• A fastidiously restored example of this stylish, Pininfarina designed classic

• Described by the current owner as restored to a factory fresh condition
• Only two previous owners since 1965 – the current owner’s uncle until 1999 and a former Peugeot factory body worker
• Only 10 387 examples
• Desirable first-series, carbureted version with french yellow headlights. 1 of 1700 in 1965
• Just treated to a professional detailing with the best products, including ceramic-infused wax.

The Peugeot 404 arrived in 1960 as the company’s large family car offering. 

In typical Peugeot fashion the styling was entrusted to Pininfarina of Turin. The result was a stylish blend of French practicality and Italian style.

The arrival of the Cabriolet version in 1961 upped the style ante further still with the rakish two door body shell transforming the saloon’s somewhat grown-up image into something more fun and desirable.

Today, good specimens of this example of European “entente-cordiale” are increasingly rare, and this is a really great example.

 • The car was bought by the current owner’s uncle as a brand-new car in 1965

 • The uncle retained the car until his death in 1999

 • At that point the car was acquired by a retired Peugeot factory worker

 • The current owner later re-acquired the car for the family

 • The car underwent a full and fastidious restoration which was completed between 2016 and 2019

 • Since then, the car has been used by the current owner as a summer, weekend car having covered a mere 1,800 kms in that time

 • The paperwork file is extensive and includes the “Certificate d’Immatriculation” – the French V5 equivalent

 • Its certificate of “Controle Technique Periodique” – the French MOT equivalent – from 06/2021 is also present

 • A large number of invoices and bills covering the life of the car are also included (sample pictured)

 • A photographic record of the fastidious restoration is also included with the car

 • The interior of this 404 appears to be in excellent original condition throughout

 • Dressed predominantly in practical black vinyl and leather (rear seats) with a body coloured, painted dash panel and many chrome accents

 • Seats are box pleated and appear to be in unripped and showing minimal wear (front seats are new)

 • Carpets are black with inset vinyl pleated heel guards built in

 • A column mounted gear shift and an under-dash handbrake make for a very uncluttered appearance

 • The twin spoke steering wheel with chrome adornments is in great, original condition

 • A comprehensive instrument binnacle is very much “of the period” and appears to be in excellent condition

 • The boot is carpet lined and houses the spare wheel and tool set 

This 404 Cabriolet offers a very practical and eminently original black interior. 

It appears to be very original and yet is in excellent condition throughout. The combination of sober black upholstery and carpets punctuated by body coloured metal and bright chrome makes for a sophisticated ambiance.

 • The exterior of the 404 is finished in a very 1960’s light blue paintwork (Bleu Céleste), very evocative of the period

 • The paintwork looks to be in excellent condition throughout and appears deep and lustrous

 • Panel gaps are admirably tight and symmetrical throughout

 • The extensive chrome work appears to be bright and shiny 

 • The large steel wheels are dressed in period correct, chrome wheel trims

 • Light lenses, front and back, look original and unmarked

 • The correct badges and emblems, including the iconic Pininfarina ones, are all present and correct

 • Its hood is finished in black vinyl and is reported to be fully weatherproof although showing its age

The 404 Cabriolet is a handsome car successfully combining gravitas with an air of fun and enjoyment in a way that few cars of the period offered. 

This example is in fine fettle too with no areas of concern being noted or reported, having been restored by a retired Peugeot professional. Even the underside of the car belies its status as a 55+ year old classic cabriolet.

 • The 404 Cabriolet is reported to be in an excellent mechanical condition throughout

 • The car is equipped with a 1,618-cc inline, four cylinder petrol engine

 • Originally rated at 95 bhp powering a surprisingly light car at a shade over 1,000 kgs

 • Power is fed to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox with a column mounted shift

 • This specification was welcomed at the time for apparently being capable of a 100 mph top speed and healthy in-gear acceleration

 • Subject to a full body and mechanical restoration less than 1,800 kms ago resulting in a first-class mechanical presentation, right down to the original, unobtainium spark-plug insulators.

By 1965, when this car was made, the launch specification of the 404 had been considerably developed and refined. 

This made the cars much prized for their balance of refinement, performance, and economy. A relatively simple, by today’s standards, mechanical configuration makes maintenance and repairs straightforward and good value.

This 404 cabriolet has so much going for it, it is hard to be concise. 

A rare car in any condition, this exquisitely restored car is extra-special. With a mere 1,800 kms covered since its full restoration was completed in 2017, this is likely as close to a factory-fresh car as you are likely to find.

It’s a useable and surprisingly practical classic too. 

A roomy interior for four, a big boot and robust and reliable mechanicals makes this a great prospect for classic cabriolet enthusiasts world-wide.