1967 - 2005

Paykan
  • Body type:  All types
  • Country of origin:  Iran
  • Built in:  Iran

The Paykan, an iconic Iranian car brand, offers a rich history intertwined with the country’s automotive evolution. Born in 1967 from the ambitions of Mahmoud Khayami, the Paykan was the fruit of a collaboration between the newly formed Iran National (later Iran Khodro) and the UK’s Rootes Group. The Paykan, which means “Arrow” in Persian, was a licensed build of the Rootes Arrow (known globally as the Hillman Hunter). Its launch marked a significant step toward fulfilling Iran’s vision of an indigenous automobile industry.

Over the decades, the Paykan became a symbol of national pride and was ubiquitous on Iranian roads, dominating the domestic car market due to its affordability and simplicity. The production spanned from its inception in 1967 until 2005 for sedans and 2015 for pickups, transitioning through various models and updates which were crucial in maintaining its relevance in the market.

However, the cessation of Paykan’s production did not mark the end of its legacy. Iran Khodro attempted to introduce modern successors like the Samand, often referred to as the “New Paykan,” though it never quite captured the original’s iconic status. The original Paykan’s engine production tooling, under license from Peugeot, eventually moved to Iran, marking the end of an era when the last Paykan rolled off the production line in 2005.

Today, despite the challenges faced by the Iranian automotive industry, including international sanctions and economic pressures, the Paykan remains a nostalgic emblem of Iran’s automotive history, celebrated for its role in mobilizing a nation and its enduring presence in Iranian culture.



Main image via: By <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/65344061@N06">Andrew Bone</a> from Weymouth, England – <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreboeni/8688702841/">Paykan Hillman Hunter</a>, CC BY 2.0, Link


Logo via: By <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/65344061@N06">Andrew Bone</a> from Weymouth, England – <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreboeni/8688702841/">Paykan Hillman Hunter</a>, CC BY 2.0, Link

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