe Break was first registered in 1965 in the Vaucluse department, near Avignon. It’s a car from the last model year with the classic ribbon speedometer, as a dashboard with three round gauges was introduced shortly afterward. We acquired this rather rare car about eight years ago from a collector in North Rhine-Westphalia who was downsizing his collection due to lack of space. In 2020, we sold the station wagon to a gentleman in Berlin who also registered the car in his name. The car therefore already has German registration documents and a historic vehicle (H) certification. However, this gentleman from Berlin hasn’t driven the car a single meter since then and has now put it back up for sale. We’ve already addressed so-called “storage-related” issues, such as replacing the wheel brake cylinders. The vehicle remains in virtually untouched original condition. We believe that even the paintwork is original, except for the front left fender. We believe this because there are no stone chips on that fender that appear to have been touched up with a brush. All other areas are definitely not repainted. The interior is very well preserved, and the beautiful trunk lining shows hardly any wear. A particularly sought-after feature among connoisseurs is the original roof rack. A classic station wagon from a time when station wagons in Germany were still considered work vehicles.

We subject every vehicle to a systematic inspection – from the bodywork and engine to the electrical system. Based on this, we will prepare three offers. You decide which one best suits your needs.

Economy – €29,200
Inspected and roadworthy vehicle in authentic original condition with classic car certification, recently serviced air conditioning, and a valid vehicle inspection (MOT/TÜV) until June 2026.

Standard – €36,900
Additionally includes a major service, new tires, dry ice cleaning of the underbody and engine compartment, new cavity sealing, and a new vehicle inspection (MOT/TÜV).

Supreme – €49,400
Includes new automatic front seat belts and a complete repaint to repair minor paint damage and scratches, which would, of course, alter the original condition.

We would be happy to send you the details of the three offers. Or simply give us a call and we’ll explain everything to you personally.