(Find the DCT Peugeot 505 on AliExpress here and click here to search the Ebay listings)
For all of the horror stories and internet memes, I’m still grateful for AliExpress. That’s because it’s opening the door to the mass of diecast vehicles and brands coming out of China. Some, like the godawful, retina destroying wide-arched Volkswagen T1 vans from Time Micro, are total misfires that have me reaching for the sick bag rather than my wallet. But others like the Mortal Mercedes S124 and Bugatti Veyron, the GFCC Mercedes 300SL and GCD’s Lexus and Nissan off roaders have really impressed me. If you’re prepared to look past established diecast names and accept the fact many of the brands you’ll find are unlicensed, then there’s ample opportunity to add variety to your collection by browsing 1/64 listings on Ali. And this would be a good place to start: DCT’s Peugeot 505 Wagon.
The Peugeot 505 itself was introduced in 1979 with the estate “Break” and “Familiale” versions arriving in 1982. Styled by Pininfarina, the 505 was in my opinion a very pretty car. And it handled well too; motoring journalists of the era praised the ride and handling characteristics and noted it proved (like many Peugeots at the time) very capable on rough roads, a characteristic that made it popular in less developed countries. Engine choices were a glut of 4-cylinder diesel and petrols with the legendary GTi range topping model powered by the 2.8 litre “PRV” V6.
Production of the 505 was licensed to various factories across the globe in countries as far afield as Australia, Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt, Portugal, Thailand and Nigeria amongst others. One of these countries was China, with local subsidiary Guangzhou Peugeot producing the 505 all the way through until 1997! By the end of Chinese production Peugeot had sold over 1.5 million globally.
The 505 range received a facelift in 1986 and DCT’s model replicates a post-facelift wagon in “Familiale” guise. The Familiale wagons came equipped with a third row of bench seats, turning the 505 into an 8-seater! Needless to say it was a model that proved very popular with larger families and taxi drivers.
The model is very decent quality. There’s good paint, clear head and tail lights and a lightly detailed interior is visible through the windows.
There’s also accurately detailed wheels that roll beautifully, shod with treaded rubber affixed to functioning suspension (though the front has more travel than the back) and the whole thing sits snug inside a plastic display box.
And then there’s the clincher: it cost me £8 including shipping from AliExpress. For a model this good that is incredible value for money.
For French and European car fans or collectors of more unique and different vehicles this is a no brainer. For those not entirely convinced I’d say go and have 10 minutes with the 1/64 listings on AliExpress. I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you. Let me know how you get on.
Instagram: @alex_the_hoarder
Facebook: facebook.com/alexthehoarder
Reddit: u/alexthehoarder
Twitter: @AlexTheHoarder
Leave a Reply