What an idyllic and ideal CC-setting this is. At first, I didn’t see anyone nearby the location, but the owner did spot me, when I was taking pictures of his rolling material. He obviously wasn’t too happy about that. But the air cleared in no time, after I explained what it was all about.
Around an hour and a half later I left, thanking the man for the photo-shoot and all the information and stories I got, almost too much to digest. Well that was a Monday afternoon well spent, for sure.
Now then, let’s start with this fine-Pininfarina-design (and hello Alfa Romeo 164 and Peugeot 605). The mighty successful Peugeot 405, introduced in 1987.
To this day, more than 5.1 million of them have been produced. As a matter of fact, Azermash Khazar in Azerbaijan still builds the 405, marketed as the Peugeot Khazar 406. Truly amazing!
The 1988 Peugeot has a valid APK on it, that’s our legally required, official safety and technical inspection.
Recently, the owner has pulled the 1,580 cc, XU5 2C gasoline engine to give it a major overhaul (hence the car’s odd stance); the XU5 2C is a 92 DIN-hp, SOHC 8v four-cylinder with a two-barrel carb.
Over to the Van Doorne brothers with a 1970 DAF 4×2 flatbed truck.
This series of trucks and tractors was introduced in 1959, with an update in 1964, yet they were merely an evolution of the DAF cabovers as offered throughout the fifties.
The sturdy old truck had its last ride around three years ago. The owner/operator told me the DAF is rated at a GVM of 13 metric tons (28,660 lbs) and that it’s powered by a 5.75 liter, naturally aspirated inline-six diesel engine.
All things combined, I’d say this is an A1600 DD-360. The letters DD refer to the DD 575 engine (DAF’s version of the Leyland O.350), 360 is the wheelbase in cm. Short wheelbase, short rear overhang: a typical chassis for a dump bed or concrete mixer unit.
No worries, the batteries are stored in a safe place. Once installed, 24V for starting, 12V when rolling down the road. The truck began its working life as a container carrier, with a winch behind the cab.
Nicknamed the Frog DAF, many of these survived thanks to their excellent build quality, ruggedness and simplicity. Large numbers have been restored over the past decades, but finding one in its original condition is more satisfying.
I practically grew up in a cab like this, back in the early seventies. On Saturdays and during school holidays, anyway.
A DAF type 1635 drive axle with the optional two-speed differential, rated at an axle load of 8,000 kg (17,637 lbs).
There’s the gear stick for the five-speed transmission with the differential high/low splitter switch.
Exactly how I remember it, there’s not much that can go kaput(t) in here. A perfect indoor playground it was.
A short ride in an as new 1964 DAF V1600 DD (V for 4×4 chassis). I vividly remember that relaxing, de-stressing idling sound of the engine.
Parked somewhat further down the levee’s side road, this MIAG forklift. I must admit I had never heard of the company before. Currently it’s known as MIAG Fahrzeugbau GmbH from Braunschweig, Germany. According to MIAG’s website, the company’s history can be traced back to 1846.
There was much more CC-worthy material in the background to explore. No road or sidewalk though. Too bad.
Related articles:
Curbside Classic: 1988 Peugeot 405 S – Rare Then, Rarer Now by Tom Klockau
Curbside Classic: 1991 Peugeot 405 Mi16 – Orphaned at Birth by The Professor
Museum Classics: DAF Museum Eindhoven, Part One – The Trucks by JD
I was a fan of the 405 when it was available over here, especially the 405 Mi16, it had the look that appealed to me, looking back, it seems more modern than a 1987 release would suggest, perhaps due to the longevity of the shape. The wagon was interesting too, perfection may have been a combination of the two which was not offered. Not that I ever bought or as far as I can recall even drove one, but for quite some years 405s were seen occasionally, but not commonly. Lately though it’s been quite a while since I’ve seen one.
I haven’t seen a 405 in ages. They all seemed to disappear pretty quickly. There’s still some 505s around in regular or semi-regular use, but the 405 never really got a proper toe hold in the US.
Love that old DAF.
Theres still a remarkable number of 405s still on the road in NZ the diesels are almost unkillable providing the cambelt is changed at the right intervals and used values for them seem to be going up especially the 16valve engine model, great riding and handling cars.
That is one very good looking Frog DAF. Having retired only three years ago is testimony to the owner taking such good care of it. I can’t remember if they salt during the winters in your neck of the woods but even if they don’t that truck a near perfect patina.
They salt during winters, but as a rule, the winters are mild. Usually, much more regular rain than freezing rain (or snow, for that matter). Last winter was an exception to the rule.
I can’t recall the last time I saw a 405. There are a handful of 505s that are still roaming around my neighborhood, but it’s been at least a decade since I’ve seen a 405. Too bad, since I liked them… in theory, at least. It seems that here in the US, the high-end Mi16 accounted for at least half of the 405’s sales, so seeing a non-sport version like this would really be a treat.
Never knew about the Azerbaijani production before — definitely learned something new with that one.
I enjoyed the DAF truck
I was a fan of the 405, but I liked its successor (the 406 below) a wee bit more. All 06-gen Peugeots were cool and sold really well. The 07’s…not so good looking, and that’s an understatement. Things picked up again with the 08’s.
Haven’t seen a 405 in a a long time. I used to be a gray 505 wagon around here, but I haven’t seen it in several years.
Last time I saw it it was painted flat black.
Of the various makers with whom Pinin – er – shared this design, it’s arguable it’s the 405 which is the best. But I have to say, they’re no old-style Pug for driving superiority. They’re competent. Slightly better seats, ride, steering than other makes. Very decent handling, and a much stiffer in the body in the Mk2 (with the later dash than this one), after that 1st body had got a fair workover to do just that (I’ve driven both). To be fair, they were all-round classier dynamically than any mid-size Japanese model of their times, but the gap was closing, especially as Japanese petrol engines were already a lot better. Still, can’t dislike them, and this one here’s a genuine oldie now.
As for that DAF, well, pass me the smelling salts! It’s just wonderful.
And I’m glad your contact with the owner got nice quickly, Mr Dutch, even if I have a sneaking suspicion you ended up getting even more information than was entirely needed and minus an hour of your day…
The owner lives on the water (see background), a born inland vessel and shipyard man, with all the knowledge and skills that come with said territory.
To him, pulling an engine from a lil’ Peugeot and rebuilding it, is small beer.