Elegance and timelessness of Pininfarina design

Beginnings
The 504 featured independent suspension and disk brakes all around.  Initially, the model range consisted of a carburetor model with 1,796 cc 4 cylinder engine with 82 bhp and the injection model with 1,796 cc engine giving 97 bhp.  Both models were available with either manual or automatic transmission.  In 1974, Peugeot introduced the new PRV V6 engine with 2,664 cc and 136 bhp for the Coupe and Cabriolet.  The V6 became the standard engine for these sporting models until 1978, when a 4 cylinder engine was available again.  Coupe and Cabrio also received bigger lights front and rear.

Long wheelbase models
In April 1970, Peugeot presented the 504 wagon.  It was longer than the Berline, it had a longer wheelbase, a higher roof in the back and a solid rear axle with four coil springs.  Four versions were available:  Break L (basic model), Break GL ("Transport-Sedan"), Familiale (six seater) and Commerciale (load carrier for business use).  In addition, Peugeot introduced two new engines, a 1,796 cc 4 cylinder engine with 73 bhp and 1,948 cc 4 cylinder Diesel with 53 bhp for the Commerciale.  Next was a 1,791 cc 93 bhp unit for Berline, Familiale and Break and a strong 1,971 cc engine for the "Injection", giving 104 bhp.  Berline and Familiale could also be ordered with a brand new 2,112 cc Diesel with 65 bhp.

 

Further changes
Die to the oil crisis, Peugeot presented in 1973 the 504 basic model with a live rear axle, rear brake drums, less trim, no sunroof and a 1,796 cc engine, giving 79 bhp.  Peugeot named the standard model GL, the "Injection" became the TI.  1973 saw the introduction of the 504 LD, available as Berline and Commerciale, to complete the successful L-model range.

1974 was the end of production of 504 series 1.  Later (series 2) cars can be identified by their new pull door handles.  In 1976 Peugeot decided to give the Berline more power and the figures were now 96 bhp for the GL and 106 bhp for the TI.  Introduced was also the 504 GLD with a brand new 2,304 cc Diesel power plant with 70 bhp.  In 1977 the 504 Coupe could be bought with the new K-Jetronic fuel injected V6, giving 144 bhp!

In 1978, the old 1,948 cc 4 cylinder Diesel with 53 bhp was no longer in production, followed by the 2 litre Berline.  1979 saw the introduction of the GR and SR models, identical to the 504 L, but better equipped.  Break and Familiale were still available with the 1,971 cc unit (96 bhp) or the 2,304 cc Diesel.  Coupe and Cabriolet were modified in 1979 with bigger plastic colour coded bumpers and are called series 3.

A pick-up was added to the 504 family in 1979 and could be ordered in countless different versions, from Peugeot or converters like Dangel, building 4x4 versions, also for the Break from 1980.

Production of the 504 Berline and Break models ended in September 1982, Coupe and Cabriolet stayed in production until 1983.