Peugeot 104 review | Retro Car review | French Cars | Drive in | 1976

'Drive in' reporter Richard Hudson Evans takes a spin in the new Peugeot 104 in southern France.
First shown: 20/10/1976
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Quote: VT15257

[@nickbrice8497]

"You still have the 4 doors that open" that was useful information.

[@robertreape]

The days when Peugeot made really good cars. My dad had a 104 the thing was bombproof.

[@ChristovMr]

I remember serving these little cars on our roads, and they did a three door version which had a truncated look, maybe the ZS if I remember. Looks a handy little car and was impressed how the rear seats folded very flat unlike even some cars today. I must say the doors sounded rather tinny as he closed them! 😮

[@spankysmp]

I keep forgetting how few hatchbacks there were in the early/mid 70s when the saloon was king. I'm impressed with the folding seats that actually lie flat!

[@frothe42]

That is because the seat cushion was pulled up so the seat back could lie flat.

[@jezzaqc]

Always good to have doors which open! Genius engineering!

[@ketoking9435]

75'76 were my fave years and still have my Motorshow mags from that year,,though all my car catalogues from then were stolen,,,this vid takes me back to being a very happy youngster,,,,wishing any folk out there a great day,,,

[@gui18bif]

🤩

[@lash9400]

Don’t know much about the 104, I preferred the Renault 5. I adored both the Mk1 and 2 even though I’ve never owned a French car, I love their character and innovation. Keep these old videos coming, I really enjoy them

[@zebedep]

Back when if you were driving in France you had to have yellow headlamps! The 104 was made obsolete when the 205 arrived in '83.

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

still a good 7 years. 205 was quite a revolution

[@johnhigginbotham8291]

You forgot to mention the Talbot Samba. The 104, Samba and 205 were virtually the same car under the outer skins.

[@zebedep]

@@johnhigginbotham8291 yes - by that time they all came under the PSA umbrella. There was also the Citroen LN/LNA.

[@obelic71]

@@johnhigginbotham8291 the peugeot 104, Citroen LN/LNA ans Talbot samba were technical the same. The 205 was a complete new design The citroen visa was an evolution of the 104

[@Paintheshed]

I love the man throwing bags onto his boat then cleaning it down with a broom, I winder where he is now. Still sailing the oceans I guess

[@darrenwilson8042]

33 years on I suspect the Gauloise took their toll sadly

[@GraemeO28]

and with those tight speedos

[@gui18bif]

@@GraemeO28 oh my haha

[@darrenwilson8042]

These were a great drive - as was the later lamented Talbot Samba

[@pauldunneska]

Amazing how these cars never look new, this is a new car in 1976 but it still looks second-hand. It just goes to show how advanced paintwork is on cars today and they can still look new with a good polish after ten years.

[@owenlewis8006]

I was thinking the same thing. It’s brand new but wouldn’t look out of place in a row of ten year old bashed up dirty simcas and renaults in a Paris side street

[@nlpnt]

Look up Bob Mayer's "Behind the Wheel" car reviews for WTVJ in Miami. He comments on the paint on just about every car he tested starting in 1975 (mainly through the early '80s) and it ranges from "meh" to terrible.

[@RoadCone411]

You also have attribute some of that to the quality of the video. Forty year old video tape tends to lose some of its colour and contrast. But yes, car paint has advanced in four decades, as well as safety, performance, economy, comfort, luxury, reliability, quality of materials, quality of workmanship and long-term durability. (You'd have been lucky to get more than five rust-free years out of a Peugeot 104 in Britain...is there any car on sale now that you can say that about?)

[@pauldunneska]

@@RoadCone411 But also they really did seem like tincans on four wheels then,some didn't even have seatbelts or headrests.

[@RoadCone411]

@@pauldunneska Not disagreeing. Cars were generally thin and tinny back then, not just Peugeots. Modern car doors are thicker and heavier largely because of the required safety equipment - side beams, extra bracing and airbags - not to mention most cars today have thicker glass and power windows too, so that means electric motors in each door.

[@mcqueenfanman]

That little car looks well thought out.

[@rjft7003]

Very comfy cars the 104's but absurdly easy to understeer. Those 135/12 tyres together with the roly poly suspension was a lethal combination in wet roads.

[@anthonyperkins7556]

This was a good little car. Practical comfortable economical roomy and a nice drive too.

[@becconvideo]

Good old France - yellow light bulbs in the head lights :-)

[@kriss8566]

Jusqu'en 1993 les phares jaunes, car après c'est blanc 👌

[@mrmoses7170]

The man cleaning the boat..

[@vdmarame]

George Cy sexy 🙄🤠🤠🤠 not

[@anonUK]

That man looks like Arthur Dent.

[@RoadCone411]

I can almost picture him wearing a gown and slippers as he does this road test...

[@_B.M_]

Uncanny resemblance!!

[@anonUK]

@@RoadCone411 I hope he wasn't looking for a decent cup of tea in France.

[@andynixon2820]

The French have always made excellent small cars .

[@becconvideo]

and really nice luxury like the Citroen DS or SM. But you have to like them :-) OK I'm German ...

[@MindViruss]

My dad had one I think till 1997 or so. Great engine, he used to drive it every day. He never had to fix it. In the winter, no matter how cold it was the engine started instantly. IThe heat inside was excellent, felt like you were in hell in no time while outside was way below freezing. The bodywork was terrible, it rusted pretty fast and he had to paint and fix tit like every 5 years or so until the chassis started to rust too and water went in during rain... :) Great car, except the body.

[@HowardLeVert]

Great little car, the 104.

[@grahamariss2111]

This is the car the Allegro could have been, if BL had engaged their brain and recognised that Pinnifarina styling was a big part of the ADO16 success.

[@djh29971]

But BL would have still gone on strike....

[@grahamariss2111]

@@djh29971 They did when they worked for BMC but it did not stop them selling a lot more ADO16 than they sold Allegro, they did at Renault and it did not stop them selling a lot more Renault 5, they did at Fiat and they did not stop them selling a lot more Fiat 127 etc etc. Strikes were a problem at BL, but the failure of the ADO17, Maxi and finaly the Allegro in the market place meant that no matter what they built and how often they turned up for work after 1974 they no longer had the sales channels to sell the volume of cars to be a volume car manufacturer. The Allegro was the last chance and the single most important car they ever designed, and they messed it up before they go to building it not very well.

[@brendangarvin7787]

Does anybody else play 'Fantasy British Leyland' in their heads?

[@notroll1279]

I had a 1986 Citroën Visa 4 cylinder - which was basically a later modified version with a roomier and rustproof body. Liked it a lot and it went pretty well until some oaf crashed into it when my sister was driving it...

[@darrenwilson8042]

sorry but Citroen Visa and Rustproof body made me laugh. I had one and boy oh boy did it rot

[@atgv43]

I love how he just places the spare wheel on the engine. No tie downs or anything.

[@stevenpam]

I think it's normally screwed down with a little handwheel bolt. Wouldn't make for fascinating television, though.

[@Salman-sc8gr]

Nothing new, the Citroen Cx had spare sitting next to engine.

[@dxutube]

As of this time 7 left on UK's roads

[@becconvideo]

4:00 "... and stands enthusiastic driving as well as lady driving" - marvelous. (tha's why I watch only classic TV these days)

[@stevenpam]

He says "lazy driving"

[@jackdaw339]

Superb car. Should be a wanted classic.

[@abbrag1]

Good looking little car

[@mrsneaky2010]

Never a great fan of French cars but I did own a Renault 16 once, column gear change and very comfortable motorway car. Was to quirky though. When it rained the water drip down through the gap in the bonnet immediately over the spark plug and short it out!!

[@ladybee4564]

Had a dark blue one in 1988. Struggled with four in it and hills if more than one person! Rather heavy steering but fun to drive.

[@georgejacob3162]

0:47. He tells us that all 4 side doors open which you would think is obvious but then at 4:14 with the rear door open it looks to me that the front door won't be able to open as it will get caught on the bottom of the rear door!

[@johnstairs]

Well spotted might be the angle

[@Banglish123]

Cabin noise is not excessive even when 'pressing on' 🤣🤣as in caning the arse out of it

[@TheHorsebox2]

I've never heard anyone say "enlargable" before. Great review though. Nice car of its time.

[@ghvtg]

Wasn't out yet but I'd have a 104 S with the rip snorting 72hp 1360cc, alloys, side stripes, pin stripe seats and sporty steering wheel!! In bright red😁 ps...rather have a Renault 14 TS though....

[@MapleMarmite]

No Name I had two 104s - the second one was the S model as you described but in blue. Black seats with blue racing stripes and the silver striping outside. Nice little cars. Also had a 14 that I'm pretty sure was a TS - all the electrics and nice seats and wheels. Sadly a rusty old thing by the time I got it for £75! Ran well for a couple of years, though.

[@ghvtg]

@@MapleMarmite cool!!! My Dad had a bright red 14 GTL with a full length fabric roof back in the mid 80s!!

[@MapleMarmite]

Found a pic and put it on Twitter mobile.twitter.com/BN71983/status/1062001951905325058/photo/1

[@keithrose6931]

Had one in the early 80s . Gear selection used to stiffen up on a long haul . Never got to the bottom of it !

[@philhealey449]

You were lucky, the gear linkage on my 304 fell apart and it was a long way home in second gear.

[@chrispenn715]

These cars rusted as badly as the Alfasud! I remember looking at a 5 year old one which was for sale - the front door pillars had rust holes in them.

[@vangestelwijnen]

I experienced Alfasuds rusty as hell at age two..

[@philnewstead5388]

To be fair all cars from that era used to rust although the Italian and French cars did seem to go a bit quicker. I remember my father being mortified when his 1100 rusted out after five years and the Marina he replaced it with had significant rust bursting from the body seams after four. My father was from that rare breed who always had cars under sealed, religiously garaged them and no matter what time we got home would leather the car off if it had been raining.

[@chrispenn715]

@@philnewstead5388 yes you're right. My father was also fussy about his cars and was the proud owner of a brand new Marina back in 1972

[@davidhayes4814]

Looks like the Fiesta and Polo, which both came along a couple of years later.

[@charlesmacgilchrist3648]

today you don't get hatchbacks with big rear windows because to maximise the rated boot space with the load cover on vs the competition, the bottom of the window needs to be as high up as possible.

[@RoadCone411]

0:52 How heavy is that hatch?

[@androo4519]

Nice to know that the side doors open. Clarkson was never so thorough.

[@darioperezdario2638]

be nice if they enabled subtitles in the videos and their automatic translation into other languages. The video is also very interesting

[@lewis72]

In the mid-'70s, what did the UK have to compete against the Polo, Golf, 104 & Renault 5 as small hatchbacks ?

[@lewis72]

@@dcanmore Vauxhall & Ford were/are both multinationals/foreign owned, although both were made in the UK. Chrysler Sunbeam wasn't launched until '77 and was also foreign owned. BL had nothing until the Metro in 1980. 104 was the only 5 door hatch available back then.

[@tassos2011]

Excellent presentation. There are striking differences between the cars of the ‘70s and today’s cars

[@paulmchugh8695]

Yes u was concerned about the doors and the operation ?

[@peterpedant]

Wow doors that open! Peugeot were so ahead of their time.

[@sammyt3514]

The shocker was that they also closed. Sorcery!

[@Zolega89]

Even the steering wheel turns! Also, you came see through the windshield!

[@fordlandau]

The Flares !

[@ewaf88]

According to How many left - there's only 10 of these nimble little cars left in the UK

[@MapleMarmite]

ewaf88 That's sad to hear. Hopefully a few more running around in France

[@ewaf88]

@@MapleMarmite Perhaps in some small unvisited hamlets where time has stood still.

[@RoadCone411]

@@ewaf88 There are bound to be a lot more roadworthy examples in France...a more rust-resistant climate, for one.

[@ewaf88]

@@RoadCone411 I'd certainly like to drive one. Despite their lack of safety gear I loved 70s and 80s small cars

[@ainsleystones4600]

I'd buy it. 👍

[@hugglescake]

In the US of this era, we didn't have such small cars. 2+ tons and 20 feet were the norm. What's fuel economy?

[@jusb1066]

any eco car of this era perhaps 35 mpg (30 us mpg)

[@williamegler8771]

Cars are built to satisfy their primary market. The United States is a vast country with low fuel prices. Could a Peugeot 104 cruise comfortably at 80 mph while transporting a family of five plus luggage in air conditioned comfort on a cross country trip of 3000 miles or so? Would it even start on a -40 degree day in Minnesota?

[@dcanmore]

@@williamegler8771 Peugeot 504 could (also with fuel injected engine), and quite popular in the US too.

[@ahassen1236]

Surprised the tyre didn't melt under the heat of the engine over time?

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

Makes you wonder how we will view today’s cars in 30 years time. Made of metal!? Make a noise!? No driving you home while you’re asleep in the back?

[@elizabethcherry920]

I rather have the 104 offshoots, the Citroen LNA or the Talbot Samba rallye, the 104 is a nice car but well as for the Samba that came either a 3d hatch or 2d Cabriolet with mild to wild trims. The Citroen from what I remember came either as a LN or LNA and body type were similar to the Peugeot.

[@philskype101]

where in the south of France was that?

[@eddiejones.redvees]

£1.20 a gallon we can only dream of that price now

[@darrenwilson8042]

£1.25 a gallon and 25p road tolls? I'll have some of that thanks lol

[@GraemeO28]

Gosh imagine having to pay 25 p just for the privilege of driving spaghetti junctions. And how about that torque when pressing on!

[@TimsSite]

Wheels for steering on left hmm

[@valicourt]

2:05 now that’s a rare site. A working Frenchman!

[@darrenwilson8042]

unfortunately an English person who can't spell in their own language isn't - its sight

[@appalachiahiker853]

Darren Wilson eat the poo

[@darrenwilson8042]

@@appalachiahiker853 unfortunately for your misinformed and misguided prejudice the French are much more productive than the UK worker - please do enjoy your edible turd in return

[@moran68]

Why is it all small cars from this era all look like tin cans on wheels ?

[@grahamariss2111]

Because weight was critical, in many European markets there were restrictions on capacity, i.e. 1100cc, so cars like the 104 and 204, Simca 1100, Citroen GS had to be light enough to cruise at 150 kmh with just 1100cc giving around 50hp under the bonnet.

[@jakeagusta]

In 10 years time we will be looking at the cars of today, saying the same thing. It is funny listening to these type videos where they talk about innovation and aerodynamics. Wonder what the future will bring 👍🏻

[@51StPi]

@@greghonda5475 Agree partly but did you see the tailgate flex when closing ? Still wish they would skip the prettiness on modern cars and instead concentrate on the engineering.

[@antman5474]

jam 68 ...it's french. But it has a cool looking steering wheel and dash.

[@payamyazdi7672]

Christian Rönn Peugeot 108 is basically A Rebadged Toyota yaris.

[@paulyflyer8154]

About 12p a gallon. I'd forgotten about cars with spare wheels in the engine bay. Great idea but probably stopped because of crash safety I guess.

[@becconvideo]

Well modern cars including my CLA-Mercedes don't have a spare tyre at all. (OK, I needed it only twice in 1Mio km)

[@robertmarsh3588]

Always preferred the mk1 Polo and Fiesta to this, but the 104 always came across as worthy if a bit more plain and downmarket. Perhaps it just didn't look as nice? Those 5 doors are very practical though, and something the Fiesta, Polo and even the Renault 5 took a few years to get (though R5 was years before the VW and Ford).

[@RoadCone411]

The original Fiesta was very tinny and not as well built as many of its rivals - and they rusted badly - but that didn't stop Ford from selling millions around the world! The Mk1 Polo was probably the pick of the bunch but the styling was decidedly bland even for that time. The Mk2 Polo and Fiestas, however, were much-improved cars with modern styling that set the standard for small cars in the 1980s. Peugeot small cars really didn't take off in Britain until the all-conquering 205 became the benchmark in its class.

[@robertmarsh3588]

@@RoadCone411 there's a lot of truth in what you say. I actually had a 205GTi in the mid 90s..and whilst I loved it (fabulous to drive), I called it my "baco-foil" car. So build not great even then for Peugeot, and Fords not great either though both marks usually reliable enough.

[@gpsmodul6660]

@@RoadCone411 ich hatte in den 80igern einen VW Derby (Polo mit Stufenheck) das Auto war das schrottigste Auto das ich jemals besessen habe. Nach dem Derby kaufte ich mir einen Peugeot 205 GRD und das war eins der besten Kleinwagen den ich jemals gefahren habe. Es folgte noch ein GRD und 2 GTI's und ich war mit allen bestens zufrieden. Auch heute fahre ich Peugeot 208 eHDI ohne Schummelsoftware. VW Diesel kommt mir nie im leben vor das Haus. Zu groß die Gefahr das man von VW verarscht wird.

[@darioperezdario2638]

It seems to me this Peugeot 104 quite similar to the Fiat 127. But with the front headlights. and the interior of the Peugeot 504

[@joeennis2571]

the same chassis and drivetrain as the talbot samba I think

[@oliveroneill1388]

Try taking the cylinder head off and back on . You'll never get the bolts back in

[@syxepop]

Wonder when was the time I get to be one of the first 100 (79 in this case) to watch this video and it's initial comment! About the 1st in a long line of 1xx Peugeots being sold to this day... Well it seems a couple of chaps beat me by a few minutes, but still the 3rd comment...

[@becconvideo]

4:35 - As long as the Franc doesn't surge even further against the British Pound ... - well not so good times for England - and France too. In that decade all European currencies devaluated against the Deutschmark - but one obviously more than the other. BTW the valuation of the Deutschmark didn't kill the German Motor industry at all - as the pressure brought the companies to rolling out better products - ok to premium prices. Tell that all the Kensianists of today.

[@eddiejones.redvees]

£1.40 a gallon now it’s that for 1 liter

[@billybellend1155]

The last descent French car was the 306. Although the Citroen C6 was commendable. They were still a bit tinny though.

[@JohnnyPaton]

Gavin Sharp I had a ‘99 306 Turbo D and it was an excellent car.

[@vdmarame]

My first car.... well, actually, my moms car...

[@johnstairs]

At last a decent location! Handy opening side doors. Love the shit brown colour combo the presenter is wearing😁

[@darrenwilson8042]

The major issue that affected all 70's cars was neglect. People in the UK didn't follow manufacturers regimes to mainten cars

[@Fizzbomb123]

Iz thiz 1990?

[@jusb1066]

1976

[@Fizzbomb123]

Jusb1066 Ok, thank you for correcting me.

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

This car is to cars what his trousers are to trousers

[@smhorse]

Oh my God the size of those flares

[@stecurrie4912]

One of my favorite cars was this loved the simplistic styling the Renault four and the five we're great cars too. French cars today are awful .

[@blakaeg]

Nothing wrong with French cars today. I'd still rather have one over a boring German one. You obviously have no experience of a modern French car!

[@dr.hotpants3035]

Now I know where the Yugo got it’s inspiration from 🚗

[@bigteddy66]

I had forgotten about these things, they were truly God awful things.

[@BobMartinsback]

The parcel shelf doesn't look unlike the plastic trays which chicken portions are sold in supermarkets today. And those flared trousers are not a good look... especially round the groin area...

[@BobMartinsback]

@@79devo Yes, it's the "Confessions of a Car Reviewer" look.

[@ianmax69]

BL sold the Innocenti Mini in France and it was very popular why they never used the estate/van floorpan and done a 5 door version?,,, But by then they had sold the factory to DeTomaso as the Unions had made them go broke

[@philhealey449]

Tellingly no mention of a BL rival.

[@dcanmore]

not until the Metro in 1980, which was five years in development hell.

[@Le_Rennais]

God bless the mighty FRENCH !

[@darrenwilson8042]

Nah mate - the surging Franc is no longer a problem - the collapsing pound against the Euro is though

[@wernerbloemwagen6878]

Spare wheel on top of the engine - maybe thát was the spare engine too..

[@paulmchugh8695]

Frances most popular chicken shed ?

[@hugglescake]

What's a Franc?

[@harypot67]

The french currency before the Euro

[@payamyazdi7672]

No thanks I would keep my 1978 Rfive.

[@_B.M_]

R5 was better in every way ... and they had a Turbo!

[@oliveroneill1388]

A pure shit box

[@abbrag1]

Good looking little car