VIN: Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 2 chassis C203
History of chassis C203
Like every T16 Evolution 2, chassis C203 was reserved for use by the works Peugeot Talbot Sport squad based on the outskirts of Paris. It appeared on the registration 709 EXC 75 which had previously been utilised by chassis C17 and was subsequently used for chassis C205 and C209.
The new car made its competition debut at the 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland which took place between August 23rd and 25th. The high speed contest took place over a 1344km route which comprised 390km of gravel special stages. It marked the second outing for the Evo 2 after Peugeot had run a solitary car for Bruno Saby at the Tour de Corse back in early May.
Peugeot had two cars on hand in Finland: chassis C202 for Timo Salonen / Seppo Harjanne and C203 for newcomers Kalle Grundel / Peter Diekmann. Both cars were producing 440bhp and weighed around 950kg. Attention to the Evo 2 since the Tour de Corse had seen a significant improvement in its torque curve.
Grundel / Diekmann had been promoted from the Peugeot Talbot Spot Deutschland outfit to replace the injured Ari Vatanen / Terry Harryman following a massive crash driving an Evo 1 on Rally Argentine three weeks prior.
The 1000 Lakes was the Evolution 2’s first gravel event. It would be up against Audi’s latest Quattro Sport which had been introduced in Argentina.
Continuing their excellent 1985 form, Salonen / Harjanne had a relatively trouble free run in C202. They drove conservatively in the second half of the rally to maintain a healthy lead established early on. Salonen finished 48 seconds ahead of Blomqvist / Cederberg in the latest Quattro. Works Lancia 037s were third and fourth.
In C203, Grundel / Diekmann finished fifth having incurred serious damage to the front of their Evolution 2 after hitting a telegraph pole early on. They nevertheless continued despite a compromised chassis and admirably even managed to win a stage. However, C203 never appeared in competition again.
Notable History
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 709 EXC 75
23/08/1985 WRC 1000 Lakes Rally (K. Grundel / P. Diekmann) 5th oa, 5th Gr.B class (#1)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
