PEUGEOT J7 FOOD TRUCK
If you are looking for a retro, stand-out food truck, then the Peugeot J7 food truck is the perfect option for you. When you drive around town in one of these you are sure to turn some heads and get some interest from new customers!
PEUGEOT J7S SHOW FRENCH FOOD TRUCKS COME IN MORE SHAPES THAN ONE
Quite possibly what led you to this page is the well known iconic Citroen HY – boxy, corrugated, and somehow uniquely lovable as a brand statement for high-end food trucks. Yet more than one truck type was made in France – would you believe it? Many of the same period vans have some of that French flair, style, and elegance, and one such excellent example of this is the Peugeot J7.
If you are in the market for an elegant, classic French food truck, want to stand out from the fleet of step vans at the food truck park, and be slightly more price conscious than the Citroen HY allows, the tiny Lion d’Or (French for Golden Lion, as Peugeot refers to itself) will get you there.
There’s no bad reason why the Peugeot J7 is cheaper than the Citroen HY – there are simply more still available. Peugeot J7s were in production from 1965 up to 1980 with a substantial number rolling off the assembly line, making it easier for us to source them in a better condition than many other classics. Furthermore, with classic car restoration being a substantial part of the investment of getting a retro food truck, this lowers the total conversion cost.
A Peugeot J7 makes for the perfect vintage, high-end catering experience, with the size and appearance lending it a certain irresistible appeal for wedding and event rentals that almost guarantee you a fully booked summer. Sure, clearly size constraints will play a part in your offering as a standard Peugeot J7 clocks in at just over 15 and a half feet including the drivers cabin. However, creative entrepreneurs should be undeterred, as plenty of food truck operators run a profitable business on this truck.
RETRO CATERING VAN - WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PEUGEOT OPTIONS?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Expert restoration of your soon-to-be retro food truck is done in Europe by a team with years of experience.
While normally a classic car restoration can only be priced out by a company once a van is in the shop, with enough experience and a steady stream of J7’s, we are confident in our quote once we make it. Our quoted budget is the final price paid.
The work that happens in Europe is:
- Sourcing. You wouldn’t find a Peugeot J7 in the USA, Canada or UK, would you? So the base vehicle is always sourced from continental Europe.
- Restoration. Vintage trucks come in all conditions, but are typically worse for wear. The old bodywork will have to be restored, meaning we go through the long process of sanding it down, sandblasting, repair-welding, and making replacement panels either from steel or fiberglass.
- Engine and mechanical work. If you want to keep the vintage engine, it is a must to have it restored in Europe as there are virtually no replacement or spare parts for these classics in the USA.
From the very beginning, our design team will be involved in making sure the final build is fully up to code in your local area.
We do this by employing US-based designers and by following a thorough process. If your county has an approval process for food trucks and trailers, we always submit the plans before construction.
As it usually takes a while to get the classic restoration part of the retro food truck build done, the timing works out and you’ll have sign off from the appropriate authorities on your build long before it is completed.
OUR ATLANTA GA WORKSHOP
To ensure the design matches the build, we have our own workshop in Atlanta, GA, where your classic European retro food truck will be fitted out with electric wiring, plumbing, and gas piping that is up to your local state and county code. All equipment is NSF certified.
Additionally, the final touches are done in Atlanta, such as the vinyl wrap, decal, and detailing of the food truck.
WHAT'S INSIDE A PEUGEOT J7?
Originally the Peugeot J7 came with the choice of a small 4-stroke gas engine (1468cc) or a larger (1816cc) diesel engine. Later engines were more powerful, going up to as much as 2300cc for the last diesels that came off the production line.
Whether you’ll be ok with a revision of the original or if it needs to be replaced, depends on your specific situation. A moderate daily trip in California or Florida will be just fine, as will operating as an ice cream truck during the summer months anywhere else. While the truck is very reliable in the general sense, it is good to keep in mind it is a classic car and if you are doing catering, events, or festivals, it might be a good idea to trailer the J7.
Another important point to keep in mind is that the Peugeot J7 is a stick shift, and not a modern stick shift either, but a French classic one that will take you some time to master if all you are used to is a modern automatic.
Karpatia offers both engine conversions and transmission changes or replacements. This is a custom process that has to be done in the USA in order to comply with DOT regulations and customs / US CBP.
THE CASE FOR A PEUGEOT J7 FOOD TRUCK
While the Citroen has some recognition, a Peugeot J7 is virtually unknown outside of France and certainly a unique love on first sight experience for many.
That will be true both at the food truck park or operating your concession drawing in the passersby, but also on your website or Instagram where the unique truck will have people inquire about booking you for catering or an event.
A Peugeot J7 also makes good business sense as well restored classics go up in value, not down. While there will be some wear and tear over the years as you operate the food truck, in the base of it you have a very stable asset.
Peugeots are relatively economical in use, take up little space, are easy on the maintenance, and have good fuel economy.
PEUGEOT J7 CAMPER VAN
A SMALL FOOTPRINT
If a bed and some coffee are all you need, the Peugeot J7 makes for a very cool, retro camper van for you, your partner, friends, pets, and more.
Not too practical for a full time van-life existence with the limited space available or half century old engine, a Peugeot J7 camper might nevertheless be a fun little car to take out on weekend trips, beach trips, or to add to the menagerie of your Airbnb rentals on a campsite.
extra services
pre-configured
It might be your first Peugeot J7 food truck, but it’s not ours. From coffee units to camper vans, we have a basic plan to get you rolling quicker.
financing
No cash, no problem! Get pre-qualified by our finance partners or see if we can negotiate a more affordable loan option through our factory financing. If you can put up a deposit or trade in your old model, we can work together.
Financing is possible for both new and used models.
website included
Learn More →Starting a new business or doing a major upgrade?
We include our deluxe Food Truck Website package with any purchase of a food truck, allowing you to shine as brightly online as offline. Learn more about our website package by clicking below!
For more information about Peugeot J7 food trucks or to request a free quote, call us anytime at 404-999-1864 or fill out the form on our contact page.
IS A PEUGEOT J7 THE RIGHT
FOOD TRUCK FOR YOU?
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