1984 Peugeot 604 Heuliez Limousine – Project Profile

We miss the ’80s. There, we said it. Perhaps not for the fashion (we’re looking at you shell suits) but it was certainly a wonderful time to be a music lover, banker, coca farmer or motoring enthusiast. Yes, there may be a certain rosy hue to our specs but it seemed as though every car manufacturer was in on the act. From the big Italian exotics like Ferrari and Lamborghini churning out impossibly handsome supercars, to the more humble family runabouts from the likes of Ford and Peugeot, there were a lot of good cars coming out of factories all over the world. And yes, before you write in we are fully aware that there were some utter shockers too but we’re not talking about those today.

Let’s take Peugeot as a case in point, for instance. Nowadays the company is only really good for stodgy SUVs and humdrum hatchbacks but back in the glorious ’80s it was building proper sporty little Pininfarina-designed GTIs like the 205, 309 and 505. Making spicy versions of its grocery getters is a trend that it would continue with well into the future and one that we very much rue the passing of today. The French firm also had a crack at the executive market with the 604, its first foray into that particular segment since the ’30s. Yes it was initially developed in the ’70s but Peugeot would continue to offer the 604 until ’85. Complete with a burly V6 or turbocharged inline-four and with enough luxury to rival anything coming out of Germany at the time it was a capable and handsome contender.

Again, designed by Pininfarina the 604 was based on the 504 but tarted up somewhat. A rare car in period it’s practically in Dodo territory nowadays. Elegant and with a smooth ride and decent performance – especially from the fuel injected six-cylinders – the 604 was met with critical praise. It looked good and went well but unfortunately sales didn’t and just over 150,000 ever left the factory.

What is it? 

A rare car indeed but even rarer still is the Heuliez Limousine version, like the one we have available here via our auctions platform. French coachbuilder Heuliez took the Peugeot 604 and stretched it to create 124 long wheelbase limos between ’78 and ’84, all but a few of which have long since disappeared.

This particular car is a matching numbers 1984 model complete with 2.8-litre V6 under the bonnet and three-speed automatic gearbox and is the penultimate one produced by Heuliez, being as it is number 123 of the aforementioned 124. With everything you’d expect from a luxury ’80s limo, from telephones to walnut trim and even removable centre seats, this Peugeot 604 is fully kitted out. Very much used for purpose it’s said that this very car ferried Madonna around on a visit to France in ’87. Whether you believe that or not though is irrelevant because regardless of any VIP shenanigans it doesn’t detract from just how special this incredibly rare ride is. Rumour has it that only three surviving examples are currently registered so if exclusivity is your thing then read on my friend.

Why is it a project? 

To be fair to this Gallic luxo barge it does appear to be in pretty decent, solid, original shape. However, despite having always been stored under cover and with a recent oil service and renewal of all belts under its, err, belt, the car was unused for 20 years prior to purchase by the current owner.

It’s reported that the rear shocks need replacing, as do some parts of the exhaust and there is evidence of an oil leak but the car does run, drive and stop as it should. It would also benefit from a damn good clean and paint correction but these are all well within the realms of possibility by all but the most ham-fisted of enthusiasts.

What should you look for? 

Parts
With great rarity comes great scarcity of parts. With such low numbers, combined with many 604s returning to the earth from whence they came, finding certain parts is going to be tricky but it can be done. It does share its underpinnings with the 504 and things like custom exhausts can be fabricated but bespoke limo bits will be nigh on impossible to come by.

Engine
The PRV V6 was fitted to a plethora of cars so parts and support aren’t going to be so much of an issue as far as the engine is concerned. The car has been out of action for two decades prior to current ownership though and although belts and oil have been changed it’ll realistically need a full service and overhaul for peace of mind. And where is that leak coming from?

Suspension, steering and brakes
We know that the rear shocks are shot but what else will potentially need to be replaced? It’s a large, heavy car so check all of the usual suspects like bushes, joints and springs. The Peugeot 604 was renowned for its comfortable ride but it shouldn’t wallow or feel disconnected. Likewise, scrutinise the brakes and make sure everything is working as it should. Cars of this vintage that have been stored for long periods are susceptible to braking woes like sticking calipers and rusty lines.

Interior
What makes a luxury limo if not its interior? The 604’s inner sanctum appears to be in pretty decent shape but check that everything is present and correct and that it all still works. French cars from the ’80s and all that, and again, parts can be tricky to track down if required. Make sure those removable middle seats are included and indeed still removable.

History
The listing doesn’t mention much in the way of history so check to see what paperwork there is. If the Madonna connection can be verified then that’s a level of provenance that will only add value to the car as well as a whole bunch of cool points. ’87 was peak Queen of Pop don’t forget.

What should you do with it? 

Renew the shoddy bits (if you can find replacements that is) and give the engine a thorough service and refresh in order to get the mechanicals on point. Then treat the bodywork to a full, professional paint correction to bring this luxury limousine back to its pop star chauffeuring best. A guaranteed talking point at any show or meet this Peugeot 604 is a fascinating and exclusive piece of French motoring history. You could probably make a few quid doing weddings, too. We don’t want to preach but it would be crazy for you not to bid on this.