Peugeot 604 SL V6
The Peugeot 604 was the French automotive industry's attempt to compete with the established German executive car establishment. Launched in 1975, it was Peugeot's flagship — a large, comfortable sedan designed by Pininfarina and powered by the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine, one of the most significant joint ventures in European automotive history.
The PRV V6 was developed jointly by three manufacturers who each needed a modern six-cylinder engine but could not justify the development cost individually. The resulting 2,664cc unit was an all-alloy design with a single overhead camshaft per bank, producing 136 horsepower with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. The engine was smooth and refined, if not particularly powerful by the standards of its displacement. It provided a relaxed, torquey character well suited to the 604's grand-touring brief.
Pininfarina's design for the 604 was elegant but conservative — a clean, three-box sedan that prioritized dignity over drama. The interior was well-appointed with leather upholstery, electric windows, and air conditioning available — luxury features in the European market of the mid-1970s. The ride quality was excellent, with Peugeot's traditional expertise in suspension tuning creating a car that could cover long distances in remarkable comfort.
The 604's problem was perception. German executive cars from BMW and Mercedes-Benz had established an image of engineering precision and prestige that the French manufacturers could not match in export markets. The 604 was a fine car — arguably more comfortable than a contemporary BMW 525 and better looking than a Mercedes W123 — but it lacked the badge prestige that drove buying decisions in the executive segment.
In France, the 604 found its niche as the preferred car of the political and business establishment. French presidents and government ministers were frequently chauffeured in 604s, and the car remained in production for a full decade. But outside France, sales were modest, and the 604 was largely unknown.
Today the Peugeot 604 is a rare sight. Relatively few were built by executive car standards, and fewer still have survived. It represents an interesting alternative to the ubiquitous German executive cars of the period — a well-built, comfortable, and elegant sedan that deserved greater recognition than it received.
The PRV V6 is generally reliable but the timing chain can stretch on high-mileage examples — listen for rattling at startup. The K-Jetronic fuel injection is mechanically complex and requires a specialist to set up properly. Automatic transmissions are more common than manuals — the 3-speed ZF is adequate but feels dated. Rust is a significant concern, particularly in the sills, floors, and rear arches. Parts are increasingly difficult to source, especially body panels and interior trim. The 604 has a small but dedicated following in France — joining the Club Peugeot 604 is essential for parts access and technical knowledge.
The 604 was produced from 1975 to 1985 at Peugeot's Sochaux factory. Total production reached 153,252 units over the ten-year run. The SL V6 was the core model, with later additions including a turbodiesel version and an STI luxury trim. The 604 was the first production car to use the PRV V6 engine, which would later power the Volvo 260, Renault 30, DeLorean DMC-12, and Alpine A610.