The Hottest Hatch

Few cars capture the wild spirit of Group B quite like the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16. Built to satisfy rally homologation rules, just 200 road-going examples were produced, each disguising serious competition engineering beneath the familiar shape of a humble 205 hatchback.

By 1986, Peugeot’s mid-engined, four-wheel drive weapon had become the benchmark in the World Rally Championship, taking 16 wins from just 26 starts and securing back to back Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles before the Group B era came to an abrupt end. The road car was no less fascinating. Its 1.8 litre turbocharged engine sat behind the cabin beneath a hinged rear clamshell, producing around 200 horsepower and enough pace for 0–60 mph in under seven seconds.

This particular 1984 example carries an especially interesting history. Originally supplied for Peugeot Italy’s press fleet, it starred in a feature for legendary Italian motoring magazine Quattroruote in November 1984, with former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli tasked with driving and photographing the car properly on the limit.

This stunning 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, a genuine wolf in sheep’s clothing from rallying’s most unhinged era, is available via RM Sotheby’s Private Sales. Photos © Charlie Brenninkmeijer / RM Sotheby's