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The Peugeot 205 celebrates its 40th birthday 

 21 March 2023

6 minutes read

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24 February 1983: the Peugeot 205 lets out its first roar and leaves its mark on automotive history. In a long line of successful Peugeot city cars, the 205 became a symbol of modernity.

Here we look back at 40 years of impressive urban style.

The birth of a myth
At the end of the 1970s, Peugeot decided to launch a new kind of car, one that wasn't yet available on the market. It was a small car, but would become much more than just a city run-around. This was a truly multi-purpose vehicle – at ease in the city and on the open road, capable of transporting a small family, and, most importantly, still affordable. 
Gérard Welter takes over from Pininfarina

Until then, most Peugeots had been designed by Pininfarina. The 205, however, was the brainchild of Gérard Welter's team of in-house stylists, who ran an internal competition to come up with the most modern and fluid design they could think of. 

 

Gérard Welter joined Peugeot in 1960 at the age of 17 and spent his entire career there. His most spectacular success was, by his own admission, the Peugeot 205. It marked a break with the past and was a real turning point in the Marque's history. 

Gérard Welter takes over from Pininfarina

Until then, most Peugeots had been designed by Pininfarina. The 205, however, was the brainchild of Gérard Welter's team of in-house stylists, who ran an internal competition to come up with the most modern and fluid design they could think of. 

 

Gérard Welter joined Peugeot in 1960 at the age of 17 and spent his entire career there. His most spectacular success was, by his own admission, the Peugeot 205. It marked a break with the past and was a real turning point in the Marque's history. 

It was at this time that the grille, with its horizontal bars and the band between the rear lights, became a permanent feature of the Peugeot design. The interior design of the little city car was created by Paul Bracq, another famous car designer.
It was at this time that the grille, with its horizontal bars and the band between the rear lights, became a permanent feature of the Peugeot design. The interior design of the little city car was created by Paul Bracq, another famous car designer.

Sales and channel champion

 

The Peugeot 205 was our first small model to receive such a wide range of engines – from 45 to 200 horsepower! It also featured an automatic gearbox, a rare option on the market at the time. From its launch in 1983, it was offered in three petrol versions. The diesel would make its appearance a few months later.

Sales and channel champion

 

The Peugeot 205 was our first small model to receive such a wide range of engines – from 45 to 200 horsepower! It also featured an automatic gearbox, a rare option on the market at the time. From its launch in 1983, it was offered in three petrol versions. The diesel would make its appearance a few months later.

The following year, the range was extended to include the legendary GTI and Turbo 16, as well as the 3-door body. A multitude of variations followed, from the most affordable – the 1986 Junior with its denim seats – to the most chic, such as the Lacoste or Gentry.

Peugeot 205 junior

 

In 1984, 1985 and 1990, the 205 was the best-selling car in France. Motor sport became a powerful vehicle for promoting the Peugeot 205, and Peugeot as a brand. In 1984, under the impetus of Jean Todt, Peugeot entered the premier category of the World Rally Championship, the famous Group B, with the impressive 205 Turbo 16. 

Peugeot 205 junior

 

In 1984, 1985 and 1990, the 205 was the best-selling car in France. Motor sport became a powerful vehicle for promoting the Peugeot 205, and Peugeot as a brand. In 1984, under the impetus of Jean Todt, Peugeot entered the premier category of the World Rally Championship, the famous Group B, with the impressive 205 Turbo 16. 

Driven by true driving legends such as Ari Vatanen, Bruno Saby, Timo Salonen and Juha Kankkunen, the Peugeot 205 T16 reached the heights of glory by becoming World Rally Champion in 1985 and 1986 and by winning the prestigious Paris-Dakar Rally in 1987 and 1988.
Electric before its time

In 1985, the Stellantis group presented a prototype of an electric 205. They announced it would have 87 miles of all-electric range, and a top speed of 62 mph. The interior space was the same as the petrol version's, as the powertrain and battery were housed entirely under the bonnet. 

 

The prototype worked in a very similar way to modern electric cars. An electronic control system made it possible to suppress the gearbox. By pressing the accelerator pedal, the engine speed gradually increased, and lifting the foot from the accelerator pedal enabled the engine to brake. The electric motor then worked as a current generator, feeding its energy into the battery. 

Marketing to match the car's prowess
From 1983, the Peugeot 205's marketing matched its game-changing design. As soon as it was launched, the invention of the nickname 'sacré numéro' – the sacred number – struck a chord. The ads created were very much in tune with the times. In one famous film, the Peugeot 205 is chased and bombed on a frozen lake by a military plane in a James Bond-style pursuit. It also featured in a spot directed by Gérard Pirès, who, a few years later, would create the famous feature film Taxi, starring a Peugeot 406. 
From 1983, the Peugeot 205's marketing matched its game-changing design. As soon as it was launched, the invention of the nickname 'sacré numéro' – the sacred number – struck a chord. The ads created were very much in tune with the times. In one famous film, the Peugeot 205 is chased and bombed on a frozen lake by a military plane in a James Bond-style pursuit. It also featured in a spot directed by Gérard Pirès, who, a few years later, would create the famous feature film Taxi, starring a Peugeot 406. 
In 1998, after a long and rich career of 15 years, and 5,278,050 units produced, the Peugeot 205 took its leave. In the minds of car enthusiasts, it will forever remain Peugeot's sacred number, the one that built the foundations of an exceptional line of successful city cars – the 206, 207 and 208 have all followed its legacy. 
Key dates for the Peugeot 205
  • 23 February 1983: press presentation of the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16
  • 24 February 1983 : launch of the Peugeot 205 in 5-door version
  • 1984 : launch of the Peugeot 205 3-door and the Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 105 BHP, marketing of the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, first victory in the World Rally Championship (Finland)
  • 1985 : the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 is the World Rally Champion (with Timo Salonen), the millionth Peugeot 205 leaves the Mulhouse factory
  • 1986 : launch of the Peugeot 205 Cabriolet, the GTI 115 and 130 BHP, the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 is the World Rally Champion (with Juha Kankkunen)
  • 1987 : the Peugeot 205 receives a new dashboard, the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 wins Paris-Dakar
  • 1988 : launch of the Peugeot 205 Rally, second victory of the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 in Paris-Dakar
  • 1989 : launch of the Peugeot 205 Roland Garros
  • 1990 : slight restyling (indicators, rear lights, etc.), launch of the Peugeot 205 Diesel Turbo (78 BHP)
  • 1993 : discontinuation of the Peugeot 205 GTI
  • 1995 : discontinuation of the Peugeot 205 Cabriolet
  • 1998 : the Peugeot 205 is replaced by the Peugeot 206
Peugeot miniatures

Fans of the Peugeot 205 can order the 1:18 and 1:43 scale miniatures on the online shop:

 

Lifestyle boutique
Peugeot Adventure Museum
The Peugeot Adventure Museum in Sochaux is opening a major exhibition on 23 February with numerous photo and video archives and the presentation of a dozen Peugeot 205 models.
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