Unearthing the Peugeot 505: A Love Story in Print
Well now, gather ’round, car enthusiasts and lovers of all things French! Hold onto your berets because we’re diving into the somewhat quizzical world of Peugeot obsession. That’s right, Jean Marc Gay, our fearless author from Fontcouvertois, has rolled out yet another love letter—this time dedicated to the Peugeot 505. Who knew Peugeots had such a cult following? I mean, it’s not exactly the Fast and Furious franchise, is it?
Now, Gay’s previous five volumes must have popped the hood on some captivating Peugeot trivia, but in his latest masterpiece, he’s determined to shift gears. He’s focusing his attention on the 505, which he insists is tragically overlooked. Poor 505—it’s like the middle sibling at a family reunion, forever compared to its more popular and beloved predecessor, the 504. Think of it as the Avocado of Peugeots—acquired taste, but just waiting for its moment to shine.
The In’s and Out’s of this French Classic
Teaming up with Stéphane Jolly, Gay’s book, aptly titled “Peugeot 505, the little-known beauty of Franche-Comté”, spans a whopping 172 pages. It’s a beast of a book that covers everything from its birth to how it strutted its stuff on foreign roads. They’ve delved into the car’s competitors, revealing the highs and lows of the automotive landscape since the glamorous ’80s. Oh, the drama!
Ah yes, the Peugeot brothers—those visionary masterminds—attempted to woo road aficionados with high-end models. After its flashy debut in 1979, the 505 took the stage in 1985. It was like the cool cousin that everyone wanted to hang out with, especially in Argentina, where it outshone even the 504 in sales. However, in the sprawling metropolis of the United States, our friend the 505 made quite the impression, snagging taxi contracts thanks to its frugal fuel consumption. At only 9 liters per 100 kilometers, it was a gas saver—quite literally. But, alas, one must pay to play. Spare parts were as elusive as a good cup of tea in Paris, and repairs? Let’s just say, if you had to ask, you probably couldn’t afford it.
Legends and Legacies
But wait, there’s more! The Peugeot 505 didn’t just take over the roads; it made a sprint onto the silver screen. Yes, you heard that right! The dapper Jean-Paul Belmondo made the 505 the star of the show. This fabled automobile even found its niche in the world of ambulances—because nothing screams “emergency” quite like zipping off in a stylish French estate car.
As the story of the 505 unfolds, we meet racing legend Jean-Pierre Beltoise, who was apparently its biggest cheerleader. He flaunted it like a trophy on race tracks from Hockenheim to Montlhéry, proving that the 505 had what it takes to compete with the best. And let’s not forget that this treasure trove of automotive history comes complete with a foreword by Julien Beltoise. I mean, can you even? The authors throw in a wealth of technical details and an abundance of photos guaranteed to make any car lover weak at the knees.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re aching to learn about the underappreciated gem that is the Peugeot 505, or if you simply want to impress your next date with your obscure knowledge of French automobiles, Jean Marc Gay’s latest book might just be your ticket. It was unveiled in Sochaux at the celebrated Peugeot adventure museum during the Heritage Days. An event that, let’s be honest, was probably everything you ever hoped it would be—unless you’re more into souped-up Teslas, of course. In that case, good luck!
And remember, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just slightly curious, a little Peugeot love goes a long way—just don’t confuse it with a Renault, or you might find yourself in hot water!
Fontcouvertois author Jean Marc Gay has already shared his passion for Peugeots through five volumes.
Former president of the‘Amicale of old vehicles in La Rochelles, he focused for his latest work on another adventure of the Sochalian factories: the Peugeot 505, according to him, it is too little known to the general public because it is less popular than the 504.
“Peugeot 505, the little-known beauty of Franche-Comté” is a 172-page book written in collaboration with Stéphane Jolly. The two authors make a point of treating the evolution of this car from its creation, to its marketing, its opening to foreign markets, its rivals, recounting the economic and social context since the 1980s.
Visionaries, the Peugeot brothers tried the high-end models After a presentation in 1979, the new generation 505 arrived in 1985. The model will be marketed in Argentina, it will be the most sold since the 504. In the United States, the call for tenders for taxis is selected for its advantages because the 505 only consumes 9 liters per 100 which is little by comparison. compared to Chevrolets and Fords. Only one downside, a lack of spare parts and expensive repairs.
Led by Bébel
Hour of glory of the Peugeot 505 with Jean-Paul Belmondo in the cinema.
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The French market uses it for ambulances. For the loop to be complete, it lacks participation on the circuits. The industrial adventure will be played out on the improvement of performance. The driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise was an ardent promoter of the 505 in competition, he shone on the circuits of Hockenheim, Dijon, Montlhéry.
The 505 even starred in the cinema, driven by Jean-Paul Belmondo. Jean Marc Gay’s book is prefaced by Julien Beltoise, director of the Genétouze automobile circuit. The work, very documented in technical details, is full of numerous photos. It was presented by Jean-Marc Gay in Sochaux, at the Peugeot adventure museum, this September 21 during Heritage Days.
