History 1960s

Peugeot 404

Overview

Introduced in 1960 and styled by Pininfarina, the Peugeot 404 was a midsize sedan built for durability, comfort, and versatility. Its robust mechanicals, strong ladder-type chassis, and comfortable ride made it a highly competitive car in long-distance and cross-continental rallying during the 1960s, particularly in Africa.


Technical Specs & Innovations

Later variants featured disc brakes and fuel injection, making the 404 unusually advanced for its segment. Its rugged build and torquey engine made it ideal for long rally stages.


🏆 Competitive Highlights

  • 1963 East African Safari Rally — Overall Win by Nick Nowicki and Paddy Cliff in a Peugeot 404, showcasing the model's durability over brutal terrain.
  • 1966 East African Safari Rally — 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Overall — Peugeot swept the podium with 404s, cementing its rally legend status.
  • 1967 Liège–Sofia–Liège Rally Finishers — The 404 proved its mettle in one of Europe’s most punishing endurance events.

The 404 earned a reputation as nearly indestructible in African rallying, dominating the Safari Rally throughout the decade.


Driving Characteristics

Smooth steering, excellent ride quality, and a torque-rich engine made the 404 forgiving and consistent over long and rough stages. While not agile, it delivered unmatched endurance in the harshest conditions.


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