Saving Jimmy's 504
Christopher Balfour restored Jimmy Lloyds 504, which Jimmy purchased in Gibralter in June 1972 at a cost of £1,070. Jimmy used it in Algeria for his work with the 'Save the Children' Fund before his death from cancer in 1997
Those alerted to the car through the Peugeotist did not like what they saw. Cars usually fare well in the dry Andorran air where Jimmy lived but the 504 had been standing near the sea front, windows stuck open, ravaged by salt-laden winds.
Back at base, with oils changed and systems checked, the engine seemed in fine fettle, no doubt the beneficiary of the export oil basin air filter. I was impressed by the strong, simple, accessible mechanical layout.
Of course there would be no financial benefit in tackling the car the necessary expenditure would be far more than its market value but there were emotional reasons for proceeding. The car kindled memories of Jimmy and agreeable times.
The car was taken to the workshop; new metal was welded into place in structural areas, and we patched and painted elsewhere.
The next task was to remove quantities of Sahara sand. Window mechanisms, seat sides and hidden corners were clogged with the stuff. It was in and under seats, carpets and underfelt, in and around dash and instruments. There seemed no evidence of brush or vacuum since leaving the desert eighteen years before.
The front Mcpherson struts were secure at their top fixing but the need to replace the steering rack and lower suspension joints, battered by those desert conditions, caused further heart-searching before the purchase of expensive (but at least available) new parts. Brakes have always been effective and are now less noisy after fitting new rear discs. They would benefit from new rear calipers, but these are no longer available from the factory or dealers. After a long search I have found an English company who will renovate the calipers, but this is expensive and will have to wait.
The 504 isnt yet providing the smooth motorway performance described in a contemporary road test: On the great new autoroutes which are free of speed limits(!) we were able to cruise for long stretches at around 100mph with its comparatively high gearing it has a long stride and simply sweeps along with complete directional stability.
The Peugeot suspension soaks up imperfections on bumpy secondary roads. Secure in well-upholstered seats and with a commanding view, the driver can place the car precisely on the road. At moderate speeds theres a fluid response to movement of that tactile thin-rimmed wheel. The accelerator is smooth and progressive. Other controls are extensions of arms and legs.
What were they like when new? This example, with low mileage and the new rack and swivel joints, compares favourably with my Bristol 406 on roads I have known since childhood. The 504 is still working in other parts of the world, but they are likely to have covered many more miles. I encourage those nearer home wanting secure, simple and satisfying transport for a small outlay to seek out remaining European examples.
