Peugeot E27 Pininfarina

The Peugeot E27 was a prototype coupé developed by Pininfarina in 1979 on commission from Automobiles Peugeot. The car was conceived as a potential entry into the North American market and was based on a modified Peugeot 504 chassis. The E27 project aimed to combine Peugeot’s mechanical reliability with a sport-oriented body style adapted to U.S. preferences for personal luxury coupés. Only one prototype was built. The E27 featured a steel monocoque body with exterior styling defined by flat surfaces, a low beltline, and angular volumes. The front section incorporated a wide, rectangular grille flanked by dual headlamp units, with a long bonnet and short rear overhang. A shallow rear window and a nearly horizontal decklid emphasized the fastback proportions. The design was developed at Pininfarina under internal code designation “E27,” and although never officially badged, it was intended to be a Peugeot product. The car’s intended powertrain has been documented as a V6 engine, likely derived from the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2664 cc unit used in the Peugeot 604. Another tested variant reportedly featured a turbocharged 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, but no production engines were officially homologated for the model. Transmission details remain unspecified, although the base chassis allowed for both manual and automatic configurations. The interior was configured as a 2+2 layout, with a low dashboard and integrated center console. While detailed technical specifications and dimensions were never formally published, the E27 had a performance target exceeding 200 km/h. The model was equipped with independent suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels. The E27 project was ultimately discontinued. Peugeot chose not to proceed with the vehicle due to commercial uncertainty and development costs. The sole prototype remained in Pininfarina’s possession and was later photographed and documented in various internal archives. The E27 remains a singular example of Franco-Italian cooperation aimed at the U.S. market during a period of design and engineering experimentation.