FAQ: Peugeot 205 T16
What is a Peugeot 205 T16?
The 205 T16 was a Group B homologation special built to pave the way for an enhanced rally version that came on stream mid-way through the 1984 season. Purpose-built around a central monocoque, it featured four-wheel drive, a mid-mounted turbocharged engine and had very little in common with the 205 GTi that it was designed to resemble.
When was the Peugeot 205 T16 launched?
The 205 T16 was given a public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1984.
How many examples of the Peugeot 205 T16 were built?
Peugeot constructed 200 examples of the base 205 T16 between late 1983 and early 1984 (the minimum number required for Group B homologation). In addition, batches of 20 Evolution 1 and Evolution 2 variants were assembled for competition use.
What method of construction did the Peugeot 205 T16 use?
The 205 T16 was based around a purpose-built steel central monocoque reinforced with a steel subframe at the front and a tubular steel spaceframe at the back.
What engine did the Peugeot 205 T16 use?
The 205 T16 used a model-specific Type XU8T motor which was a 1.8-litre semi dry-sumped, water-cooled, all-alloy inline four with a dual overhead camshaft 16 valve head, Bosch K-Jetronic multipoint fuel-injection, a KKK K26 twin-scroll turbocharger and an air-to-air intercooler. Peak output was 197bhp at 6750rpm and 188lb-ft at 4000rpm.
What gearbox did the Peugeot 205 T16 use?
The 205 T16 used a much-modified five-speed gearbox from the Citroen SM.
How many different versions of the Peugeot 205 T16 were built?
Peugeot built three different versions of the 205 T16.
200 base cars required for homologation.
20 examples of the Evolution 1.
20 examples of the Evolution 2.
What is the most sought after specification for a Peugeot 205 T16?
Ignoring cars equipped with the optional PTS Clubman package, all T16 base cars were built to an identical specification as required by homologation requirements.
What are the most sought after colours for a Peugeot 205 T16?
Peugeot officially only offered the 205 T16 in one colour: Winchester Grey.
However, a handful of VIP customers took delivery of cars in other colours and these should carry a premium of around 10-20% on rarity grounds.
What are the most sought after optional extras for a 205 T16?
A small number of cars left the factory with full leather as opposed to half leather seats, but as hide adds weight compared to fabric, such a specification is unlikely to warrant much of a price premium (if any).
On the other hand, the rarely seen PTS Clubman package which almost doubled the T16’s list price and added a whole host of high performance equipment would add around a 50% premium.
Is a Peugeot 205 T16 reliable?
The base 205 T16 was not produced in a particularly high state of tune and was also conceived with rallying in mind so is quite robust if properly maintained by marque experts.
Are parts expensive for a Peugeot 205 T16?
Model-specific parts such as body panels or trim can be prohibitively expensive while mechanical equipment is often less so.
Does Peugeot 205 T16 still supply parts for the X?
No. However, many mechanical parts are still available from third party suppliers.
What should you look for when buying a X?
Does the car have its original central monocoque, engine and gearbox (i.e. do the numbers on these components match how the car left Peugeot)?
Does the current specification match how the car left the factory in terms of colours and equipment?
Does the car come with its original book pack to include the original stamped service / maintenance record?
Does the car come with its original tool kit and jack?
Does the car come with a documented ownership chain back to when it was new?
Does the car have a service record that shows frequent high quality maintenance without regard to expense?
Does the car come with documentation for major works previously carried out such as a respray, rebuild or restoration?
Is the paint finish consistent across all panels or is it mismatched?
Is the interior upholstery consistent throughout or is it mismatched?
Does the body show any external signs of corrosion?
Do the body, monocoque or subframes show any internal signs of corrosion?
Does the car show any sign of previously repaired crash damage or off-road use?
Are the panel gaps consistent?
Do the opening panels lie flush with the fixed body panels?
Does the car sit at an appropriate ride height?
Is the engine, the engine bay and ancillary equipment clean of oil and without corrosion?
Does the engine pull cleanly at all revs, leak oil or emit an unusual amount of smoke?
Is the complete exhaust system to original specification and in good condition?
Do all gears engage cleanly even when cold?
Do the brakes pull clean and straight without any undue noise?
Can you apply full steering lock at low speed without any rubbing or grinding?
Does all the electrical equipment work as it should?
Are the wheels the original items, are they shod with the correct profile tyres and is there plenty of tread (consistent across each axle)?
What is the best way to buy a Peugeot 205 T16? Auction, dealer or private seller?
These cars do occasionally come on to the market as private sales and this route is probably the least expensive way into T16 ownership. Normally though, this calibre of vehicle is sold at high end dealers or auctions with the former allowing the most involved inspection while the latter may be cheaper in the short-term.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
