In brief
- The Peugeot 104 ZS is the emblematic sports version of the small city car *Peugeot 104*, born in the mid-1970s and which has now become highly sought after on the old-timer market.
- Thanks to his compact size, sound lively and economical engine and one line signed Pininfarina, it laid the foundations for small French sports cars, well before certain icons of the 80s.
- The variation 104 ZS2, produced in a limited series, left its mark with its playful temperament and its role as a pioneer in the category of high-temperament city cars.
- In 2026, a healthy and original 104 ZS attracts collectors, seduced by its mechanical simplicity, its retro charm and the authentic pleasure it provides behind the wheel.
- Between regular use, catering and participation in gatherings, the 104 ZS stands out as a ideal young classic to discover the world of the ancients without breaking the bank.
The Peugeot 104 ZS, a compact sports car born from the urban revolution of the 1970s
There Peugeot 104 ZS doesn't come out of nowhere. She is the direct heir of the little Peugeot 104, launched in 1972, designed to cope with heavy traffic, tiny parking spaces and tight fuel budgets. When it appeared, the 104 stood out as one of the shortest 4-door sedans on the European market, with a modern two-body architecture and styling by *Pininfarina* that immediately caught the eye.
This skillful and economical city car base quickly serves as a springboard for a more nervous version. *Peugeot* engineers quickly understood that many drivers wanted a compact car, but with a little nerve to have fun on the road. The answer comes in the form of the coupe and especially the 104 ZS, which brings a real extra character to the little lioness. Well, let's see it together: the recipe is simple, but devilishly effective.
The context of the time plays a huge role. Oil crises force motorists to closely monitor their consumption, while remaining mobile. The standard 104 already offers a simple 954 cm³ engine, designed for 6 to 7 liters per 100 km. With the ZS, *Peugeot* goes further: more power, but still low weight and easy-to-use mechanics. The compromise then becomes very attractive for a young public, wanting to taste sportiness without breaking the bank on fuel or maintenance.
In the narrow streets of large French cities, the ZS slips through with disconcerting ease. It keeps the DNA of the 104 city car: reduced size, excellent visibility, short turning radius. But on the secondary road, it changes appearance. The more vigorous four-cylinder engine, combined with a sharp chassis, allows you to maintain a good pace without particular effort. Frankly, for the time, we could hardly have dreamed of a better little all-purpose car.
Over the years, this duality between urban practicality and driving pleasure has made the 104 ZS particularly endearing. It becomes the companion of daily journeys, but also of numerous weekend getaways, sometimes even small participations in amateur rallies. It is this versatility, combined with an angular style now very appreciated by youngtimer enthusiasts, which largely explains the current craze for this model. In summary, the 104 ZS was born from very concrete needs... and ended up becoming a real little sports car with character.
Design and mechanics of the Peugeot 104 ZS: why this little sports car still appeals
The charm of Peugeot 104 ZS is firstly based on a design that is both simple and full of personality. The taut lines, generous glass surfaces and truncated rear offer a very typical 70s look, but without exaggeration. Seen from the side, the car appears compact and nervous, as if ready to pounce. This silhouette of a small three-door coupe is often enough to turn heads at a vintage gathering.
The ZS versions are distinguished by details which reinforce this dynamic appearance: specific rims, bright colors, more elaborate upholstery, instrumentation oriented towards the driver. We are far from ostentatious luxury, but the interior atmosphere exudes accessible sportiness. The driver quickly finds his bearings, with a relatively vertical steering wheel and a simple pedal assembly, which invites precise driving. Don't panic, it's simpler than it seems: everything is designed to be intuitive.
Under the hood, the ZS and especially the 104 ZS2 adopt a lively 1.2-liter engine, which develops around 66 horsepower. Today, this figure may seem modest, but compared to the light weight of the car, the result is frankly amusing. The accelerations are clear, the acceleration is correct and the mechanical sound, typical of this generation of French engines, contributes fully to the pleasure. A little mechanic's advice: well-adjusted carburetion and maintained ignition really transform the behavior of the engine.
Consumption remains contained, with values close to 6 to 7 liters per 100 km in reasonable driving. For a pocket sports car from the 70s, it's very correct. Mechanical simplicity is one of the major advantages of the model. No invasive electronics, many repairable elements, relatively clear engine access: all this facilitates routine maintenance and reassures beginners in restoration. If you hear a regular clicking sound when hot, it is often a sign that the rocker arm adjustment needs to be checked, nothing alarming if it is taken care of quickly.
To better visualize the place of the ZS in the 104 family, here is a summary comparison table.
| Version | Engine type | Approximate power | Average consumption | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peugeot 104 “standard” | Petrol 954 cm³ | Around 45 hp | 6–7L/100km | Urban and family use |
| Peugeot 104S | Gasoline 1.2 L | Around 66 hp | 6–7L/100km | City/road versatility |
| Peugeot 104 ZS / ZS2 | 1.2 L “sport” gasoline | Around 66 hp, livelier temperament | 6–7L/100km | Dynamic driving, small roads |
In current circulation, this simple and robust mechanical architecture is a real asset. Wear parts can generally be found thanks to old French specialists and exchanges. Many owners reassemble cars that have been stored for several years without running. With a good basic service, they get back on the road without drama. Frankly, many modern models can't say the same. It is this combination of style, liveliness and reliability that makes the 104 ZS an ideal candidate for experiencing the joys of a classic sports car without excess complications.
Peugeot 104 ZS2: how this little bomb launched the fashion for sporty city cars
There Peugeot 104 ZS2 occupies a special place in the history of sports compacts. Produced at the end of the 1970s in limited quantities, it serves as a showcase for the brand's know-how in reconciling performance, reduced size and controlled consumption. With its sharp 1.2 liter engine, its well-chosen gear ratios and its very low weight, the ZS2 offers surprising liveliness for a car derived from a simple city car.
On country roads, the ZS2 reveals all its potential. The direct steering, firm suspension without being brittle and enduring braking give confidence. The car places itself easily in curves, catches up without brutality and encourages precise rather than brutal driving. Many enthusiasts still remember their first laps behind the wheel of this little Peugeot, often during regional rallies or historic climbs. The car already allowed you to taste the atmosphere of competition with a reasonable budget.
Faced with it, competitors were quick to react. Other French and European manufacturers are also entering the race for small compact sports cars. We are seeing more muscular city cars appear, fitted with sports rims, and equipped with more dynamic interiors. But the 104 ZS2 maintains an advantage: it is among the first to prove that a light, well-designed and relatively low-power car can provide a lot of pleasure, while remaining usable on a daily basis.
Aesthetically, the ZS2 can be recognized in particular by its bright colors, its stickers and certain specific presentation elements. Nothing ostentatious, but just enough to distinguish it from a classic 104 at a red light. In the cabin, the seats offer better support, the instrumentation becomes more complete and the atmosphere exudes sporty driving. For a young driver in the late 70s, getting behind the wheel of this car was a bit like discovering a new world.
This “small, light, playful” philosophy strongly influenced the generations of sporty city cars that followed, particularly within the lion brand. More recent models will take up the idea of a compact size, a well-tuned chassis and a lively engine without falling into excess. Today, when a collector seeks to rediscover this raw spirit, without driving aids or gadgets, the 104 ZS2 very often comes up in the discussion. This is what we could call a lasting influence in French automotive culture.
For those who want to understand how the notion of “everyday small sports car” was born, observing a ZS2 in action remains one of the best examples. Its legacy can be read as much in the times of the era as in the enthusiastic memories of the drivers who used it to go to work during the week and have fun on small roads at the weekend.
Why the Peugeot 104 ZS is so sought after by collectors today
On the vintage car market, the Peugeot 104 ZS has enjoyed growing popularity in recent years. Several reasons explain this enthusiasm. First, there is nostalgia. Many drivers today learned to drive in a 104, or saw their parents use one on a daily basis. Seeing a ZS in good condition brings back a host of memories: going on vacation, trips to school, the first long highway trips.
Next, the car ticks a lot of boxes sought by youngtimer enthusiasts. Practical size, strong retro style, lively handling, affordable maintenance: the cocktail appeals to seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. A well-preserved 104 ZS remains more accessible than some sports cars of the same era, while offering surprisingly modern driving pleasure. Many also appreciate the fact of driving in a car that is different from the classics already seen and reviewed.
The example of Eric, a vintage enthusiast, illustrates this trend well. He spotted a 104 ZS sleeping in a family garage, slightly rusty but complete. After a few months of methodical work – brakes, running gear, carburetor, electricity – the little Peugeot was back on the road. Since then, it has been used for Sunday walks, some tourist rallies and even some home-work trips when the weather is nice. According to him, it is the ideal car to enjoy a vintage spirit without stress.
The strong points that often come up among owners are clear:
- Mechanical simplicity, perfect for learning or getting back into home mechanics.
- Measured usage cost, with reasonable consumption and parts still available.
- Fun driving behavior, thanks to light weight and communicative steering.
- Unique style, easily recognizable and very photogenic during gatherings.
- Interior atmosphere typical of the 70s, which gives the impression of going back in time with each journey.
Obviously, not everything is perfect. Some body parts can suffer from corrosion, tired interiors sometimes require a good dose of patience, and finding a truly healthy car becomes more complicated. But, as many mechanics would say, “frankly, we’ve seen worse.” With a good check before purchase and accepting some work, the 104 ZS remains an excellent entry point into the world of collecting.
At alumni gatherings, the presence of a ZS often attracts the curious. Discussions quickly followed with other enthusiasts of little French sports cars. The car acts as a conversation starter, a link between generations. When leaving the club, it holds up very well in the flow of more modern cars, while bringing a touch of conviviality and simplicity. This human dimension, as much as its technical qualities, explains why the 104 ZS has found its lasting place among the appreciated classics.
For many collectors, the pleasure lies not only in the financial value of the car, but in driving it, maintaining it yourself and sharing this passion. On these three points, the little sports car from *Peugeot* responds without weakening.
Choosing and maintaining a Peugeot 104 ZS or ZS2 in 2026
Acquire a Peugeot 104 ZS or a 104 ZS2 requires a minimum of method, especially now that beautiful examples are becoming rarer. Before signing, a careful check is necessary. The bodywork deserves special attention: rocker panels, wheel arches, floor and suspension anchors must be carefully inspected. Rust is the main enemy of this model. Better an honest car, with visible but treatable defects, than a freshly repainted vehicle masking structural weaknesses.
On the mechanical side, the 1.2 liter engine endures the kilometers quite well, provided that maintenance has been regular. Moderate oil leaks are common on an old car, but must be kept contained. A cold start without worrying noises, a clear increase in speed and an absence of abnormal smoke are good signals. A little mechanic's advice: during the test, let the car warm up, listen to the wheel bearings, check that the gearbox shifts through all gears without cracking and that the braking remains in line.
Once the car is home, a good “restart service” is often the best idea. We are talking here about engine and gearbox draining, replacing filters, checking or replacing hoses, cleaning the carburetor, checking the ignition, purging the braking circuit, and complete inspection of the running gear. This basic revision offers a healthy and reassuring zero point to then ride with peace of mind. Many owners choose to slightly improve the cooling or ignition, while respecting the origin, to gain daily reliability.
In terms of use, the 104 ZS supports regular walks very well. She even prefers to ride from time to time rather than sitting still for several months. On the motorway, a reasonable pace allows you to spare the mechanics while still enjoying the journey. On small roads, the car expresses itself fully, especially if the shock absorbers and silent blocks are in good condition. Drivers accustomed to modern electronic aids then rediscover more “physical” driving, but also more involving.
To keep up with model news and find parts or advice, the clubs and forums dedicated to old *Peugeots* represent a valuable resource. There you will find tutorials, addresses from specialists, but also very concrete feedback. Many people share compatible part references, tips for saving a bodywork or the correct carburetor settings. This avoids a lot of trial and error and allows you to progress quickly, even for a beginner.
In summary, well maintained and used intelligently, a 104 ZS remains perfectly capable of holding its place in today's traffic. It requires a little attention, but in return offers a level of pleasure and attachment that few modern cars can match. For many, it is precisely this direct, unfiltered relationship that makes all the magic of this little compact sports car from the 70s.
Is the Peugeot 104 ZS suitable for a first purchase of an old car?
Yes, the Peugeot 104 ZS is well suited for getting started in the world of classic cars, provided you choose a healthy example. Its mechanics remain simple, common parts are still accessible and driving is very affordable. A serious inspection before purchase and a good initial service allow you to enjoy an endearing little sports car without delving into an overly complex project.
What is the main difference between a 104 ZS and a 104 ZS2?
The 104 ZS2 is a rarer, performance-oriented version of the 104 ZS. It benefits from a sharper 1.2 liter engine, a positioning more geared towards sporting use and specific aesthetic elements. The classic ZS remains easier to find and often more accessible, while the ZS2 particularly attracts collectors for its exclusive nature.
Is the consumption of the Peugeot 104 ZS reasonable for an old sports car?
The consumption of the Peugeot 104 ZS is generally around 6 to 7 liters per 100 km in smooth driving, which remains very reasonable for a compact sports car of this generation. Its contained weight and simple mechanics limit excesses, provided you avoid driving constantly at high revs.
What are the weaknesses to watch out for in a Peugeot 104 ZS or ZS2?
The main weaknesses concern corrosion of the body and chassis, as well as wear of the running gear and the braking system. It is important to check the rocker panels, wheel arches, floor, suspension anchors and the condition of the shock absorbers. Once these points have been checked and repaired if necessary, the car is robust and pleasant to use.
Can a Peugeot 104 ZS be used regularly in current traffic?
Yes, a Peugeot 104 ZS in good condition and well maintained can absolutely be used regularly. It is expressed particularly well in peri-urban areas and on secondary roads. In town, its compact format remains an asset, and on the road, its playful chassis provides a lot of pleasure. You just have to respect your limits, plan for regular maintenance and accept more rustic comfort than in a modern car.