Musée de L’Aventure Peugeot, Sochaux, France
Jusqu’en janvier 2025
Let’s face it, the Peugeot 806 family MPV isn’t the most glamorous model in Peugeot history. For the record, Matra had initially presented its Espace concept to Peugeot, which had not followed up, mainly due to financial difficulties at the time. The deal was finally struck with Renault, and if the early sales were low, the Espace (which celebrated its 40th birthday this year) went on to become a best seller. It opened up the prolific market for MPVs of various sizes, family vehicles par excellence. It was a must-have product for any automaker, and even the German premium brands came to it. Before customers turned away in favor of SUVs and other cross-overs.
In 1984, Peugeot finally entered this market with the 806, which proved a real hit with customers. The 806 was also produced by Citroën, Fiat and Lancia with minor modifications, and adapted into a successful utility vehicle with the Peugeot Expert (and Citroën Jumpy). The Aventure Peugeot Museum has decided to celebrate this anniversary with a special exhibition.
Rather than presenting “classic” versions, the museum chose to highlight a few special versions and concepts, opting for the chic and fun sides. Chic with the 806 Roland-Garros, which takes up the codes of these Peugeot special series, notably the bottle-green color and the brown leather upholstery. Less well known, the 1996 “Tartine et Chocolat” version, offered in small series, is recognizable by its side stripes. It was sold with a few accessories from the brand of children’s clothes, plush toys and accessories that gave it its name.
“Asteroid P806”, nicknamed 806 ‘Little Prince’, is a show vehicle whose decoration is inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Little Prince. The show is rounded off by 2 downright fun concept cars. The 806 Surf features a large roof box, with flashy yellow and blue upholstery and paintwork.
More chic and luxurious, the 806 Runabout (1997) is also inspired by the ocean, but on the nautical side: pearlescent paint, alcantara seats, rear deck and dashboard in solid teak, stainless steel and chrome… The Runabout features a movable rear deck, with solarium or loading and transport ramp for a sea scooter, with loading aid winch. The engine also features a 191-hp, 3-liter V6 combined with a robotized gearbox.
In addition, period advertisements are shown on a TV in the heart of the exhibition.
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