The beautiful Peugeot 204 Coupe was a revelation upon it’s release at the 1966 Paris Salon, it defining form, function and good looks. But best of all, Peugeot managed to keep the newcomer relatively affordable, it only demanding a 20% premium over the 204 sedans released 18 months earlier.

Taking the original Pininfarina design, then shortening the wheelbase, the coupe’s swept rear treatment was good looking and, from a luggage perspective, fairly practical.

Mechanicals were also identical to that of the sedan, although the interior came in for some revision, most notably the instrument cluster that featured three large circular dials (these would later become standard on the sedan too).

But the omission of a tachometer left few in doubt as to the target market of the pretty little car, and that was certainly not the performance car enthusiast. That the manual transmission was mounted on the column also spoke volumes about the appeal to the sporty driver.

The little coupe was also very innovative, fitting the aluminium engine transversely and driving the front wheels – and remember this was 1966.

The 204 coupe also boasted four-wheel independent suspension at a time when leaf springs were the norm. The suspension was firmed, as if in some attempt to make the car more sporting, but with a top speed of only 142 km/h it only meant that most lamented the fact that Peugeot had not fitted a bigger engine.

The 204 coupé will only remain in Peugeot's programme for three years, since in 1970 the 304 coupé was launched, replacing it after 42,756 units had been produced.

Today, the Peugeot 204 Coupé is less sought-after than its cabriolet sister, but it is once again in the favour of collectors who appreciate its elegant and surprising style (hatchback), its versatility and its reliability.

This Peugeot 204 Coupe is from October 1967. It was imported into the Netherlands from France in 2020. The red fabric upholstery combines beautifully with the white body color.