Rare In USA: Peugeot 304 Sedan

Okay, ALL Peugeot 304 variants are rare here, with the sedan likely the most common among them.  Still, have you ever seen one?

This apparently humble little sedan features an all-alloy engine equipped with a single overhead cam and also features four-wheel independent suspension.  This and the 504 launched the “angry eyebrows” look which would stick with Peugeot for two generations.

Why would one buy this?  It should provide good driving character for a vintage car due to its modern suspension and engine, buts its 1.3L four isn’t going to set any drag strip records.  In truth, this won’t outperform a Datsun 510 in any way, what with front-wheel drive.  The reason to buy this is to be different and, well, French.  If located in the US, the buyer will not likely see another unless its in his or her own French car collection or a beret-infested club meeting.

Click for Craigslist ad
Mission Hills, CA
$3,900

Front end is instantly recognizable as a Peugeot to anyone alive in the 70s and 80s.  Pinninfarina actually styled this car.

Profile is a pretty generic sedan look, with edges more rounded than those of most of its contemporaries.

Things are pretty basic out back.

Interior is appealing with woodgrain strip and floor-mounted manual shifter.

Transverse-mounted engine drives the front wheels.

Ad text:

An unusual car that should be in a museum. I have many used parts as well. Runs and drives. Old tires. This is NOT a 504 model. It looks similar but it is smaller. Has austin-mini-like front wheel drive which means the transaxle is where the crankcase should be because it has a “take-down” gear. The clutch can be changed without removing any other part of the powertrain. Aluminum 1300 overhead cam hemi engine with a fan belt that runs in two planes like a corvair. Girling front disc brakes. MacPherson suspension with that luxurious Peugeot ride. Almost no rust. Peugeot marketed these in the USA for only a year and a half. The Peugeot 204 / 304 / 305 series went on for about 20 years in Europe. It’s rarer here than a Renault 12. Thanks for reading about my collectible French car.


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