The Peugeot 504 Estate: A Comprehensive Guide to an Enduring Classic

Introduction

The Peugeot 504 Estate stands as an enduring testament to the ingenuity and durability of French automotive engineering. Produced from 1968 to 1983, this versatile workhorse graced roads worldwide, earning a reputation for reliability, spaciousness, and versatility.

History and Design

The 504 Estate was conceived as an extension of the Peugeot 504 sedan, with the goal of providing enhanced cargo capacity and practicality. Its striking design, characterized by a sleek and angular silhouette, was penned by Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design house.

The Estate boasted an impressive wheelbase of 102.4 inches (2600 mm), which provided ample legroom for all passengers. Its large rear cargo area, featuring a fold-down tailgate and split rear seats, offered exceptional versatility, with a maximum cargo capacity exceeding 53 cubic feet (1500 liters).

Powertrain and Performance

The 504 Estate was offered with a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, ranging in displacement from 1.8 to 2.3 liters. The most popular engine was the 2.0-liter gasoline unit, which produced 106 horsepower (78 kW) in its carbureted form and 115 horsepower (85 kW) with fuel injection.

Performance figures were modest by today's standards, but adequate for the purpose of the vehicle. The 2.0-liter gasoline engine propelled the Estate to a top speed of 105 mph (169 km/h).

Handling and Ride Quality

The 504 Estate inherited a robust and well-balanced chassis from the sedan, which provided stable and predictable handling characteristics. Its suspension setup, featuring independent front and rear arms, ensured a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The estate's long wheelbase contributed to its highway stability, while its relatively high ground clearance allowed it to navigate unpaved roads with ease.

Interior and Features

The Peugeot 504 Estate's interior was spacious and well-equipped for its time. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom. The dashboard was clear and functional, featuring a large speedometer and tachometer, as well as gauges for fuel, temperature, and oil pressure.

Standard features included a four-speed manual transmission, power brakes, and electric windows. Some models were also equipped with air conditioning, a sunroof, and a rear-mounted third seat.

Safety and Reliability

Safety was a priority in the design of the Peugeot 504 Estate. It featured crumple zones at the front and rear, as well as a reinforced passenger cell. It also met the safety standards of its time, including mandatory seatbelts and impact protection bars in the doors.

The 504 Estate had a reputation for reliability and durability. Its rugged construction and robust components ensured that it could withstand the rigors of everyday use and endure for many years.

Legacy and Impact

The Peugeot 504 Estate was a commercial success, with over 460,000 units produced during its 15-year production run. It played a significant role in establishing Peugeot's reputation for building practical and reliable vehicles.

The estate's versatility and functionality made it a popular choice for families, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts. It was particularly popular in rural areas, where its ruggedness and cargo capacity proved invaluable.

Today, the Peugeot 504 Estate is considered a classic car, with a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless design, practical nature, and the memories it evokes of a bygone era.

Table 1: Peugeot 504 Estate Specifications

Table 2: Peugeot 504 Estate Production Figures

Table 3: Peugeot 504 Estate Pricing

Three Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

A family embarking on a cross-country camping trip chooses the Peugeot 504 Estate for its spaciousness and versatility. The vehicle's large cargo area easily accommodates their gear, while the comfortable seats and ample legroom ensure a pleasant journey. The estate's ruggedness proves invaluable as the family navigates bumpy dirt roads leading to remote campsites.

• Lesson: The 504 Estate's practical nature and durability make it an ideal choice for adventurous families.

Story 2:

A small business owner relies on his Peugeot 504 Estate to transport goods and equipment. The vehicle's payload capacity and fold-down rear seats allow him to carry large loads with ease. The estate's reliable engine and robust suspension ensure that his goods arrive safely and on time, even in challenging conditions.

• Lesson: The 504 Estate's versatility and dependability make it a valuable asset for businesses.

Story 3:

A car enthusiast discovers a well-preserved Peugeot 504 Estate in a barn and meticulously restores it. The classic design and timeless appeal of the estate make it a head-turner at vintage car shows. The owner takes pride in preserving a piece of automotive history and enjoys sharing the estate's unique story with fellow enthusiasts.

• Lesson: The 504 Estate's enduring appeal and historical significance make it a collectible classic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Neglecting maintenance: The Peugeot 504 Estate is a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular oil changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations are essential for prolonging the estate's lifespan.

Mistake 2: Overloading: While the 504 Estate has a generous cargo capacity, it is important to avoid overloading the vehicle. Exceeding the recommended payload capacity can put undue stress on the suspension and other components, potentially leading to premature wear and tear.

Mistake 3: Ignoring rust: The Peugeot 504 Estate is prone to rust, especially in areas with high humidity or salt exposure. Regular inspections and prompt attention to any signs of corrosion can help prevent the problem from escalating.

Why It Matters

Reliability: The Peugeot 504 Estate is renowned for its reliability. Its robust construction and proven components ensure that it can withstand years of hard use, making it an ideal choice for those who need a dependable vehicle that can handle diverse driving conditions.

Versatility: The 504 Estate's spacious interior and versatile cargo area make it suitable for a wide range of tasks. It can accommodate large families, transport bulky goods, and serve as a comfortable touring vehicle for long road trips.

Collectibility: The Peugeot 504 Estate has become a sought-after classic car. Collectors value its timeless design, historical significance, and growing scarcity. Well-preserved estates in good condition can command substantial prices.

Environmental Friendliness: While the 504 Estate is not the most fuel-efficient vehicle by modern standards, it is still a more environmentally friendly choice than many newer cars due to its durable construction and longevity. By extending the life of the estate, owners contribute to reducing waste and resource consumption.

Benefits

Practicality: The Peugeot 504 Estate is the epitome of practicality. Its spacious interior, versatile cargo area, and rugged construction make it an ideal choice for families, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Durability: The estate's robust construction and reliable components ensure that it can withstand the rigors of everyday use and last for many years with proper maintenance.

Value: The 504 Estate offers exceptional value for money. Its low maintenance costs, long lifespan, and growing desirability as a classic car make it a wise investment.

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