VIN: the works Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 1 chassis C8
History of chassis C8
Peugeot went into the 1985 Safari Rally having won the opening three events of that year’s World Championship. The French team had also taken victory at the last three rallies they contested in 1984 so were on a hot streak of six back-to-back wins.
Peugeot entered three T16 Evolution 1s for the gruelling East African event which, at 5167km and 88 stages, was easily the longest on the 1985 calendar.
A variety of heavy-duty upgrades were made to give the T16s the best chance of survival.
Each car was equipped with a strengthened bodyshell, 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. 340bhp engines ran larger radiators and a more efficient air filter system. With all this extra equipment, weight rose to 1030kg.
Chassis C8 was allocated to Timo Salonen and Seppo Harjanne.
It was the only T16 to make the finish and crossed the line seventh, nearly four hours behind Juha Kankunnen’s winning Toyota Celica.
C8 was not used again by the works team. In addition to having a surplus of Evolution 1s at their disposal, Peugeot’s even faster Evolution 2 variant would break cover at the next WRC event (the Tour de Corse on May 2nd).
Notable History
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 123 FBL 75
04/04/1985 WRC Safari Rally (T. Salonen / S. Harjanne) 7th oa, 7th Gr.B class (#6)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
