The Peugeot 405: Iran’s Beloved Tuner Car with a Unique Stance
In Iran, the Peugeot 405 has become a symbol of local car culture, particularly among tuners who modify these vehicles with a distinctive raised rear. Originally produced in 1987, the car has captured the hearts of Iranians, showcasing a unique blend of style and tuning that stems from both aesthetics and historical necessity. Despite barriers in global visibility, enthusiasts like Shayan illustrate an extensive and passionate community that thrives on the Peugeot 405’s legacy.
When it comes to car cultures, each nation has its own peculiar tastes and trends. While Americans gravitate towards muscle cars, Iranians have embraced a unique love affair with the Peugeot 405. It’s an intriguing subculture that, unlike any other, features raised rear ends of these vehicles. This fixation, while curious to outsiders, has deeper roots that tie back to practicality and a mix of modding styles.
Initially produced in France in 1987, the Peugeot 405 made its way to Iran in 1992 with local manufacturing under Iran Khodro. As of 2023, the car, now known as Peugeot PARS, is nearly identical to its older models, albeit with updated mechanics and aesthetics borrowed from later Peugeot designs. However, the days of production ended last year due to increasing competition from newer Chinese vehicles.
Over 32 years, the Peugeot 405 has found its way into countless Iranian homes, becoming a staple in the nation’s automotive scene. With such numbers, you find a myriad of tuning options, particularly among modders who proudly showcase their customized rides on social media. Valuable insights into the local car culture were shared with me by Shayan, an Iranian enthusiast who provided a glimpse into the scene that is often overlooked.
Shayan noted the Peugeot 405’s enduring popularity among young and middle-aged folks alike—even decades after its debut. The GLX trim reigns supreme due to its aesthetic and mechanical appeal, featuring some of the most sought-after engines like the XU9 and XU7 L3. He shared, “It’s a very beautiful version of the 405 that was produced in Iran…” it’s a hot favorite for modifications.
For those unfamiliar, the XU7 L3 engine is a modestly powered 1.8-liter inline-four that generates 100 horsepower. Even though the output isn’t remarkable, Iranian tuners have found ways to enhance performance through various modifications—upgrading intake systems and exhausts for noticeable gains. More extreme modifications can turn these cars into true beasts, with Shayan mentioning a tuned example that produces an impressive 700 hp.
Among the enthusiast community, the later Pars ELX, which carries a slightly more powerful 1.9-liter XUM engine, is also getting attention. This engine offers a bit more power at 105 horsepower, with easy aftermarket upgrades. Interestingly, it’s common to see these models pushed beyond their factory specs, with many reaching speeds of 161 mph, specifically citing Shayan’s excitement on the matter.
The unique phenomenon of raising a car’s rear end sets Iranian tuners apart from trends predominantly seen in places like Japan or America, where cars are often lowered. There’s a reason behind this, as Shayan explained, saying that it’s somewhat rooted in smuggling. “…to prevent the rear of the car from hitting the ground…,” he said, “[they] raise the rear…” This practical approach turned into what’s now a stylistic norm among car enthusiasts in Iran.
Practicality aside, many owners incorporate air suspension to achieve this eye-catching rear-height stance. This allows them to adjust the car’s height for aesthetics while ensuring it’s at a normal level when driving. One cool aspect is that some enthusiasts flip the look based on mood or occasion, swapping between raised and standard stances frequently.
It’s not uncommon to see a variety of Peugeot 405 builds at car meets across Iran. Regular modifications often include pod filters and custom stereos, yet many remain visually conservative, akin to a fleet of unassuming taxis. “We call these [modified] vehicles fighter jets,” Shayan remarked, highlighting the love and pride behind these builds.
Iran’s automotive culture is vibrant and peculiar, particularly highlighted by the Peugeot 405’s popularity as a tuner car. The raised rear ends and custom modifications reflect a unique blend of practicality and stylistic expression, stemming from historical factors within the region. With a rich, unseen community of enthusiasts passionately documenting their rides, it’s clear they share the same love for performance and innovation, echoing sentiments felt worldwide among car lovers. The Peugeot 405’s tale in Iran is a powerful reminder that car culture transcends borders and political barriers.
Original Source: www.theautopian.com
