13 Jul 01
The 1965 204 was Peugeot's first front-wheel-drive model, and as well as the saloon, a stylish short-wheelbase coupe and convertible were offered. Like the saloon, they were designed by Pininfarina, with whom Peugeot had close relations. These models weren't fast, but they did have style and more than 40,000 were built.
Although the 204 saloon was still in production, Peugeot launched the 304 saloon in 1969, with new front-end styling that added seven inches to the length of the 204.
The 304 Coupe and Cabriolet kept the same shell (from the screen back) as the 204 models, but used the new 304 wings, front grille and headlights. The all-alloy engine was stroked to give 1288 cc, upping power to 65 bhp for a top speed of around 90 mph.
Performance, however, wasn't the point: these were sophisticated little cars with good ride comfort and safe front-wheel-drive handling. They also made excellent long-distance machines. An 'S' version was introduced in 1972, its twin-choke carb increasing power output to 75 bhp. The last 304 Cabriolets were produced in 1975 and had no equivalent in the modern Peugeot range for many years.
