VIN: the works Peugeot 205 T16 Evolution 2 chassis C206
History of chassis C206
Peugeot built 20 examples of the 205 T16 Evolution 2, all of which were reserved for works use.
Chassis C206 was used in two events during the 1986 season. It debuted in that years’s opening World Championship event: the Monte Carlo Rally on January 18th.
Peugeot Talbot Sport (PTS) took a trio of Evolution 2s to Monaco; C206 was allocated to ‘85 champions Timo Salonen and Seppo Harjanne. All three cars were equipped with tarmac suspension, 450bhp engines and new underbody aerodynamics to increase downforce.
Rain before the event led to unpredictable conditions and the Michelin runners (such as Peugeot) couldn’t keep up with those on Pirelli’s latest compounds.
Tyre mix ups were the story of the event for most of the front runners. However, as conditions improved, so did Peugeot’s fortunes and the T16s charged back up the leader board.
Salonen couldn’t match Henri Toivonen in the Delta S4, but he did take second (finishing just over four minutes back). Team-mates Kankkunen and Saby placed fifth and sixth after comparatively troubled runs.
C206 was next wheeled out for the Acropolis Rally on June 2nd. The Greek event went ahead with the sport under a dark cloud following the deaths of several spectators at the Portuguese Rally back in March and the fatal accident of Henri Toivonen and Sergio Cresto at the Tour de Corse four weeks prior.
Nevertheless, there was still a championship to be decided and PTS took a full complement of three Evolution 2s to Greece. C206 was once again allocated to Salonen / Harjanne.
Salonen traded the rally lead with Kalle Grundel’s Ford RS200 early on, but after losing time with an electrical problem following a puncture, the Finn hit a ditch at 100mph that wasn’t marked on pace his notes. C206 sustained heavy damage to the suspension and steering that eventually forced it to retire.
Fellow Peugeot driver Kankunnen led from one third distance to take the win while Saby finished third.
C206 did not see any further competitive action.
Notable history
Peugeot Talbot Sport
Registered 24 FGV 75
18/01/1986 WRC Monte Carlo Rally (T. Salonen / S. Harjanne) 2nd oa, 2nd Gr.B class (#1)
Registered 311 FPF 75
02/06/1986 WRC Acropolis Rally (T. Salonen / S. Harjanne) DNF (#1)
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Peugeot - http://www.peugeot.com
