French auctioneers, Aguttes, recently presented a rare and rather sought-after vehicle for sale at the Peugeot Citroën DS Adventure sale, taking place on the 17th and 18th and 19th of September at the Citroën Conservatory. The 1985 Peugeot 505 Pick-up Double Cabine by Gruau bears an interesting story, one that starts in 1984 at the birthplace of many an interesting story, the Paris Motor Show.
The concept was, at the time, revolutionary – a vehicle which could carry both equipment and people at the same time, with the people being housed in a four-dour cabin and the equipment in a load bed behind the cabin. In 2021, we have a name for this, it’s called a double cab bakkie. In 1984 however this with state-of-the-art and the ability to transport 5 in comfort along with 675 kg of ‘stuff’ really appealed.
Based on the 505 station wagon, the Pickup underwent an extensive alterations to its bodywork, removing metal sheetwork from the rear and then integrating a small window between the load bay and cabin, perfect for “the loading to be controlled.”
The idea was that the Peugeot 505 Pick-up would also benefit from VAT exemption as a “commercial vehicle” however the homologation of the alterations did not work out and as a result, the project was abandoned. The six vehicles that had already undergone conversion were then registered as station wagons and sold.
The particular vehicle on offer was sold in February 1985 in the Rhône of France, bearing its Gruau body number Crapa- 011. Having undergone an extensive restoration over the past three months, this Pick-Up now presents in exceptional condition.
Along with full corrosion treatment where necessary, the body has undergone a complete respray with the original blue and red stripes having been added as per the Paris Motor Show show car. The upholstery and door cards have also been completely restored, as has the 2,5-litre diesel motor. Finishing off the package is the original optional one-piece moulded polyester hard top (standard was a tarpaulin mounted on removable hoops) aluminium rims and double-optic headlights.
Estimates are that this exceptionally rare and interesting Peugeot 505 Pick-up Double Cabine by Gruau, lot 128, will fetch between €20 000 (R344 575) and €30 000 (R515 290) when it goes under the hammer.
