At the beginning of the 60s, Peugeot, then mainly established in the large rear-wheel-drive sedan segment (203, 403, 404), repositioned its range and decided to enter the mid-size sedan market (6CV).
Launched in 1965, the 204 (following on from the 201, 202, 203 series) was a minor revolution for Peugeot: it was the brand’s first front-wheel-drive car! Gone were the rear axles, replaced by front-wheel drive: while this architecture may seem commonplace today, it was a real innovation at the time. All Peugeots have followed the trend ever since, even today!
The 204 went on to be available in several versions: first as a saloon, then as a station wagon, a van and finally as the most desirable of all: the 2+2 coupé and cabriolet! These last two versions were only produced from 1966 to 1970, which partly explains their rarity today: only 18,181 of the cabriolet were sold! By comparison, more than a million 204 sedans were sold, making the 204 the best-selling car in France from 1969 to 1971.
Technically, the 204 cabriolet is simply a derivative of the sedan, from which it borrows most of its components (engine, chassis, suspension, etc.). However, the wheelbase has been reduced, the suspension lowered and the rear end completely redesigned: Peugeot’s aim is to offer a dynamic, “fun” vehicle that is particularly pleasing to the eye, rather than a sports car.
Its sleek, sensual lines, reliability, spacious, plush interior and modern, ultra-comfortable suspension made it the ideal cabriolet for weekend getaways or seaside cruising, with its hair blowing in the wind!
