Peugeot intended for the 504 to be the eventual heir to the 404, which dated from 1960 and would continue to be available in Europe until 1975. It was also a vehicle that would compete with the lower echelons of the Citroën ID/DS family and the Mercedes-Benz W115. The launch took place on 12th September 1968, and British sales commenced in April 1969. It started out with a 1796cc four-cylinder engine, and the top-of-the-range Ti boasted Kugelfischer fuel injection. Autocar thought it was 'among Europe's finest touring cars,' and the 504 became Car of the Year for 1969, defeating the Jaguar XJ6, the BMW E3 and the Alfa Romeo 1750 Berlina.
One of the 504's primary sales features was the distinctive bodywork created by Aldo Brovarone of Pininfarina. Peugeot dealers could further highlight the all-independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and all-round Girling disc brakes. The range gained a 1971cc engine option for late 1970, with a floor lever replacing the steering column change in 1972. David Gianessi's 504 is a prime example of the facelifted second-generation version introduced in 1975. The later Tis also had electric front windows and power-assisted steering to
