CAR OF 1965 THE PEUGEOT 204

April 1965 marked the debut of the first small Peugeot – and the first with front-wheeldrive. The 1130cc aluminium OHC engine was transversely mounted with a transmissionin-sump layout and, in another departure for the company, front disc brakes. The elegant Pininfarina coachwork appealed to young boulevardiers whose sartorial role model was Alain Delon and the introduction of the estate version towards the end of that year further enhanced its appeal. Alas, import duties meant that it was never a common sight in the UK; at £992 8s 7d, it was more expensive than such British rivals as the Riley Kestrel 1100 and Triumph 1300.

In 1966 the range was enhanced by the chic threedoor coupé and stunning cabriolet. By 1969 it had succeeded the Renault 4 as the best-selling car in France. The 204 was supplanted by the more upmarket 304 that same year, and production finally ended in 1976, the car having paved the way for the later 104 and 205.