1985 – PEUGEOT 205 TURBO 16

French registration
Chassis N° : VF3741R76E5100033

One of the original white Turbo 16
9900 kms from new
Exceptional condition

In 1983, Peugeot launched the 205, the manufacturer was then in financial difficulties and its future rely on the success of this new model. In order to boost its image, Peugeot decided to compete with a model close to the 205. This is how the 205 turbo 16 is developed, destined to take part in the World Rally Championship in the B Group's premier category. The regulations require the production of 200 units of a production version to obtain homologation. The 205 turbo 16 "200 series" will then be presented by the Sochalian manufacturer at the 1984 Geneva Motor Show. This Super 205 is distinguished by its Winchester grey bodywork with red edging manufactured by Heuliez. It was then assembled by Peugeot Talbot Sport in Boulogne with a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder XU engine combined with a turbo that enabled it to develop 200 bhp. With its all-wheel drive, it is extremely efficient. Some customers will even opt for a PTS kit that increases its power to 300 bhp, almost as much as the competition version. Inside, the T16 is fitted with a special dashboard with a multitude of gauges, a two-spoke steering wheel bearing the inscription Turbo 16 and a perforated aluminium crankset. The two-tone leather and fabric bucket seats feature an imposing lion like a warrior's coat of arms on their backs. A total of 219 units will be produced. The objective was achieved, as the 205 Turbo 16 became one of the emblematic cars of Group B by winning the championship in 1985 and 1986. The suppression of this category sent it into premature retirement, but Peugeot was able to bounce back by successfully taking part in the Paris-Dakar.

The 205 Turbo 16 that we present to you is an exceptional car in many ways. First of all, it is part of the so-called "200 series" and bears the number 33: it is one of the first cars built. While all the Turbo 16 series cars were painted in the beautiful Winchester Grey colour, only a handful of them were painted in Pearl White. The story goes that 4 examples painted in white were reserved for Jean Boillot (then president of Peugeot), Didier Pironi, André de Cortanze and Jean Todt. A copy of the first car registration in the file is in the name of Automobiles Peugeot, Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris. It was put on the road on September 16, 1985 and was registered at that time as 510 FNF 75. Then the car was used by a Peugeot engineer and carried the registration number 7106 TA 25 in the Doubs region, home of Peugeot. This number can still be seen on all the windows of the car. An original document, which is in plastic in the front compartment, shows the composition of the famous pearly white paint. It is noted in heading: "painted in Poissy". During our research on this exceptional car we contacted several historians who could confirmed the origin of the car in the hands of Peugeot. According to the current owner and after much research, the engine is slightly boosted and develops 230 hp instead of the original 200 hp. In addition to its exceptional history, this 205 has only 9900 original kilometers. The engine and gearbox are original and on many parts the number "33" appears. The paintwork is the original and has a PTS decoration and the interior is in absolutely new condition confirming the very low use of the car. The car is fitted with 4 new Michelin TRX tyres, a new petrol pump, a new timing belt and has just been serviced. Our test drive at the wheel of this monster will confirm that the Turbo 16 is in perfect condition. What a thrill to sit behind the wheel and feel the Turbo charging behind your back during acceleration! We then start to dream of being a pilot too and to go back 35 years to that golden era of the Group B monsters.