Tired of complaining about how the modern-day hot-hatchback is too heavy and refined? An auction for one of the best oldies might be up your street.
London auctioneer Sotheby’s has a 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 that will go under the hammer on the 7th of September. It is number 152 of 200 examples built for Group B rally homologation and spent its life as an Italian press car.
A respectable output of 197bhp is generated by a 1.8-litre, 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive. The T16 was widened and C-pillar made larger to accommodate the bigger engine, which sits under the rear seats.
Elsewhere Peugeot used a tubular structure to stiffen the T16 way beyond the standard car so it handles better, while the epicyclic centre differential and viscous coupling system allows power to be sent from the front and back as and when needed.
The auction description goes on to explain a bit more about the car’s history: “It was originally delivered in the autumn of 1984 to Peugeot’s Italian office for press demonstration purposes and was featured in Italy’s leading motoring magazine, Quattroruote.”
“A striking photo published in the magazine shows the T16 splashing in true rally style through a puddle. The Peugeot displays the same registration plate number that matches its immatricolazione documentation from the Automobile Club d’Italia,” it adds.
Condition wise, the two-tone grey seats and metallic grey exterior are said to show ‘limited signs of use’. Just a Nardi Personal steering wheel and magnesium Group B alloys are unoriginal components. A recent service ensured it’s all good to go for the lucky owner.
Exactly how much it will go for is anyone’s guess but given its rarity and prestige it may end up fetching a pretty penny.
On the subject of mint condition classics, a virtually brand new special edition Austin Metro could also be yours. 80s hairdo and fashion sense sadly not included.
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