Peugeot 205 1.3 Rallye

About this Collectable

Peugeot 205 1.3 Rallye

In 1983, the highly successful Peugeot 205 was introduced with the slogan: ‘205 a strong number’. With the ‘hot hatch’ GTI, many successes were achieved in rallying and, of course, the adventures in Paris-Dakar. The more pure, ‘hardcore’ 205 Rallye was the cheap alternative to the popular GTIs since 1988. The car had no electric luxury, no radio, hardly any sound insulation, light 13-inch steel wheels, no plastic panel between the rear lights and no fog lights; all to save weight. In the end, it weighed 794 kg, making it almost 70 kg lighter than the GTI and almost 10,000 guilders cheaper, while not making much difference in power. It would have been easier for Peugeot to use for the Rallye the 1360 cm3 engine that was already under the bonnet of the excellent 205 XS. But then the engine would have exceeded the maximum capacity of 1.3 litres for both Group N and Group A, while the Rallye was of course a homologation special. Instead, the 1124 cm3 engine of the 205 XR was boosted to 1294 cm3 and Peugeot asked tuner Danielson to give it an extra go. And he enthusiastically did so in the form of fitting sharper camshafts, larger valves, modified intake and exhaust ducts and 2 double Weber carburettors. From the engine, 103 hp was plucked out at 7000 rpm. The gearbox received a shorter final drive, the steering was unpowered and the front brakes received ventilated discs. The colour choice of simple: white, white or white. The picture was completed with Peugeot-Talbot Sport decals, white 13-inch wheels and mudguard extensions. The interior had bucket seats, red carpet and a tachometer. There is no doubt that the 205 Rallye was conceived to shine in rallying. A homologation special 1st class. The ferocious engine is one with character, hot starting takes some practice, but once it's gone it takes off and climbs wildly and noisily in the revs. Because the 205 Rallye was ultimately not that fast, but had a stunningly good chassis, it is one of those cars in which you rarely need to brake. You approach corners at impossible speeds, then accelerate to dance through the corner, hands and feet in seamless harmony to hold the ideal line. The good news is that due to its success, more than 30,000 have been produced. The bad news is that a vast majority were worn out in the local rally(cross) and those that were not ended up in the ditch. 

The 205 Rallye offered here was sold new in 1990 to Mr Gimenez from Granada in Spain. After many years of use, it was sold on to a Brit living in Spain. Both owners used the car only as a hobby on Sundays and when it wasn't raining. This resulted in an odometer reading of just 44,000 kilometres after 32 years. The car is still completely original.  The bodywork is in good rust-free condition. The plastic parts including the bumpers, wing mirrors and the distinctive wheel arch extensions are all still in very nice condition. The characteristic white paint, which has been very neatly repainted in the past, is in excellent condition and has a smooth and shiny appearance all over the body. The car has then been fitted with the original Peugeot-Talbot Sport Rallye livery again. The car has never really been restored. The headlights and rear lights are clear and free of scratches and cracks. The Rallye stands on its original 13-inch steel rims with no scratches or kerb damage. The correct Peugeot hubcaps are present, as well as the spare wheel which is stored in its cage under the car. The tyres still have good tread, though they are aged. The interior has been extensively reupholstered with the original fabric and is in very good condition. Finished with red stitching to match the front seat belts. The red carpet is original and still neat. The steering wheel has been replaced with a GTI version in leather with the distinctive Rallye centre cap. This gives a slightly more luxurious look compared to the original plastic steering wheel. The rubber seals are in good condition and replaced with new ones where necessary.

Our opinion

For many, the 205 GTi, was the GTi you had to have in the early 90s. Fat engine and exciting suspension. That a 1300cc could compete with that no one thought. A classically souped-up little engine in a light body is a fun package first class. Don't expect the finish of a current Audi or BMW, but unadulterated driving pleasure like nowhere else.

About the seller

The previous owner is a car enthusiast first class. He owns a varied collection of beautiful cars, all of which have been cared for with the same passion and love as the 205. Reason for selling: unfortunately, there is no room for another car. With the arrival of a new car, one will unfortunately have to leave. It is the same story with the current owner. He bought the car for his collection and drove only 140km with it. As so often, cars come and go and he has decided to re-auction the 205 through The Collectables.

Equipment

There is as little as possible on this 205 Rally

Modifications

None, as far as we can tell this one is completely original

Notes

This Rally is a bare car, where you therefore see everything. Everything to keep the weight down. A pure car with no frills.

Recent maintenance history

The 205 has been well maintained over the years and is mechanically in very good condition. In the Netherlands, the car was fully technically serviced by a 205 specialist. This includes major maintenance.

At 42,000 km, the timing belt, water pump and auxiliary belts were replaced. On the roller test bench at carburettor guru BAS in Lichtenvoorde, the two double Weber carburettors were ultrasonically cleaned and perfectly adjusted. Test and power printouts of this are of course available.

The carburettors now respond so nicely to the throttle that they should be operated with an above-average degree of feel in the right foot. It is at present perhaps the nicest front-wheel-drive ‘collectable’ out there. The car comes with a thick binder with the full service history. 

Between 2004 and 2015, the car was stored and hardly used. The order folder contains many invoices and MOT reports to substantiate the mileage. In recent summers, the car has only been used for shows and some classic rides and events. The current odometer reading is now 48,040km.  The original service and instruction booklet is also present as well as a sales brochure and workshop manual.

Included with sale

Very complete order folder with documentation
Valuation report from 2022
Original on-board folder with original booklets

Summary

Seller - Pieter
Seller type - Private
Location - Gelderland
Chassis number - VF320CM2223663650
Registration number - On request
First registration - 10-05-1990
First registration NL - 29-07-2022
Mileage - 48,040 km
Demonstration - Yes, through documentation
Warranty - No
VAT/Margin car - Margin
Bodywork - Hatchback
Engine - 1.3L four cylinder
Drive system - Front-wheel driven
Gearbox - Manual transmission
Exterior - White
Interior - Black
Upholstery - Fabric
Smoking car - No
Owners - 2 in NL, before that 2 in Spain
Owned since - 29-07-2022
Tyres - Goodyear Eagle Ventura 13 inch

The description of this Collectable was created with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and may, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, of course in consultation with the seller. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.

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