in

We try to find it in Spain, Peugeot 504 Break Riviera Pininfarina

The Shooting Break bodies have a legion of followers as brief as they are faithful. Something that is fully in line with its own history, always recurring in the history of the car although rarely reflected in large-series models. In this sense, Pininfarina tried to convince Peugeot in 1971 about the possibility of making such a car from the 504 Coupé. The result of this was the Break Riviera prototype. Discarded by the brand and sold -allegedly- to a Spanish individual that same year at the Barcelona Fair. After years lost, we now know that he is in Spain, but where? Let's try to find him.

From the Volvo 1800ES to the Ferrari FF through the BMW Z3 Coupé or the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato, the Shooting Break bodies have been as rare as they are recurrent. Defined by their curious mix of coupé and station wagon, they were born even before World War II. Trying reconcile the sporty character of a two-door with the ample cargo space of a family vehicle equipped with a large tailgate. Thus, although it is rare to find large series cars with this design, it is not uncommon to see it in certain short-run variants made on sports models. What's more, going to the world of unique pieces, the Shooting Break appears every so often as style exercises by various coachbuilders.

In fact, taking advantage of the aerodynamic benefits of their Kammback-style cut rears, they have even been the subject of quite a few studies on how to lower the drag coefficient. An example of this is the FIAT Dino V6 Parigi. One of the prototypes created by Paolo Martin for Pininfarina during tests carried out in his wind tunnel during the sixties. Quite a manual Shooting Break whose lines are part of the research process responsible for the aerodynamics of the Citroën GS and CX. At this point, reviewing the models with this type of bodywork created by Pininfarina, the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera from 1971 stands out.

A unique copy offered by the Italian designer to the lion brand. Whose track leads us to a labyrinthine unfinished process that seems to bring us to the Iberian Peninsula. Of course, before activating the search alert, it is best to place ourselves at the beginning. Thus, the history of the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera begins in the sixties. Specifically in 1968, the year in which the Peugeot 504 arrives on the market. A model of the D segment in whose conception Pininfarina actively intervened. Having been Aldo Brovarone who gave the final touches to the sketches received from the Sochaux factory.

In this way the alliance between both companies was renewed. Started when in 1960 the Peugeot 404 became one of the most outstanding students in the application of the so-called Florida Line. The concept established by Pininfarina years ago thanks to the prototype Lancia Florida, being responsible for one of the biggest paradigm shifts in sedan design. However, the French manufacturer's offer in this segment lacked a model with which to generate a more attractive brand image. Something more sporty and stylish but with the same degree of reliability. For all these reasons, the Peugeot 1969 Coupé was presented at the 504 Geneva Motor Show.

Coupe model from 1969

PEUGEOT 504 BREAK RIVIERA, THE TURN OF THE SCREW OF PININFARINA

As soon as the lines of the 504 Coupé were revealed, both Peugeot and Pininfarina were aware of having hit the target. Proportionate, fluid and classic from its birth, this still remains one of the most celebrated designs of the Italian coachbuilder and, probably, the most visually appealing Peugeot of all time. Thanks to this, the French brand finally had a model capable of improving its image. Even more so when, from 1974, it was offered with a much more powerful V6 than the original 1,8 and two 2-liter engines with 90CV and 104CV respectively.

With all this, sales of the coupé were very satisfactory. In production until the 1978s, as well as winning various international rallies, including the 504 Safari. In short, the Peugeot XNUMX Coupé had been a complete success. Moreover, recently claimed by the brand itself through the nods made to its design by the e-Legend prototype. Thanks to all this, the climate of optimism generated around the model made Pininfarina want to give it a further twist.

Fact that came in 1971 with the presentation of the Peugeot 504 Break Rivera at the Paris Motor Show. Built at the expense and risk of the designer, this prototype sought to seduce Peugeot with a view to possible mass production. Something that would not have been bad at all, since it would have meant a Shooting Break variant similar to the one that Volvo would offer just a year later from its 1800 coupé. Which, by the way, exceeded 8.000 units during its first two years on the market. A compelling reason to raise the more than possible commercial success of which the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera could have been the protagonist. However, leaving aside speculation, the only certain thing is that the French brand preferred to ignore the Pininfarina project. Thus leaving this unit wandering through fairs as a show car.

A MORE CAREFUL DESIGN THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

To produce the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera, Pininfarina started from a unit with a 1,8-litre engine. Starting point of the transformation, focused on the rear to create the ending in the form of Shooting Break. Very clean on its side thanks to the concise central pillars, its design provided a large glazed surface flowing freely thanks to the slight undulations given on the rear wheel. In addition, the rear windows could move in the form of a slider to open the passenger compartment to air circulation.

And it is that Pininfarina took care of many comfort details in the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera. In fact, the seats are different from the standard model to guarantee a better position. Moreover, the desire to improve the finishes compared to the 1969 model included the inclusion of a carpet capable of insulating against heat and rolling noise. If we add to this the instrument panel covered in anti-reflective material, the holes for objects in the trunk and the electric windows, we have a very careful job.

Even trying to get the most out of the Shooting Break bodywork, this 504 included some folding rear seats to increase the load plane. In this way, the Riviera combined the practicality of a station wagon or family with the sporty style of a model with a shorter wheelbase than that given by the sedan and clearly attractive aesthetics.

FOLLOWING THE TRAIL WE REACHED SPAIN

As we have seen, despite the interesting offer made by Pininfarina, the possibility of taking the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera to series was finally ruled out. Thus, and investigating through photographs of the time, we can deduce that the Italian designer used it as an exhibition model in his spaces, at least in the Paris Salon and the Barcelona Fair. In fact, all indications point to the fact that it was right there, in its 1971 edition, when a Spanish owner took it over. In precisely the same form and manner that he experienced another prototype: the BMW 2800 GTS designed by Pietro Frua and recently restored by BMW Group Classic.

Another one of those unique pieces sold by coachbuilders at these free fairs, mostly, of import-related taxes. From here, the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera loses track although, curiously, not a few of his promotional photos are possibly made in Spain. Specifically in Almeria. Being recognizable some scenarios prepared for Western movies in the same way and manner as those arranged in the desert of Tabernas.

Be that as it may, the truth is that decades passed in which this prototype cannot be tracked anywhere. This situation changed when, at a Peugeot-themed meeting held in 2008, some fans in the Netherlands wondered where he was. From here, members of the Peugeot Club Nederland began the search for the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera until finding it last 2019 in a private collection in Spain. In this regard we have been able to see some photographs of its current state. Apparently in good condition although without the original upholstery. Which has been replaced by a dark blue one.

Beyond this, they only assure us that the mysterious owner was open for sale, although due to the arrival of Covid19, the inquiries of these fans were parked. At this point we know at least two things. The first is that the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera is preserved and, moreover, apparently well maintained. The second is that it is located in an unspecified place in Spain unless it has been sold to a foreigner from 2019 to this part. Thus, finding it would be an excellent find to value one of the most interesting Shooting Breaks of all those created in the XNUMXth century. Will we come to a good end with our inquiries? Who knows, although if you have the slightest clue and want to share it with us, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Images: Pininfarina

P.D. According to the data provided by Pininfarina, only one unit was made of the Peugeot 504 Break Riviera. However, reviewing photographs, a brown-colored unit appears at times, exhibited in various recent concentrations of classics. Registered and apparently in use, it has obviously raised certain doubts in us as it does not fit in with the story given by Pininfarina. However, we tend to clearly think that it is a copy made by a particular fan. Since, even, it does not have the typical bodybuilder shield located just in front of the rear wheels.

What do you think?

avatar photo

Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Once a month in your mail.

Thanks a lot! Do not forget to confirm your subscription through the email that we have just sent you.

Something has gone wrong. Please try again.

60.2 kHappy fans
2.1 kFollowers
3.4 kFollowers
3.8 kFollowers