The Peugeot lineup is historically divided into two groups. The first group is conservative, function-over-form sedans; and the second is station wagons, and leisure-oriented coupes and convertibles. The 304 Cabriolet was Peugeot’s most affordable leisure model during the first half of the 1970s, and it’s slowly transitioned into one of the best bangs-for-the-buck models for those seeking quirky French classics.
The Cabriolet was based on the 304 sedan—itself a careful evolution of the 204—that was presented in late 1969. It stood out thanks to a sleek two-door body, a long deck lid reminiscent of sports cars positioned two or three segments up, and a specific rear fascia. Peugeot also offered a coupe model with a love-it-or-hate-it fastback silhouette, but for many the Cabriolet was the best-looking version of the 304—especially with the top down.
When introduced in early 1970, the 304 Cabriolet was exclusively available with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine mounted transversally and tuned to make 65 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. It spun the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission borrowed from the 304 sedan, but the Cabriolet ditched the four-door’s steering column-mounted shifter in favor of a sportier floor-mounted unit. A 75-horsepower model dubbed 304 S was launched a little later in the production run.
Surprisingly, a U.S.-spec 304 with sealed-beam headlights was sold across the nation in 1971 as a sedan and as a station wagon. Sales were dismal so both body styles were given the axe the following year, and Peugeot consequently never got the chance to import the coupe and the convertible on our side of the pond. You’re in luck if you want one, because a like-new 1971 Cabriolet is currently listed on eBay, bid to $5,300 with over three days left in the auction.
Located in Italy, the 304 was given a ground-up restoration last year and it’s said to be completely rust-free. Beige on red is one of the most attractive color combinations on a Cabriolet but it’s relatively difficult to find, and the seller points out the 304 has been beige all of its life so there are no surprises lurking under floor mats, in the engine bay, or in the wheel wells. While the three-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel is an aftermarket unit, prospective buyers who value authenticity can find an original two-spoke replacement in Europe without breaking the bank.
The 1.3-liter engine has been fully rebuilt and it runs beautifully. The Cabriolet was just as robust as the 304 sedan so it can be driven daily with no fuss, even at freeway speeds. Few classics blend time-tested reliability and fun, open-air motoring as well as the 304 Cabriolet; think of it as a shrunken-down Mercedes-Benz SL for buyers on a budget.
The 304 sedan and station wagon were generally considered throwaway cars, and the first cash-for-clunkers programs that were instated in Europe during the 1990s drastically reduced the number left on the road. The Cabriolet has fared much better and it’s the most common 304 variant, but it’s by no means a frequent sight even in its home country of France. With no reserve, the example listed on eBay is one of the most affordable ways to show up to the next car show in a ragtop that no one has seen before.
