By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
A second motoring highlight of my recent trip to France came in the shape of a restored Peugeot 504 Coupe from the mid-seventies.
A rare sight in the UK and a car with looks that can turn heads!
The coupe and cabriolet models were variants of the popular mid-sized Peugeot 504 saloon, introduced in 1968. There are approximately 117 Peugeot 504’s in all variations on UK roads.
These sportier models were designed by Franco Martinengo at Pininfarina and used a slightly shorter 504 saloon platform. Around 3.7 million 504s were made overseas over 37 years, though French production ended in 1983.
The 504 Injection coupe was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1969 and originally came with a 1.8 four-cylinder engine. In 1970, a 2.0 litre option was added.
In 1974 the coupe was given a further upgrade with a 2.7 litre engine developed between Peugeot, Renault and Volvo.
Unfortunately, the V6 coupe was not a big seller, in part, a victim of the fuel crisis of the seventies. However, it did have notable racing success, including winning the 1978 Safari Rally.
The car I came across was a second series 504 V6 Ti coupe in a metallic beige. Inside, the car oozed flair and refinement.
Like it’s big selling ‘brother’- the saloon – this was a reliable and comfortable car.
Aside, from rust issues, the coupe and convertible models are prized French classics for serious collectors.
Did it turn my head? It most certainly did.