The first Peugeot branded automotive vehicle at the World Fair in Paris in 1889.
This was the Steam-driven 3-wheeler designed hand-in-hand with renowned engineer Leon Serpollet.
Serpollet was a French industrialist and pioneer of steam automobiles. He also designed steam trams.
It wasn’t until 1948 after the Second World War that the first unibody car was built, known as the 203.
Designed as the first unibody model with a hemispherical-shaped cylinder heave and V-shaped valves. Peugeot manufactured over half a million units of this car.
Come the 60s and the 404 models were rolled out. Unlike its predecessors, the Pininfarina designed Peugeot 404 embraced angular lines in its style and shape.
The increase in the 404’s glazed surfaces reflected the modernisation and elegance of the cars that would be produced throughout the 1960s and contrasts greatly with the earlier 50s models.
This was the year Peugeots were equipped with the first direct-injection engine.
In 1968 the Peugeot was named ‘European Car of the Year’ with its launch of the 504.
Even to this day, it was Peugeot’s longest produced commercialised model with 3,700,000 examples rolled out until production ceased in 2006.
Peugeot intended this car for a middle-class clientele, which also ranked No.1 in Africa and South America, all thanks to its sustainability and endurance.
The world’s shortest saloon was the 104 released in 1972. This Peugeot really stamped its mark being advertised with the slogan ‘All of PERUGEOT in 3.58m’.
It was the world’s shortest four-door saloon at that time.
Following this in 1979 the 604 was introduced as the first 6-cylinder saloon since the 601.
As a result of style and structure it was ideal for many government officials throughout Europe who adopted the 604 models.
The 604 models were the first turbo diesel engine commercialised in Europe.
1983 saw the Magic Number 205, which is in fact the now iconic Peugeot.
This vehicle was a lifesaving success for the motor vehicle company hence the nickname ‘Magic Number’.
It became the best selling car of all time in France and was also the most exported French car ever.
Moving forward, the successful launch of the new family car, the 405, in 1987 had Peugeot win ‘European Car of the Year’ for the second time over.
