As discussed here previously, the 405 was Peugeot’s final gasp attempt at remaining in the North American market. Even the less observant among us will know that Peugeot North America kicked the bucket here in 1992, though there are still not-uncommon sightings of Peugeots, and rumors that of plans to return to the continent. However, it doesn’t seem that there is the active fan base enjoyed by other departed brands (such as Alfa Romeo), so it doesn’t provoke as much of a racket each time those rumors surface. All that said, the 405 was one of their last Pininfarina styled cars, and there’s an opportunity out there for you to have two versions of one of the better-looking early 1990s family cars out there – check out this 1990 Peugeot 405 wagon and 1991 Peugeot 405 sedan for sale for $1600 for the pair in Washougal, WA.
Okay, so they’re two beige 1990s family cars, one with an automatic. Who wants that? Well, there’s more – both have a blow head gasket. Which begs the question – what do you do with these? Go full oddball and make yourself a 5-speed 405 wagon? Preserve the breed and repair the head gasket on both? It sounds like the sedan’s head is repaired and ready to install, but it’s been off for a couple years, so you may have to do more than just bolt it on. The lower fron tbumper on the sedan is also damaged, so you’ll have to figure out a creative solution for that one since you won’t find it in just any Pick ‘n’ Pull yard.
Though the sedan is easily the more attractive car with its mini-164 styling, the wagon is reasonably well-done and probably quite practical with its vertical rear window. What is visible in the pictures does look to be in good, straight condition, and the wagon even has alloy wheels. Plates on the wagon give hope that you’ll be able to re-register it without too much trouble, while you may have to go through some pain with the sedan – perhaps that’s what stopped the seller in his tracks. Or perhaps it’s the smashed Saab 9000 turbo he has listed as well, or the Citroen GS project he offers in the Peugeot listing.
The interior really looks quite decent for a car with 166,000 miles. Some leather rejuvenator might be all you need, plus a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean out the nooks and crannies. Evidently there’s a store in Portland that carries the parts to put the head back in place and do the timing belt while you’re in there. Peugeot parts are available in North America, but there doesn’t seem to be as large an enthusiast community as other orphan brands enjoy – if you know otherwise, please speak up!
This is presumably the wagon’s engine, which looks to be complete – that also squares with the statement that the wagon runs in spite of its blown head gasket. As it happens, this sweet pair is not too far from the new RustyButTrusty world headquarters. Post in the comments if you’re looking for a local car nut to check these out!
Rusty But Trusty 
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