A classic 80s Peugeot 205 rallying superstar is set to break the world record with a price tag of £210,000
The current top price paid for a Peugeot 205 stands at £155,000 but experts believe this 80s legend will shatter the record
A CLASSIC 80s Peugeot 205 is expected to sell for a world record £210,000.
The 32-year-old model is a rare ultra-fast turbo called the T16 which was built to rally racing specification.
Only 200 T16s were ever made as part of rally rules and the example now for sale has barely been driven, with just 750 miles on the clock.
The current record price paid for a Peugeot 205 stands at £155,000, but experts predict this sale will shatter that.
Car enthusiasts who grew up in the 1980s are now of an age and status where they can afford to rekindle their youth.
For many petrolheads the Peugeot 205 Turbo was the classic 80s' hot-hatch.
The T16 was borne out of controversial Group B rallying regulations, which required constructors to build production models of their race cars.
Regulations stipulated marques only had to manufacture 200 such examples, making remaining models exceptionally rare.
Group B regulations resulted in some of the fastest rally cars of all time and the golden era of the sport however it also gave rise to a series of accidents.
In 1986 the class was cancellled following the death of Henri Toivonen and his co-driver Sergio Cresto.
The T16 was the most successful Group B rally car ever, accumulating 16 race victories and constructors championships in 1985 and 1986, surpassing the legendary Audi Quattro.
Despite it's diminutive size the 200bhp engine propels the motor to a top speed of over 130mph and its handling and acceleration are exceptional.
The example being sold was owned by a German after it left the Peugeot factory. It was acquired by the last owner, an American collector, 20 years ago and following his death it's been put up for sale.
Jakob Greisen, a car specialist at Bonhams, said: "This T16 should bring a world record price - it's quite simply among the best surviving examples in the world.
"It's in original condition and has recorded under 1,000 miles in over 30 years, which is astounding.
"The car's authenticity combined with the booming market for hot hatches, particularly from that famous rallying era, should ensure a huge price.
"Values are so high at the moment because the generation that understands and appreciates cars such as this is getting to the point where they can afford to pay for them.
"We have had enquiries from people all over the world regarding this car."
The car will be sold in Monterey, California, on August 18.
