Peugeot Adventure Museum, Sochaux, France
Until May 2026
At the start of 2026, the Peugeot Adventure Museum is paying tribute to a unique model, the 504 Riviera. To be more precise, it is a faithful replica of the Peugeot 504 Riviera, a bold concept created by Pininfarina in 1971. It should be remembered that Peugeot and Pininfarina have had a close relationship since the arrival of the 403. In fact, in the 1960s and 1970s (and even beyond), manufacturers with limited in-house design departments called on outside designers. This is how the famous Italian coachbuilder came to design almost all of the models of that era, including sedans as well as the magnificent 404 and 504 coupes and convertibles.
Photo Copyrigth Peugeot Adventure Museum, no right of reproduction without the owner’s express permission.
The 504 Riviera history
At a time when station wagons were purely utilitarian or family vehicles, Pininfarina offered a bold alternative with a sporty station wagon that provided space and comfort without sacrificing the elegance and prestige of a coupe. Derived from the 504 coupé, this 504 Riviera concept car fell into the “shooting brake” category, a class that sought to combine utility and distinction.
This highly successful concept was presented by Pininfarina in 1971, first at the Geneva Motor Show and then at the Paris Motor Show. For economic and industrial reasons, it was (unfortunately) never put into production, and the original model, sold in Spain, disappeared at the end of the 1990s. It would take more than 30 years for the legend to be reborn…
Creation of the Replica
In 2022, a British collector decided to revive this unique silhouette of the 504. He called on HC Classics to recreate this concept, based on a 1972 504 convertible. It took three years of work to produce this faithful replica, including hours of 3D modeling, reproduction of the glazing, complete reconstruction of the rear section, manufacture of specific components, and full restoration of the base. Certain adaptations were also made for safety reasons. Little by little, the silhouette reappeared. What was once just a memory took shape again!
Photo Copyright Automobile-Museums, no right of reproduction without the owner’s express permission.
Under the spotlights at the Peugeot Adventure Museum
After being presented at Rétromobile Paris 2025, this 504 Riviera is now on display at the Peugeot Adventure Museum, thanks to the trust of its British collector owner. It allows the public to discover a rare and little-known chapter in the stylistic history of the 504. To illustrate the stylistic lineage of the project, the 504 Riviera is presented alongside a 504 coupé and station wagon, highlighting the unique alliance between these two silhouettes.
This exhibition is a rare opportunity to admire and discover the history of an extraordinary vehicle. The 504 Riviera will be on display until late April/early May, or even longer, depending on agreements between the museum and the owner.