Quick answer: Peugeot’s 404 Coupé and Cabriolet were elegant Pininfarina-built grand tourers derived from the dependable 404 saloon. The Cabriolet appeared in 1961 and the Coupé in 1962, with carburettor and fuel-injected engines offered during production.
A French car with an Italian body
The 404 saloon arrived in 1960 with clean Pininfarina styling. Peugeot then commissioned separate Coupé and Cabriolet bodies, assembled by Pininfarina in Italy using mechanical components prepared at Sochaux. The result shared the saloon’s engineering but had its own lower, more graceful bodywork.
The Cabriolet debuted at the 1961 Paris motor show; the Coupé followed a year later. Both accommodated four people, though the rear seats were best suited to occasional use. Later cars gained detail updates including auxiliary driving lamps within a revised grille.
Engines and fuel injection
Most examples used Peugeot’s durable four-cylinder petrol engine. Carburettor models prioritised flexibility, while Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection brought stronger performance and technical interest. Exact output depends on year and market, so engine numbers and original records matter.
Why the 404 matters
The special-bodied cars helped establish the long Peugeot–Pininfarina tradition later represented by the 504 Coupé and Cabriolet and 406 Coupé. They offered continental elegance without abandoning the 404’s reputation for comfort and durability.
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Restoration priorities
Examine sills, floors, inner wings, suspension mountings, screen surrounds and the boot structure. Cabriolets require careful alignment and structural checks. Pininfarina-specific panels, trim, glass and roof components are expensive and difficult to replace, so a complete car is normally safer than an apparently inexpensive project.
On injected cars, use a specialist familiar with Kugelfischer systems. Poor running is not proof that the injection itself is beyond repair: ignition, compression, fuel supply and basic adjustment must be correct first.
Frequently asked questions
Were the Coupé and Cabriolet built by Pininfarina?
Yes. Their bodies were produced and assembled by Pininfarina, using Peugeot mechanical components.
When did they appear?
The Cabriolet was presented in 1961 and the Coupé followed in 1962. The Coupé ended in 1968 as the 504 Coupé arrived.
Are they mechanically identical to the saloon?
They share the 404’s basic engineering, but bodywork, trim and some specifications are unique. Fuel-injected versions require specialist knowledge.
Continue the Peugeot story
Browse the Peugeot hub or continue to the 504 Coupé and Cabriolet guide.
Research note: model chronology and construction were checked against Peugeot/Stellantis heritage records.