Allan Greenfield
Specialist
LOT 163
1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 VIN. VF3741R76E5100127
Sold for US$368,000 inc. premium
Lot 163
One of just 200 examples produced
1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16
1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16
1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16
VIN. VF3741R76E5100127
VIN. VF3741R76E5100127
1,775cc DOHC 16V Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch K-Jet Fuel Injection
197bhp at 6,750rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Iconic and rare Group B Homologation car
*Extremely original example with 3,216kms on the odometer
*Thousands of dollars in service completed in the last three years
*One of just 200 examples produced
THE PEUGEOT 205 TURBO 16
In 1982, when the new set of Group B rally regulations was introduced, Peugeot was in the process of shifting production towards smaller and sportier vehicles compared to their earlier models. The French manufacturer wanted to use the new rally regulations as a marketing tool with the well-known phrase: "Win on Sunday – sell on Monday".
With the newly acquired Talbot brand, Peugeot engaged with French rally expert and former co-driver Jean Todt and formed the historically known Peugeot-Talbot Sport (PTS). Budget for developing the car was almost without limit. In fact, the only real constraint that the engineers had was to fit a high performance 4-wheel drive package into the diminutive 205 chassis. The normal production 205 was a front wheel drive car but it was decided that, as opposed to the Audi Quattro, that the 205 T16 would be mid-engine for better weight distribution and traction. However, for marketing purposes, it was paramount to keep most of the 205's exterior body features as intact as possible. Hence, the 205 T16 was officially a silhouette car.
Originally, they intended to mount the engine longitudinally but there was an obvious lack of space. Furthermore, that layout would have made it nearly impossible to service the belts and pulleys. To keep a low center of gravity, it was decided to use a gearbox that was bolted behind the engine rather than below it (in the usual transverse engine setup). This would also help balance the weight of the engine which was fitted behind the passenger seat on the right side of the car. The 205 T16 turned out to be the most successful Group B rally car with 16 outright rally wins and two championships, even surpassing the legendary Audi Quattro (13 wins, one championship).
To enter the rally cars into Group B, Peugeot had to build 200 homologation units. Already under time pressure, PTS had to be creative. So, to make the process as easy as possible, Peugeot elected to make all the road cars to the same specifications: all of them in the same color and all of them with left-hand drive.
In March of 1984, when the time came for the 205 T16 to be homologated, Peugeot decided to line up every single one of the cars built on a massive expanse of tarmac so that the FIA inspectors could see for themselves that all the cars truly existed, that no cheating had taken place, and that there had been no double-counting of cars to make up the numbers. Homologation was duly granted on April 1st, by which time PTS had already laid plans for the car to make its World Rally Championship debut in Corsica on the 3rd of May. The rest, as they say, is history.
THE CAR OFFERED
Close inspection of the highly original automobile will reveal period correct Michelin TRX tires – matching that of the spare wheel. The cars exterior presents beautifully, and the grey metallic paint appears to be the factory applied hue. The interior presents equally well and must also be original from the factory. The front and rear compartments show factory markings and decals and match the low mileage and original appearance of the car.
The current owner acquired the car in January 2022. In the present ownership, the Peugeot has been extensively serviced including new suspension, new coolant lines running to a new radiator, new clutch, new alternator, and a freshly serviced fuel system. Receipts on file totaling $200,000 in work done by the specialists at AI Design in Tuckahoe, New York over the past three years.
In addition to the mechanical refresh, the T16 has a custom stereo and phone holder fitted—a specialty of AI Design and done in a manner that is totally reversible.
With just 200 examples built, and far fewer surviving in such unspoiled condition, the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 has become one of the most desirable Group B homologation specials. This particular car, mechanically serviced but otherwise preserved and highly original, offers a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark of 1980s motorsport history.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this Peugeot is a 1985. Note, due to California emissions laws, this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside the state of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.
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