Pininfarina 404 Cabrio
ENGINE 1618cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 87bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 104lb ft@2800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 104mph 0-60 MPH 12.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 26-28mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 36,055 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The original 1618cc engine starts instantly and ticks over quietly. Don’t be fooled by the sedate looks – this fuel-injected Peugeot is good for 100mph and could see off many a sports car in its day. The engine feels like a two-litre and the smooth, refined power delivery and low-down torque point to a healthy fuel injection system. The brakes and low-geared steering are set up exactly as they should be and the fourspeed, all-synchromesh column gearchange is free from slip and easy to use.
BODYWORK CHECK
The metallic silver/blue paint looks beautiful and has clearly been applied to the highest of standards, but we understand that this car was originally silver. There are no noticeable blemishes or dents and not a hint of rot anywhere. It’s the same story underneath, which shows no sign of having been welded. The stainless steel bumpers are pristine, as are the wheels, which were shod with new Michelin XAV tyres in 2013 at a cost of £657. The rest of the brightwork is close to immaculate, bar minor pitting on the original door handles. The long doors open without sagging and close with a reassuring ‘clunk’.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This is virtually as new. The seats have been fully retrimmed in black leatherette and the carpets and door cards are in great condition. The fascia is in super order and everything appears to work, apart from the beautifully period Radiomobile radio, which is currently disconnected. The massive twin-spoke steering wheel and integral horn ring are in pristine condition and all the glass is virtually as it would have left the Peugeot factory. The car comes with its original hardtop as well as a high-quality black mohair folding hood.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is extremely clean – there’s not so much as a drop of oil or any other fluid where it shouldn’t be. The fluids all look clean and the car shows no signs of overheating. The Kugelfischer fuel injection pump and accompanying system have all recently been overhauled, with bills to prove it. The radiator looks original. The gearbox seems as good as new and the suspension set-up appears to be exactly as it should be. A massive history file includes all MoTs and bills, as well as letters between owners.
THE CCW VIEW
This is a one-off opportunity to own a piece of Pininfarina magic in first class condition. It is no sluggard and easy to drive, exuding quality from every pore. One of just 579 right-handdrive examples sold in the UK, it was new in 1968 despite the pre-suffix registration number. The first owner kept the car until 1975, when it passed to a friend who kept the car for a further 30 years.
PROS Beautiful, rare, pretty much immaculate CONS Radio has been disconnected
EXTERIOR No damage/rot Immaculate paint INTERIOR Retrimmed seats Pristine throughout MECHANICALS Overhauled fuel injection system