–By Colin McFadden– I’ve got a confession to make: I never really “got” pickup trucks. Sure, they’re handy for hauling mulch or making a dump run, but beyond that? I didn’t see the appeal. That is, until a 1986 Mitsubishi Mighty Max / Dodge Ram 50 (affectionately named Gem) found its way into our life. Now, I’m fully converted to truck life. Windows down, cassette tape playing in the genuine Delco head unit—what could be better?
Weird Japanese trucks from the 1980s are undeniably cool. But you know what’s even cooler? Weird French pickup trucks from the 1980s. This month, I bring you one of the best: the Peugeot 504 pickup.
I spotted this example on Reunion Island, an island made of interesting trivia, situated about 600 kilometers east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Because Reunion is a department of France, getting there involves the longest domestic flight in the world (from Paris). It’s also the furthest east you can go in the European Union. Fans of the Grand Tour might remember it from the start of the Madagascar episode.
This particular 504 pickup is in stunning condition—either it’s lived an easy life or someone has given it a full restoration. The pickup version accounted for about 10% of the total 504 production, which saw around 3.5 million units built across sedans, coupes, convertibles, and workhorse trucks. With production spanning multiple countries—especially in the Middle East and Africa—the 504 was a rugged, go-anywhere machine. Like most hardworking trucks, though, they tended to be used up, making well-preserved examples a rare sight. I’d love to know if any are hiding in Minnesota—there’s never been a 504 pickup auctioned on Bring a Trailer.
Now, we’ve already established that a weird French pickup truck is about as cool as it gets. But, what if I told you that there was an even cooler version of the 504? Allow me to introduce the Group B 504 Rally Pickup. You’ve got to love the French.