VIN: Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 1 chassis C7
History of chassis C7
Although it took three attempts for Peugeot’s number one driver, Ari Vatanen, to translate the T16’s raw speed into a WRC victory, the Finn then won five rallies back-to-back between late 1984 and early 1985.
The second and third of those victories came in this car, chassis C7.
The Rallye Sanremo took place from September 30th to October 5th, four weeks after Vatanen and Peugeot’s maiden win on the 1000 Lakes. It was Lancia’s home event and comprised a mixture of tarmac and gravel stages.
Two brand new T16 Evolution 1s were entered: chassis C7 for Ari Vatanen / Terry Harryman and chassis C6 for Jean-Pierre Nicholas / Charley Pasquier. The cars had shed a further 20kg, been given an improved air supply to the rear brakes and were fitted with new BBS wheels for the tarmac stages.
Vatanen turned up in imperious form and was now able to clearly demonstrate the T16’s superiority over the opposition. The only hiccup en route to a superb victory was a spin after a flash flood caused C7 to aquaplane on a stage that never should have gone ahead in the first place.
Vatanen eventually finished over five-and-a-half minutes ahead of runner up Attilio Bettega’s Lancia 037.
With two wins on the bounce, Peugeot skipped the Ivory Coast Rally to test in Kenya. They returned with a single car entry for the season-ending RAC Rally held from November 25th to 29th.
Chassis C7 was selected because (like Sanremo) the RAC was another mix of tarmac and gravel. The car was also already set up to Vatanen’s liking.
Despite a number of mishaps, Vatanen once again dominated proceedings. At one stage the fire extinguisher went off in the cockpit and the bonnet also flew off. The car also experienced a gentle roll in soft scenery but, thanks to some enthusiastic spectators, it was soon righted. Vatanen then calmly managed to regain the lead he’d handed to Hannu Mikkola’s Audi.
The Finn eventually finished 40 seconds ahead of Mikkola with Per Eklund third for Toyota.
Chassis C7 was retired from competition duty with a perfect record of two wins from two rallies.
Notable History
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 128 FBL 75
30/09-05/10/1984 WRC Rallye Sanremo (A. Vatanen / T. Harryman) 1st oa, 1st Gr.B class (#3)
25-29/11/1984 WRC RAC Rally (A. Vatanen / T. Harryman) 1st oa, 1st Gr.B class (#2)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
