Peugeot Car Production By Model : 1960-69

The 1960's was a decade where car sales grew quickly as standards of living improved and materials to build them were freed up. Car ranges expanded too, giving more choice for the consumer. The 404 arrived for this decade and proved a popular addition to the range. The smaller 204 brought the total to three models and the 304 arrived as the decade concluded. New models added during this period are briefly mentioned below.

Year	204	404	504	304	403	203	Total
1960	-	42,558	-	-	169,080	20,147	231,785
1961	-	115,041	-	-	116,457	2,728	234,226
1962	-	148,433	-	-	105,578	-	254,011
1963	-	201,519	-	-	82,636	-	284,155
1964	91	201,486	-	-	73,093	-	274,670
1965	51,215	188,288	-	-	45,404	-	284,907
1966	119,003	201,736	-	-	40,605	-	361,344
1967	165,962	220,007	-	-	9,061	-	395,030
1968	185,394	190,426	10,713	-	2,376	-	388,909
1969	203,789	143,717	104,443	13,276	5,287	-	470,512

Data source: Freyssenet.com

404: Styled by Pininfarina, this large family car replaced the 403 but both continued being manufactured simultaneously in the usual French way. Produced in numerous variants, it soon gained a reputation as a durable and practical vehicle. By the time production ceased, nearly 3 million were produced.

204: This small car was surprisingly roomy and more European in appearance. It was noted for its handling, performance and frugal fuel use. It was the top selling car for a time in France too.

504: Replacing the 404 was not easy but Peugeot pulled it off well with the 504. It was voted European Car of the Year in 1969. It was slightly upmarket to its predecessor, roomy and cruised well.

304: At the end of the decade, the 304 was a replacement for the 204 although it was a larger vehicle. It faced stiff competition form the Renault 12 and Citroën GS but was nevertheless a successful car.

Summary: The Peugeot range was taking shape nicely and the car company had a good international reputation. Production grew by a massive 128% in volume from 1959 to 1969 and things were looking bright.

For the next article in the series (1970-79), click here.
Foe the first article in the series (1945-59), click here.