VIN: Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 1 chassis C4
History of chassis C4
As Peugeot had to build 20 examples of the T16 Evolution 1 for it to be homologated, the works team had an abundance of cars at their disposal.
Each chassis was typically used for between one and three events.
On the car’s debut at the 1984 Tour de Corse, Ari Vatanen’s example was destroyed in a crash (chassis C1) and the other (C2) finished fourth in the hands of Jean-Pierre Nicolas. C2 was then retired from competition duty and two brand new cars were wheeled out for the T16’s next WRC outing: the 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 C4 was allocated to Nicholas / Pasquier. Unfortunately, they retired with a broken wheel hub that was caused by a succession of smaller incidents beginning with rock damage to a brake disc.
After the Acropolis, the rest of the field flew out for rallies in New Zealand and Argentina but Peugeot stayed in Europe to test.
The next time a T16 appeared was at the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland. Held from August 24th to 26th, the 1000 Lakes was another fast gravel event. Peugeot entered just one car: chassis C4 for Vatanen / Harryman.
C4 had received several upgrades since the Acropolis to include a new lightweight navigator’s seat, plastic headlights, extra underside protection and polyurethane protection for the front wishbones. Weight was 940kg.
After demonstrating considerable potential by leading in Corsica and Greece, Vatanen came good to win the rally by over two minutes. Lancia 037s were second (Alen) and third (Toivonen) but Vatanen was unstoppable and notched up 29 stage wins out of 51.
Having scored Peugeot’s first WRC victory, chassis C4 was retired from competition duty.
Notable History
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 709 EXC 75
26-31/05/1984 WRC Acropolis Rally (J.P. Nicolas / C. Pasquier) DNF (#12)
Registered 704 EXC 75
24-26/08/1984 WRC 1000 Lakes Rally (A. Vatanen / T. Harryman) 1st oa, 1st Gr.B class (#4)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
