In 1982, when Peugeot wanted to conquer the USA and put its second foot there after the Peugeot taxi episode that you can see by clicking here.
Intended to complete the Peugeot range and conquer the market across the Atlantic, the first attempt was the 504 Coupé designed by the Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina (as per tradition). It was to be powered by a 121 horsepower V6 injection block or a 165 horsepower 2.2-litre turbocharged engine. In 1979, a first prototype exceeded the 205 km/h mark. The 504 Coupé Sport USA was to be marketed in March 1982, but "Peugeot's financial difficulties and the excessive risk involved in the US market led to the abandonment of the E27 project".
Second attempt, in 1983, the company Cars & Concept, on a specification from Peugeot Motors of America, therefore produced two unique prototypes, a coupe and a convertible (more in line with American habits), based on the venerable 505 and therefore the designs were signed Pininfarina. From 1983, negotiations were conducted in this direction, in order to produce 4000 per year. Unfortunately, as for the 504 Coupé, between the failure of the negotiations with AMC, the takeover of a Chrysler Europe which emptied the coffers, the oil crisis of 79 which overturned the market and finally a Lee Iaccoca (an American businessman, mainly known for having managed Ford Motor Company from 1970 to 1978 then Chrysler from 1978 to 1992) who did not keep his promises of cooperation, Peugeot did not have the financial strength to allow itself to take risks on a market that it did not know well enough. Internally, the disappointment will be great. There will be no exotic version of the 505. Thus, these two cars developed on the basis of the 505 (2.0 L, 97 hp for the convertible and 2.2L Turbo, 150 hp for the coupe) with a slightly shortened wheelbase and a rear line that is reminiscent of a certain BMW 6 series coupe! will not compete on American lands (nor elsewhere). the Japanese Fairlady Z, no less.
And finally, a little later, it will be the turn of the Peugeot 405 to offer its Coupé version, the last attempt by Peugeot, which will also not be transformed. It is on the basis of the Peugeot 405 MI16 that Heuliez begins his studies for a two-door version of the sedan. A rolling model is presented to the management of the Franche-Comté brand. The two sides of the car are asymmetrical in order to offer two different versions, one of which is less expensive. The car is then exhibited on the coachbuilder's stand at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1988. Like the predecessors 505 coupés and convertibles intended for the North American market, the 405 USA coupé will remain unique and will never be mass-produced.
All of these concepts will then be taken to the Aventure Peugeot museum in Sochaux (France) where they still are. Too bad because we would have preferred to see them on the roads.
For fun, a TV ad for the Peugeot 505 in the U.S.A. that shows the aggressiveness and desire of the time to conquer the American market.
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