1966 Peugeot 204 – Project Profile

If you have an itch to tinker and fancy a rare French runabout designed by Pininfarina then look no further than this 1966 Peugeot 204. Often written off as bland or boring the 204 was actually a huge leap forward for Peugeot when it was launched in 1965. Eschewing the larger-engined, rear wheel-drive layout that was habitually the case for Peugeots at the time the 204 instead featured a transversely mounted power plant with drive going directly to the front wheels, a first for Peugeot and one that would become the industry norm for small cars.

The 204 wasn’t a continuation model or built on an existing chassis, it was an entirely new car for the French auto maker and one that would go on to become the most popular car in France in the late ’60s, outselling the Renault 4. Initially only available with a 53bhp 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine a 1.3-litre diesel variant was offered in 1968, increasing in capacity to 1.4-litres in ’73. The 204 was well made and featured new independent suspension and front disc brakes as well as an all-synchro four-speed manual gearbox. It caught on and Peugeot obligingly extended the range to include an estate, a coupé, a convertible and a van.

What is it? 

What we have here is a 1966 Peugeot 204 saloon. An incredibly rare sight on British roads despite being so successful across the channel this four door is an early production model and as such has the elegantly designed split rear bumper housing the number plate in between along with small oval rear lights. Sold new in Tenerife it was a family-owned car which moved to Spain in the ’80s, remaining there until 1990 whereby it was stashed in a garage until recently. The car now resides in Essex and has a UK age related registration.

Why is it a project? 

The car has been asleep in a garage for over thirty years and so all of the age-related issues that are commensurate with such an extended period of storage will need to be addressed. The advert does state that the engine has been running but it will obviously need a full going over and service at the very least. The bodywork doesn’t look to be in terrible shape but there are numerous dings, blemishes and areas of corrosion that would need to be sorted and so the body would require a full rub down, smoothing over and respray. On the face of it, however, it does appear to be an easy project and one that wouldn’t require excessive amounts work to get it back on the road.

Five things to look for:

1) Engine

As mentioned, the engine has been started, albeit using a separate fuel system, but nonetheless it is a running example. That being said the car has been dry stored for some time so it would be pertinent to check all of the perishable items and ancillaries such as any rubber fuel hoses to see what parts would need to be replaced. Check for any evidence of hungry critters – rats and mice love to chew through wires. It’s going to need a thorough service too.

2) Body and Chassis

From the photos attached to the advert the body looks to be in fairly solid shape. We can’t see any real speed holes anywhere and the seller assures us that no replacement panels are required, which is good. There is no mention of the condition of the chassis though, so get underneath the car and assess the situation. Surface rust can be easily dealt with but if there’s serious corrosion under there then that will turn what at face vale looks to be a fairly easy project into a much more involved affair.

3) Steering, Suspension and Brakes

Like the engine, prolonged periods of storage can wreak havoc on rubber bushes, gaiters, brake lines and the like so scrutinise these areas to see what needs to be removed and replaced with fresh parts. Does the car steer correctly? Have the brake calipers seized? Try and get the car moving to test everything works as it should. Despite being dry stored corrosion can still take hold so have a look at the state of the springs and brake lines.

4) Interior

This looks to be the car’s trump card. The inside of the 204 appears to be in excellent original condition. The advert does make mention of a damaged seam on the driver’s seat which should be a simple repair but double check to make sure there are no other areas of damage. Also check that everything is present and correct and that all of the switchgear works as it should. Looking at the photos though, the interior would essentially just need a good clean.

5) Parts

Apparently all of the glass, lighting and electrics are in good order but the boot lid trim piece is missing and the seller states that “the outer body mouldings require some help”. Make a comprehensive list of all of the parts that need to be replaced. This is a rare car in the UK which may make it difficult to source various bits and pieces but French web sites such as Leboncoin may be more fruitful.

What should you do with it? 

Give the mechanicals a thorough going over and service everything to make sure the car runs and drives as it should. Then strip the paint, fix any dings and rusty areas and treat the car to a full respray. The 204 was an important car for Peugeot and with a little time and effort this particular example could shine again. A perfectly practical classic it could easily be used as a daily driver whilst being just that little bit more unusual and a rarer sight on the roads than other saloons of the era.