Imagine being transported to a high-end car dealership circa 1984. This big Gallic 1981 Peugeot 505 could easily be on the front line offered by your friendly neighborhood used car salesman.
Four decades later, it’s for sale on eBay as a “stunning survivor with OG paint” and practically unchanged.
Durability on Global Roads
How this Peugeot survived 40 years with fewer than 37,000 miles is beyond belief. Then again, the 505 has legendary durability. It was designed to be rugged enough to endure decades of rough roads in the least developed parts of Africa.
Peugeot built more than a million 505s from 1979 to 1992. The 505 was based on the earlier 504, which dated to 1968. The long-travel suspension helped these cars withstand the underdeveloped roads in former French colonies throughout the world. Peugeot enthusiasts love its rugged-yet-supple ride quality that provides excellent road-holding.
Powered by an 80-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, the 505 gives excellent fuel economy for such a roomy sedan. The estimated efficiency is about 36 miles per gallon—although it’s not going to be particularly swift. A five-speed manual puts power to the rear wheels.
The undercarriage looks remarkably good to these eyes who’ve spent too much time in the Salt Belt. There is some surface corrosion on some of the suspension links, but nothing significant or terminal.
A Mix of French and Italian Styling
The Pininfarina styling of the Peugeot 505 remained fresh for four decades. The sheet metal blends Italian and French influences to give the car plenty of chic. But many aficionados believe the US-market version for sale on eBay has less attractive headlamps than the flush lights seen in the rest of the world. The four round lamps are not to everyone’s taste.
The blue velour seats look to be nearly new. Typically, with a car of this age, the driver’s seat’s outer bolster would be broken down from years of legs swinging across to get in or out of the car. There’s nothing like that here. The only real sign of wear is on the steering wheel, where an older steering wheel cover seems to be hiding a worn plastic wheel.
This example is nicely preserved and has a long life ahead. However, preventative maintenance would probably be a good idea before venturing out on a long highway drive. Beyond that, a good detailing with cleaners and waxes from eBay Motors would let this car shine at Cars & Coffee. The black plastic bumpers and trim need some brightening, especially as they became a little chalky with age.
Peugeot, Adieu
It’s a shame Peugeot left the US market 30 years ago. But American consumers turned away from the French marque when the 505 started growing long in the tooth. The saloon remained mostly unchanged from the Carter administration to the brand’s departure in 1991.
New luxury competition from Japanese marques and the usual German suspects conspired with the lack of updated products to drive Peugeot from these shores.
The absence of new Peugeots from America doesn’t erase the 505’s good looks and well-earned reputation for incredible ride quality. So, if you’re looking for an uncommon European classic that will take you on a serene interstate journey for hundreds or thousands of miles, the 1981 Peugeot 505 on eBay is worth a look.
