Today for some very recent sights - this week in fact. Whilst out and about in Sattahip, we came across these rare workhorses which are in full daily use!
Peugeot 504 Pickup
The first, something I've not seen around for a long time - a Peugeot pickup truck. Probably around 40 years old or more, approximate year 1980. Peugeot being a French brand, this must have been imported at some point. What a fabulous thing it is - fabulously finished in very French mint green paintwork - photos are slightly enhanced to bring this color out.
The bed was long, flat and wide - a really practical looking load carrier. Appeared to being used by a pet shop wholesaler and store, could carry quite a number of boxes and sacks of pet feed or litter I imagine.
Peugeot 504 pickup
Pet store daily driver and work horse
This Peugeot is a very good example of how well these cars were built back in 1970s and 1980s France. They were engineered to be driven on rough roads and across farms, and as such can last a very long time if taken care of. The reputation for durability these and other 504/505 variants had back in the day also made them a best seller in South Africa and Brazil.
The wing mirrors are a giveaway, they've been replaced with some newer pieces that have built in indicators. They look to be from a Japanese pickup truck. They also tell us the car has had a full respray in this color. But is it the same as the original color? I might need to go back and ask when I need to buy some more kitty litter! It could be from another brand, it's surely a nice hue for the car however.
Well, some things just go unnoticed until almost too late. This whole block of shops is painted in the similar shade of green. Definitely no coincidence, it's the owners truck and building and they just like the color green! Some nice subtle self branding.
What a cool choice of classic truck. It's classy, practical and capable, it'll take on many miles - yet oh so humble. So much better for the environment and oh so much more of an investment that going to the showroom and loosing thousands buying or leasing something new. Up-cycle the old like this truck, it's actually very 'green' ... environmentally speaking!
Mazda for Sparky
Next up on this little expedition, what did we see other than this sparky (electrician) working on something at a municipal building. At first it just looks like a cool old truck, then we see around the other side and that it's a working mobile electrician's workshop.
It's a 1980's era Mazda Familia pickup truck, with some period rims (alloy wheels) and it's original 'supercab' configuration, with the large awning attachment to create a van-like space at the rear. A great little workhorse, seems to be in very tidy condition. Great to see stuff like this being used daily!
Mazda Familia pickup 1980s
In full period spec
Nice original awning over the truck bed
Clearly a daily workhorse
Mitsubishi Shogun (Pajero)
Another banging classic from the 80's heyday of Mitsubishi. Named Pajero in these markets or 'Shogun' in Europe, this was a Japanese contender to the Range Rover. In many ways it's an early 4x4 SUV. A very capable machine, which went on to dominate in Paris-Dakar rallies. Here in a very crisp white with all the trimmings and accessories imaginable. It looks like it just rolled off the factory floor! At least 30 years old (1991 at the latest when the gen 2 came out). These came with a powerful 3000cc V6 engine and were made from 1982 - 1991 in this first generation body shape.
Again, apart from maybe a little fuel consumption - this makes for an incredible classic which can handle the daily use with aplomb.
Flashback ... We've landed in 1987
Nice Ralliart mudflaps
I'll leave it to you to pick out the details
Ready to take on the world
Now for a bonus spot ... the looks may divide opinion, it's Thailand's answer to the Hummer and living room rolled into one ... the THAIRUNG.
It's a Thairung, a big box on wheels
4 Leaf Clover
Final one for this round, this time near Pattaya. A daily driver Alfa Romeo 156 with 156 as the number plate. Very red, very Italian. Rather stylish compared to all the usual Japanese metal around. Also, very much a rare sight although you do see a few around. I think they had an import showroom in Thailand for quite a long time.
If Ferrari made compact execs ...
Lovely styling on this 156
Notice the rear door handles hidden in the window frames
It's a wrap
Thanks for reading, and if you enjoyed this content, please do share like comment and so forth. It's been fun making sure I stop now almost whenever I see some cool vehicles. The last few posts went through photographs taken in past years around Bangkok, and today has solely been the past week in Chonburi. Until next time, stay car crazy and build the mancave of your dreams. Preferably with kittens.
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The salon Peugeot 504 is a vintage ride in my own books .
It's the Mistubushi and Mazda for me🥰
Don't really understand about cars but for sure in the past they used to last way longer than now. In this time it is always about getting the newest freshest drop!
Great spots! They have some amazing classics here. Within a couple of miles of me there is are specialist Saab and Citroen garages. They have a stunning Citroen DS Safari parked outside and some slightly later CX, all mint. Theres also what looks like a Mk1 Escort Mexico knocking around I've come across a couple of times.
In your batch, Id have the Alfa as I owned one in the 90s, also in red. Absolutely superb motor but I do also like that 504 pick up.
As for bizarre 'classic's here, the closest I ever cam to getting knocked of my Motorbike was when a mustard Austin Maxi pulled out on me. It was close but the shock came from seeing the immaculate Maxi rather than the close proximity to death lol
Have a good one mate and I'm loving the car posts :-)