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PEUGEOT 4 Series: the look to the power of 4

1 February, 2023

5 minute read

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On the occasion of the Salon Rétromobile 2023 in Paris, PEUGEOT presented a retrospective of the 4 Series by exhibiting some emblematic collection models: 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, accompanied by the all-new PEUGEOT 408. Let's add to this tour on the horizon the 406 and 407, and here are 80 years of allure, innovation and performance perfectly illustrated.

Immerse yourself in the world of the 4 series, follow us on the PEUGEOT stand at the Salon Rétromobile 2023 and discover the 4 series models on display.
In the PEUGEOT Series 4 family, I ask…
401: Innovative Dean of Series 4
Production dates: 1934-1935
Here we are in the 1930s, the era of automotive democratisation. Like the 201, the 401 is a pioneering model because it has 2 independent front wheels, which significantly improves road holding.
Peugeot 401 D Eclipse
This first generation of the "4 series" has gone down in history above all thanks to the 401 Eclipse of 1935, the first production hardtop coupé-cabriolet. This offers the comfort of a coupé and the pleasure of a convertible thanks to its electrically retractable sheet metal roof! An invention which will then be used on several PEUGEOTs, but also on models from many other manufacturers.
Mistinguett, reviewer at the Casino de Paris or the Moulin Rouge and true star of the Roaring Twenties, fell madly in love with the 401. She then wanted a unique model: the 401 was delivered in a bare chassis by PEUGEOT to coachbuilder Henri Crouzier to create an elegant 2-seater roadster with a very streamlined look.
402: the aerodynamic sedan
Production dates: 1935-1942
The PEUGEOT 402 is a top-of-the-range family sedan that starts Peugeot's new aerodynamic series, known as the "Sochaux fuseau". This new design is imagined by the in-house designer Henri Thomas. The very streamlined front, whose movement envelops the fenders is characteristic of the " fuseau de Sochaux " style, as well as an original arrangement characteristic of the headlights, integrated in the center, behind the grille.

PEUGEOT 402 perpetuates the new numbering specific to the Lion brand which now indicates the category of each vehicle as well as its generation: the 402 is therefore the 2nd generation of series 4 vehicles.
403: Pininfarina enters the scene and Lieutenant Columbo cracks
Production dates: 1955-1966
In an elegant and sober body, designed by the famous Italian car designer Pininfarina, the 403 is a car that is both discreet and bourgeois. For the first time at PEUGEOT, the windshield is curved, a sign of modernity not so common in the automotive landscape of the time.

The model became iconic thanks to Lieutenant Columbo who introduced the Peugeot 403 Cabriolet to the USA. Flanked by his eternal threadbare raincoat and his old cigar at the corner of his lips, he was riding in a 1960 model, registered "California 044 APD".
Before the first shoots, none of the vehicles offered by the production had seduced Peter Falk… Until he spotted a 403, parked in a parking lot at the studios. However, PEUGEOT had never marketed the 403 Cabriolet in the USA. A legend says that the 403 parked in the parking lot of the studios belonged to a French actor and that he would have brought it with him during a stay on the other side of the Atlantic. Peter Falk would have noticed the car and would have chosen it for the series.
404: from Pininfarina to Boris Vian  
Production dates: 1960-1978
The PEUGEOT 404 is a high-end family sedan. It is produced at the same time as the last 403s which will soon disappear from the catalog. Like the 403, the 404 is again designed by Pininfarina. Both modern and discreetly elegant, the silhouette of the 404 is a real success.
Several incredible cars were created for the film The Scum of Days by Michel Gondry, based on the cult novel by Boris Vian, released in theaters on April 24, 2013. Among them, the incredible transparent PEUGEOT 404 limousine: the LimoVian.
405: queen of rallies
Production dates: 1987-1996 (in Sochaux)
Voted European Car of the Year in 1988 by the European automotive press, the PEUGEOT 405 was launched in June 1987. The qualities of the 405 were such that sales took off immediately. The fluid and harmonious aesthetic is unanimous. Roominess, visibility, comfort and trunk volume are excellent.
Voted European Car of the Year in 1988 by the European automotive press, the PEUGEOT 405 was launched in June 1987. The qualities of the 405 were such that sales took off immediately. The fluid and harmonious aesthetic is unanimous. Roominess, visibility, comfort and trunk volume are excellent.
The model presented at the Retromobile Show this year is the PEUGEOT 405 Mi16 Le Mans (1993), special edition of the mythical 405 Mi16 to celebrate PEUGEOT's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1993. It uses the 2-litre 16-valve 160 hp engine of the "normal" Mi16 and is distinguished by leather/alcantara upholstery, 15-inch alloy wheels, etc.
The model presented at the Retromobile Show this year is the PEUGEOT 405 Mi16 Le Mans (1993), special edition of the mythical 405 Mi16 to celebrate PEUGEOT's victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1993. It uses the 2-litre 16-valve 160 hp engine of the "normal" Mi16 and is distinguished by leather/alcantara upholstery, 15-inch alloy wheels, etc.
After seven Grand-Raid victories in 1988 and 1989 in the Atlas (Morocco), Pharaons (Egypt), Tunisia and Baja (Spain) rallies, the 405 T16 Grand Raid won for PEUGEOT in 1990 the 4th Paris-Dakar in a row. And for the third time won by the flying Finn: Ari Vatanen assisted by his co-pilot Bruno Berglund.

After seven Grand-Raid victories in 1988 and 1989 in the Atlas (Morocco), Pharaons (Egypt), Tunisia and Baja (Spain) rallies, the 405 T16 Grand Raid won for PEUGEOT in 1990 the 4th Paris-Dakar in a row. And for the third time won by the flying Finn: Ari Vatanen assisted by his co-pilot Bruno Berglund.

 

406: Hey! Taxi! 
Production dates: 1995-2004
The PEUGEOT 406 uses the successful codes of the 405. It thus offers comfort and roominess as well as the ability to transport a family of 5 people and their luggage for many years without major mechanical problems. Some 406s have achieved impressive mileage, especially in taxis.
The PEUGEOT 406 uses the successful codes of the 405. It thus offers comfort and roominess as well as the ability to transport a family of 5 people and their luggage for many years without major mechanical problems. Some 406s have achieved impressive mileage, especially in taxis.
Taxi? Did you say Taxi? Yes, the 406 is also the undisputed star of the phenomenally successful "Taxi" feature film series. One of the models used in the filming is also on display at the L’Aventure PEUGEOT Museum in Sochaux.
Taxi? Did you say Taxi? Yes, the 406 is also the undisputed star of the phenomenally successful "Taxi" feature film series. One of the models used in the filming is also on display at the L’Aventure PEUGEOT Museum in Sochaux.
407: worthy daughter of its mother, the 406
Production dates: 2004-2011 (in France)
The PEUGEOT 407 is a family vehicle launched in 2004 by the lion brand. This model replaces the PEUGEOT 406, the French manufacturer's flagship vehicle in the 1990s. The more modern and elegant PEUGEOT 407 was produced until 2011 in France and met with great commercial success. Several hundred thousand copies came out of the factories located in Rennes.
The PEUGEOT 407 is a family vehicle launched in 2004 by the lion brand. This model replaces the PEUGEOT 406, the French manufacturer's flagship vehicle in the 1990s. The more modern and elegant PEUGEOT 407 was produced until 2011 in France and met with great commercial success. Several hundred thousand copies came out of the factories located in Rennes.
408: a new kind of PEUGEOT
Production dates: 2022 -
The latest model in the 4-series family tree, the 408 introduces an unprecedented " Fastback " silhouette. The new Lion claims to be the first of its kind both in the history of the Brand and on the current automotive market.

A large number of these models (from the 401 to the 406 Taxi) are on display at the L’Aventure PEUGEOT Museum in Sochaux, managed by the L’Aventure PEUGEOT association. Its mission is to preserve, develop and enhance the heritage of the PEUGEOT brand: L'Aventure PEUGEOT (laventure-association.com).
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TAGS: Histoire, Événements