VIN: the Bernard Darniche Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 1 chassis M1
History of chassis M1
As he had helped Peugeot develop the 205 T16 Evolution 2, French rally legend Bernard Darniche was able to acquire an Evolution 1 for the 1985 Tour de Corse.
At the time, Evolution variants were reserved for Peugeot works and distributor teams but Darniche managed to secure chassis M1, a rebuilt ex works car re-numbered out of sequence with the other Evolution 1s.
Registered 932 SB 74, chassis M1 was prepared by Fred Stadler and at the Tour de Corse had backing from French tobacco company, Gauloises.
The car subsequently contested the Ypres 24 Hour Rally (in white and red Belga livery) and later the Tour Auto de la Reunion (where it was back in the blue Gauloises bodywork). However, it failed to finish on all three occasions.
In its unusual blue colour scheme with contrasting white wheels, this was perhaps the most handsome T16 of all.
Darniche kept the car into 1986 and did one minor event with it but mostly used his new Lancia 037 that season.
Notable History
Bernard Darniche
Registered 932 SB 74
02/05/1985 WRC Tour de Corse (B. Darniche / A. Mahe) DNF (#14) Gauloises Blondes
28/06/1985 ERC Ypres 24 Hours Rally (B. Darniche / A. Mahe) DNF (#3) Belga Team
27/07/1985 FRA Tour Auto de la Reunion (B. Darniche / A. Mahe) DNF (#7) Galouises Blondes
23/10/1986 ERC Rallye International du Valais (B. Darniche / A. Mahe ) ran (#??)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
