VIN: Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 1 chassis C3
History of chassis C3
On the T16’s debut at the 1984 Tour de Corse, Ari Vatanen demonstrated the new Peugeot had rally-winning potential. Unfortunately, after leading for the first two days, he had a major crash and destroyed his car (chassis C1). The sister T16 (chassis C2, driven by Jean-Pierre Nicolas) finished fourth.
As Peugeot had a full 20 Evolution 1s to use up over the next twelve months (before the Evolution 2 would be homologated), chassis C2 was retired from competition duty after just one event.
A pair of brand new T16s were wheeled out for the model’s second WRC outing: the 1984 Acropolis Rally.
Held over five days in late May on dusty, rough and rocky Greek roads, it was the T16’s first taste of gravel as the Tour de Corse had been an all-tarmac affair.
Variations made from the tarmac spec. included sound-proofing panels in the roof, better interior ventilation, ride height raised by 8cm and extra wishbone protection. There were also bigger fuel tanks, smaller brake discs and thicker sump guards. Kevlar reinforcements were made around the wheelarches and rear clam. All told, these upgrades added around 60kg.
Chassis C3 was driven on the Acropolis by Ari Vatanen and Terry Harryman. As had been the case in Corsica, Vatanen led but failed to finish. This time his car threw its second oil pump drive belt and expired.
Unfortunately for Peugeot, Nicolas made it a double DNF in the sister car (C4). His wheel hub had broken due to a succession of smaller incidents that started with a rock damaging a brake disc.
Audi took first and second on the Acropolis in 1984: Stig Blomqvist led Hannu Mikkola and Markku Alen was third in a Lancia 037.
After its outing on the Acropolis, Peugeot Talbot Sport retired C3 from competition duty.
Notable History
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 716 EXC 75
26/05/1984 WRC Acropolis Rally (A. Vatanen / T. Harryman) DNF (#3)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
