L’Aventure Peugeot Museum, Sochaux, France
February 23 to September 3, 2023
In 2023, L’Aventure Peugeot Museum celebrates the 40th anniversary of the PEUGEOT 205 with a beautiful anniversary exhibition. Presented in early 1983 to dealers and the press, publicly launched on February 24, 1983, the 205 is considered by many as the car that saved Peugeot. Light, modern, compact but roomy, adequate engines, the new car is a great success. Offered in 3 doors and 5 doors, then in convertible, it meets many needs.
The GTI version will quickly become an icon and remains a highly sought-after youngtimer today. Several special series will complete the offer during his career. Remarkably, the sporty 205 Turbo 16 for the World Rally Championship was presented on 23 February 1983, the day before the commercial launch. This racing beast will be world rally champion and 1985 and 1986, before becoming a spectacular Rally-Raid car and winning the Paris-Dakar in 1987 and 1988.
Boasted by several memorable marketing campaigns, the 205 will be produced in more than 5 million units. The exhibition presents about fifteen models, starting with an early style model, as well as one of the very first models released (production on February 23, 1983). It will be interesting to see the evolutions during the gestation of the project, the original proposition being still close to the Peugeot 104. Several special series such as the 205 Junior, basic but “fun” version for young people or the more glamour Roland Garros Cabriolet. There is also a very special version of a fireman small truck.
The GTI is presented with its 2 engines, 1.6L and 1.9L, and its 2 emblematic colors, black and red, as well as the special series “Griffe” metallic green specific to this special series. Obviously, the racing versions are in the game, with the 205 T16 production model, 205 T16 Evo 1 and Evo 2 for the rally, 205 T16 Grand Raid in its 2 liveries Camel (1987) and Pioneer (1988).
Historic documents, photos and advertising films complete the presentation. Many events will be organized by associations and clubs, in France and around the world during this period. One of the major events will undoubtedly be the gathering organized at the Musée de L’Aventure Peugeot from 7 to 9 July by Le Club 205. Attention, registration required on the club 205 website.
Photos on this page belong to L’Aventure Peugeot Museum, no right of reproduction without the express permission of the museum.