Info about Pug 505 in Africa

[sjoholm]

Hey guys,

I am currently writing an article about all the immortal Peugeots in Africa – after spending 2,5 months in Benin in western Africa…

Anyone knows an expert willing to answer a few questions about their status in Africa of today? How did they become so frequent in the first place? Wondering about the production numbers and info about the production outside of France. Modifications on African produced cars etc.

The article is going to be published in one of the biggest classic car magazine in Sweden.

Grateful for all kind of help in this matter, I personally loved both the 404 camionettes, the 504s and all the 505s, they are all a big part of my African experience. Jumping around on the nasty tarmac roads and bumpy dirt roards – overfilled with people, papayas and everything else on earth possible to stuff in a car…

//Gustaf Sjöholm, automotive journalist from Sweden

web. gustafsjoholm.se
mail. [e-mail]
tel. [phone]

[oldpug]

I`m sure that Peugeot`s are the most famous cars in Africa,in the 60`s 70`s & 80`s every other car was a Peugeot.These days its mostly Japanese 4x4`s.The old models are still used today in many African countries,I was in Luxor Egypt where most of the taxi`s are 504 estates.Only last month my mate sold three 505 estates to a chap who shipped then to Nigeria!! and it was there that Peugeot had a factory building 504`s until a few years ago?
I would have thought that Peugeot themselves would be your best contact for detailed history.I`m sure Peugeot Sweden will be able to give you the relevant contacts in France.As for here the only name I can think of is David Spurling who drove a 504 on this years London to Cape Town Rally.His article in our Peugeotist magazine on his exploits across Africa was very interesting.The editor may be able to give you contact info.

[oldpug]

Nothing to do with the OP, BUT? Have you guys noticed that the "attachment" line is missing when replying in the 05 series?? so we can not upload images. All the others are OK,odd?

[miketippett]

I am pretty sure the good reputation of Peugeot in Africa began with the 203, continued with the 403 and hit the pinnacle with the 404, which of course won the East African Safari rally in 1963, finished first in Class D in 1964, finished second to the Singh brothers' Volvo 544 in 1965, and won outright again in 1966, 1967 and 1968.

I think the 505 is basking in the afterglow of the cars that came before it, however it too was a good Peugeot, very tough with a strong suspension.

I have written a report on the 404's EAS exploits, let me know by private message or email if you would like a copy.