1971 Peugeot 304 cabriolet
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***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- Early Cabriolet with rare non-S specification
- Retains the desirable pre-facelift details
- Sought-after French drop top with impeccable ride and handling
- Pretty Pininfarina styling
- Presentable and usable example with scope to lightly improve
The Appeal
In the late 1960s Peugeot was on a roll, busily building durable saloons with crisp Pininfarina styling. The 304 cleverly blended the architecture of the 204 with frontal treatment from its big brother 504 and a peppy 1.3litre SOHC engine.
The Cabriolet spun out the appeal of this popular car, offering buyers an accessibly priced two seater convertible that delivered surprisingly good ride and handling dynamics. Produced from March 1970 to July 1975, most built were the marginally more powerful ‘S’ model.
That makes this early, pre-facelift, standard car particularly rare and compelling. It retains the quirky features - like the strip speedo - that make the first 304 Cabriolets so endearing. In solid, usable and presentable condition, it offers scope to lightly improve. But if we were the lucky buyers, the first thing we’d want to do is get out and enjoy the last of the year’s sunny weather in this characterful car.
The History and Paperwork
- We are told that this is a 1971 car and the chassis records and specification support that
- As such it appears to be a non-S model with the 65bhp version of the 1.3litre engine
- Unfortuanately at the time of writing we do not have any service or maintenance records for this car
- The 304 was designed by Pininfarina and based on the 204
- It was intended as a larger, more upmarket model
- The Cabriolet was launched in March 1970
- The model was facelifted in 1972 with the launch of the 75bhp S model
- The 304 was noted for its particularly good ride and handling,
- It is known for being agile yet smooth over rough surfaces
The Interior
- Original interior displaying the neat detailing familiar to owners of the pre-facelift cars
- Black vinyl seats appear to be original and are in fair condition with good cushioning
- The driver’s seat shows a small crack in the vinyl base
- Strip speedo typical of early cars
- Delicately styled fillet of wood-effect veneer stretched across the dashboard
- This is in good condition and a key part of the appeal of this car’s interior
- The limited switchgear presents well being original and showing light wear
- Speedo and protective perspex shroud are clear and presentable
- Period correct radio fitted but with right hand knob apparently broken
- Mix of carpets and rubber overmats, both in original unrestored condition
- Door trims well kept with original fittings appearing unbroken and lightly patinated
- Original two spoke black-rimmed steering wheel in lightly aged condition
- Black tonneau cover for roof
- Boot area is presentable but with some wear to trim
The Exterior
- Presentable burgundy metallic paintwork appears to be an older restoration
- Straight panels mostly free of damage and marks
- Close inspection reveals various scratches and localised marks
- The nature of these means they do not detract from the sense of a usable classic
- Bodywork appears to be generally solid
- There is a small area of corrosion on the base of the rear driver’s side wing
- Poor paintwork and older repair of passenger side rear wing at the base
- Bue paint is visible on some of the wheel arch lips, perhaps indicating a respray
- Steel wheels and chrome hubcaps complete and presentable
- Some light tarnishing visible to the rims
- Black stone guard underseal visible on arches indicating owner’s care
- Boot lid shows microblistering and small area of damage on rear lip
- Floors appear to be solid and with possible evidence of recent rectification work
- Lights appear to be original and colours have faded only slightly
- Hood appears to be in good condition with good fit
- The window panel is clear and undamaged
The Mechanics
- 1,288cc SOHC 65bhp 4cl Peugeot engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Unfortunately we do not have visibility of the service records at the time of writing
Summary
The 304 Cabriolet is that most French of classics, a handsomely styled and understated drop top that rides and handles as few rivals could. Most built were the marginally more powerful S model with facelifted trim. That makes early cars with their delicate interior styling rare and sought after.
This is one of those cars. It looks solid and very usable but with scope to improve as you use. With its superb ride and handling it is sure to be a rewarding buy.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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