Miguel Sánchez
Today the time of independent coachbuilders seems to have passed. And in part, it's true. Not surprisingly, the design departments of the brands themselves are the in charge of concretizing everything related to the bodywork. In fact, this is happening even at the high end, where manufacturers such as Ferrari have stopped relying on external specialists in order to shape their own style.
Something that has had a controversial result. Moreover, with certain exceptions, it is difficult not to yearn for those times when the Maranello factory formed an excellent pairing with Pininfarina. However, the truth is that the Italian designer can not only be tracked in reference to the most performance field of motorsport.
far from it, A multitude of ideas applied to the popular range have emerged from the offices of San Giorgio Canavese.. A fact perfectly exemplified by his relationship with Peugeot, which began in 1955 thanks to the 403.
A robust and adequate family sedan thanks to which the French brand was finally able to start its march after the disaster caused by the Second World War. From here, the joint history between Peugeot and Pininfarina gave us some more than noteworthy milestones.
To begin with, in relation to quasi-contemporary times, the 406 1996 Coupé stands out. A stupendous design that, if you allow us a triple leap into the void, presents some lines in which the Ferrari 456 GT is condensed for the pocket of the majority. Also, beyond mass production, in this shared trajectory there are experimental exercises as interesting as the 104 Peugette by Aldo Brovarone.
A casual and versatile bet with a view to achieving a youthful vehicle focused on leisure. In our opinion, one of the most striking creations among all those signed by Pininfarina, with elements such as its interchangeable panels or its simple adaptation to barchetta. Continuing with the list, it is impossible to forget the 504 Coupé of 1969. Such a referential model for the house of the lion that it has even just been the inspiration for the lines of the e-Legend. The conceptual model presented in order to mark the main lines by which Peugeot will have to travel in the medium term.
However, if there is a vehicle that, due to its commercial impact, has more and better defined the contribution of Pininfarina to the French house, this has been the 404. One of the toughest and most reliable models in the entire history of the European D segment, with multiple adaptations as well as simultaneous manufacturing on various continents. In short, a balanced car in every way. A global success that also had a striking coupe version.
PEUGEOT 404 COUPÉ, AN EXAMPLE OF THE FLORIDA LINE
In the mid-fifties Pininfarina launched one of the most influential design exercises in all of motorsport history. We talk about Lancia Florida. One of the most decisive twists for the field of sedans, presenting lines that, not because they were futuristic, were no longer elegant and nothing extravagant. Besides, its bodywork included technical boasts like the absence of the central pillar. Something capable of allowing a complete opening of the sides in combination with rear doors style "suicidal".
A fact of which the 1961 Lincoln Continental IV took good note. Likewise, in 1957 the Lancia Florida II was presented. A version of the idea with many more signs of being able to reach production. In fact, this one it was the personal car of Battista Farina until 1966. The most important thing about that car, however, was the fantastic influence it was to have. What's more, from its rear headlights to its front or the way in which it resolves the side, everything in it reminds us of multiple series models.
Something that is not coincidence. Since with this model the so-called Florida Line was finished. A style model applied to vehicles as diverse as the Fiat 1800, the Ferrari 250 GT/E or the Peugeot 404 itself. This vehicle presented by the French house in 1960 and that, just a year later, it would have a convertible version assembled in the Pininfarina factory itself.
And it is that, trying to differentiate itself from the saloon used as a base, this open-air model not only had a much more elaborate design but also the particularity of being manufactured in Italy. A fact shared by the coupé variant. Launched in 1962 under an aspect based on replicating that of the Florida II, adapting it to a more popular range.
Thus, the 404 Peugeot 1962 Coupé is one of the most visually accomplished classics in the history of the brand. Something that makes it a remarkable piece for not a few collectors. The same ones who see here a model where style transcends the obvious importance of reliable and adequate mechanics.
Photographs: Car Jager /PSA/Pininfarina
