Peugeot 204 : la voiture terne qui a englouti Citroën

The Peugeot 204: the unassuming car that swallowed up Citroën. In April 1965, Peugeot unveiled a small gray sedan at the Palais des Sports in Paris, a car that everyone considered boring. No one suspected then that this unremarkable vehicle would revolutionize the entire French automotive industry. The first front-wheel-drive car from the lion brand, equipped with a transversely mounted 1130cc aluminum engine, four-wheel independent suspension, and disc brakes, the 204 concealed a true technical revolution beneath its unassuming exterior, born from the secret D12 project after eight years of development. From 1969 to 1971, it became the best-selling car in France, propelling Peugeot from fourth to second place among French manufacturers. Station wagon, coupé, convertible, van, and even the world's smallest production diesel engine at 1255cc: the range captivated all of France. At the 1966 Safari Rally, six Peugeot 204s swept the top six places in their class, and in 1973, a 204 Diesel set eight world endurance records at Montlhéry, driven by a young driver named Jean Todt. But the most remarkable turnaround was yet to come: the profits amassed thanks to this unassuming little sedan would give Peugeot the means to swallow up its most prestigious rival. In December 1974, the lion took control of Citroën, ruined by its own genius. The discreet one had finally devoured the flamboyant one. Subscribe to Garage du Passé to stay up-to-date on the next legends of French automobiles. 🎵 Music: Eyes of Glory - Aakash Gandhi When Johnny Comes Marching Home - Cooper Cannell 📷 Photos from archive.org, public domain images.