Peugeot 504 Coupe
The Peugeot 504 Coupe is one of the most elegant grand tourers of the 1970s — a car that combined French engineering robustness with Italian design flair. The 504 sedan was already famous for its indestructible build quality and sophisticated suspension, but the coupe and cabriolet variants, styled by Pininfarina, elevated the model into genuine GT territory.
Pininfarina's design was understated but beautiful — a long hood, short deck, pillarless side glass, and gracefully flowing lines. The coupe featured a distinctive wrap-around rear window and subtle chrome accents. The proportions were classic grand tourer: low, long, and elegant without being flashy.
The 504 Coupe was built on a shortened version of the sedan's platform, with independent suspension at all four corners — double wishbones at the front, semi-trailing arms at the rear. This was sophisticated engineering for the era, giving the 504 Coupe excellent ride quality and handling balance. The suspension could soak up rough roads while maintaining composure in corners.
Early coupes used Peugeot's robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the most desirable version featured the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.7-liter V6 introduced in 1974. This all-aluminum engine provided smooth power delivery and a refined character perfectly suited to long-distance cruising. The ZF four-speed manual transmission was slick and precise, though a three-speed automatic was available.
The 504 Coupe was expensive when new — priced alongside far more exotic machinery — and relatively rare. Just 21,800 coupes were built over a decade, compared to over 3 million sedans. Today, the 504 Coupe is appreciated as an elegant, understated GT — a car for driving long distances in comfort and style rather than setting lap records. Clean examples command strong prices, especially V6 models with manual transmissions.
The 504 Coupe is a sophisticated classic requiring proper maintenance. The PRV V6 is generally reliable but requires correct timing and valve adjustment. Four-cylinder cars are simpler but less desirable. Rust affects sills, floor pans, and rear wheel arches — Peugeot's rust protection was not legendary. The sophisticated suspension requires regular bushing replacement. Parts availability is good through Peugeot specialists and PRV engine parts are shared with Volvo/Renault. Manual transmission is more engaging and more valuable than automatic. Pininfarina coachwork quality varies — check panel gaps. Clean V6 manual cars command premiums. Values are rising as 1970s GT cars gain appreciation.
Total 504 Coupe production: approximately 21,800 (1968-1983). Initial 1968-74 models used 2.0L four-cylinder engines (96 hp carbureted, later fuel-injected). V6 models (1974-83) featured the PRV 2.7L V6 with 136 hp. Cabriolet versions also produced (6,186 units). Built at Peugeot's Sochaux plant in France. 504 sedans sold over 3 million; coupes were rare and expensive flagships. US sales limited due to federalization costs.