The 604 returned Peugeot to the European luxury-saloon class with restrained Pininfarina styling, PRV V6 power and one landmark innovation: Europe’s first commercially sold turbodiesel passenger car.
Unveiled in 1975, the Peugeot 604 was the marque’s first large luxury saloon for decades. Its Pininfarina styling was formal rather than flamboyant, and much of its engineering grew from the 504. That combination gave it a distinct identity: dignified, comfortable and designed for long-distance use.
.jpg)
The PRV V6
At launch the 604 SL used the 2.7-litre PRV V6, a joint Peugeot-Renault-Volvo design. Official Peugeot history quotes 136PS for the early SL. The carburetted engine delivered smoothness and status more than startling acceleration, while later fuel-injected TI and GTI developments improved response, economy and drivability.
TI and GTI
The fuel-injected TI arrived in 1977, and the later GTI badge identified the more developed V6 flagship rather than a sporting saloon in the 205 GTI sense. Depending on year and market, engine capacity and equipment changed. Identity should therefore be established from chassis, engine code, registration history and factory literature—not a boot badge alone.
The pioneering turbodiesel
Peugeot introduced the 604 D Turbo in 1979. The manufacturer describes it as the first turbodiesel passenger car sold in Europe. It was followed by GRD Turbo and SRD Turbo variants. Performance was modest by modern standards, but the concept—large-car refinement combined with diesel economy and turbocharged torque—anticipated an entire generation of European executive cars.
Presidential and coachbuilt 604s
French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing brought the new 604 into Élysée service in 1975. Official Peugeot records describe three production SLs and a ceremonial limousine developed with Heuliez. Its wheelbase was lengthened by 62cm and its rear compartment was specially trimmed. Chapron also built a unique landaulet, ultimately supplied to the president of Niger.
How the 604 drives
The car’s strengths are ride comfort, high-speed stability and steering that retains more feel than many later luxury saloons. It is spacious without being ostentatious. A well-sorted V6 sounds cultured; a turbodiesel offers period character and historical importance rather than modern pace.
Survival and restoration
Rust is the central threat. Inspect sills, floorpans, chassis rails, suspension pick-up areas, arches, screen surrounds, boot floor and panel seams. Cosmetic restoration can conceal structural corrosion, so photographs and invoices are valuable. Cooling-system neglect can damage V6 engines; carburettor or injection setup, ignition components and fuel hoses require knowledgeable attention.
Interiors, lamps, brightwork and body panels are scarce. An incomplete cheap car can be vastly more expensive than a sound, original example. Verify automatic and manual transmissions when fully warm, and treat braking, steering and tyres as a complete system.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Peugeot 604 Europe’s first turbodiesel car?
Peugeot states that the 604 D Turbo, introduced in 1979, was the first turbodiesel passenger car sold in Europe.
What does PRV mean?
It refers to the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo engine partnership that produced the V6 used by the 604 and many other European cars.
Is a 604 GTI a sports saloon?
Not in the later hot-hatch sense. The GTI was the developed fuel-injected V6 flagship, focused on refined performance and equipment.
Did French presidents use the Peugeot 604?
Yes. The Élysée ordered production cars and a special Heuliez limousine; President Giscard d’Estaing was closely associated with the model.
What makes a 604 difficult to restore?
Structural corrosion and scarce trim, lighting and body parts can dominate costs. Completeness and shell condition matter more than odometer mileage.
Love cars you don’t see every day?
Get forgotten cars, surprising motoring stories and the most interesting finds from Unusual Cars by email.
Continue the Peugeot story
Browse the Rare & Performance Peugeots hub for more model histories, performance cars and forgotten Lion-badged machinery.
Research note: The 604’s launch, V6, turbodiesel and presidential history were checked against Peugeot/Stellantis heritage archives. Exact output and equipment depend on market and year.
