VIN: Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 1 chassis C12
History of chassis C12
Chassis C12 was one of the 20 Evolution 1-spec. 205 T16s used by the works team between 1984 and 1985.
It was registered 323 EXA 75, a plate also appeared on chassis C1 and C11.
C12 made its debut at round three of the 1985 World Rally Championship: Rally Portugal.
It was entered for Timo Salonen and Seppo Harjanne who had joined the Peugeot squad for 1985 after five-and-a-half years with Nissan.
In Portugal, the Sanremo-spec. T16s were on hand for Salonen and fellow Finn, Ari Vatanen. Vatanen had won his last five WRC outings for Peugeot while Salonen had claimed a brace of thirds in Monte Carlo and Sweden.
A thicker front skid plate installation was the only upgrade of note.
During the event, Vatanen’s rear wheel came detached 7km into stage four and, although he tried to persevere on three wheels, the engine soon stopped when a flywheel sensor ordered the electronics to shut down.
Driving C12, Salonen suffered a driveshaft failure while lying second but was able to nurse his car to the end of the stage and get a repair. Leader Walter Rohrl then experienced a cracked differential housing on his Audi and passed the lead to Salonen who went on to take his first win for Peugeot.
Salonen finished nearly five minutes ahead of second-placed Miki Biasion in a Jolly Club Lancia 037.
Peugeot then mounted a major attack on the 5200km Safari Rally in early April (WRC round four). A trio of specially prepared cars with a host of heavy-duty upgrades were entered for Vatanen, Saby and Salonen.
Salonen was back in C12 for what would be its final event.
Strengthened bodyshells were equipped with thicker titanium-reinforced underbody protection and beefed-up suspension. An 80-litre fuel tank was installed up front in addition to the normal 110-litre unit located under the passenger compartment. Front bull bars and spot lights were added along with an extra roof-mounted spare wheel (another spare was stored in the engine bubble). The 340bhp engines ran larger radiators and a more efficient air filter system. With all this extra equipment, weight rose to 1030kg.
Despite having thrown everything at it, the 1985 Safari was a chastening experience for Peugeot. Lancia and Audi also suffered as the ‘ultra’ Group B cars lost out to the tougher and more conventional Toyota Celica TCTs that finished first and second.
All three T16s endured turbo problems and overheating dampers. Saby crashed out and Vatanen eventually retired with a blown head gasket after a troubled run.
Only Salonen / Harjanne made the finish. They placed seventh overall in C12 but were nearly four hours behind Juha Kankunnen’s winning Celica.
Chassis C12 was subsequently retired from competition duty.
Notable History
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 323 EXA 75
06/03/1985 WRC Rallye Portugal (T. Salonen . S. Harjanne) 1st oa, 1st Gr.B class (#6)
04/04/1985 WRC Safari Rally (B. Saby / J.F. Fauchille) DNF (#12)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
