Food trucks are nothing new. History tells us that as far back as the late 1800s, Texan cowhands were sustained on the wide open pastures for months at a time, thanks to vehicles like a sturdy old United States Army Wagon that was stocked with food, medical supplies, and kitchenware. Later on, this concept morphed into ice cream trucks, as well as burgers and fast food sold on rolling kitchens.
As customers became more sophisticated, however, so did the food truck offerings. Gourmet dishes were soon being offered on the menu. But arguably the most upper-lipped of them all has got to be a custom food truck created by Peugeot’s Design Lab for Masion Gillardeau. Taking its cue from the new Peugeot Expert, the Bistrot du Lion, christened La Marcelle, after Gillardeau’s own daughter, has been created as a travelling oyster bar.
From the outside, the Expert still ticks the tape at 4.96m long and 1.9m tall—making it compact enough to fit most parking space, including underground lots. What sets this one apart from others is how Design Lab designers made the most of the 5.8 cu. m. inner space. They ingeniously put in amenities like a fridge, sink, water heater, storage space, and a fold-out bar.
That last item is what makes La Marcelle special. The fold-out bar easily slides out from the rear of the Expert and allows the Oyster Shucker to stand closer to his customers. This makes the whole experience a lot more personal as diners can see their oysters being prepared right before them, just as they would in a sushi bar.
La Marcelle has been approved by no less than company co-founder Veronique Gillardeau. It is currently on display in the town of Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, on the island of Oleron in France.
