Ever wanted to own a piece of early 2000s WRC history? This Girardo & Co owned Peugeot 206 WRC Evo 2 may be the solution, albeit for over £360 000!
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In 2002, the Rallye de España was a spectacle of typical rally driving bravery and nimble, compact WRC creations. Relive some of the former glory days with a video here – Rallye de España. With thousands of fans crowding the grassy banks and overpasses to witness off-road action. One car, in particular, captivated audiences—the compact Peugeot 206 WRC. As the cars darted towards a tight left-hand hairpin, the Peugeot 206 WRC stood out, cocking its inside rear wheel like an excitable puppy. It was the perfect snapshot of the World Rally Championship’s (WRC) golden era at the turn of the millennium and an Evo 2 iteration of the French hatch is now for sale via Girardo & Co.
The Peugeot 206 WRC made its mark between 2000 and 2002, winning three consecutive WRC constructors’ titles, bringing glory to the French marque for the first time since the iconic 205 T16 dominated the rally scene in the mid-1980s. Unlike the larger, boxier saloons of the time, the Peugeot 206 WRC was compact and nimble, making it a formidable contender on the global circuit. The car’s unique design and technology set it apart from the competition. The 206 WRC featured state-of-the-art technology, from electronic systems controlling differentials to its unusual longitudinally-mounted gearbox behind a transverse turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. The engineering prowess behind the 206 WRC granted it remarkable agility and adaptability, allowing it to excel on a variety of terrains.
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Chassis C35, one of 21 examples built to Evo 2 specifications, debuted at the Cyprus Rally in 2001, driven by reigning World Rally Champion at the time Marcus Grönholm. Despite a promising start with three special stage victories, a mechanical failure prevented a podium finish. However, the car’s true potential was realized at the 2001 Tour de Corse, with Gilles and Herve Panizzi claiming second place after six stage wins.
Chassis C35’s glory came in 2002, with Panizzi claiming victory at the Tour de Corse and Grönholm dominating Rally Australia. The Peugeot 206 WRC became known for its technical finesse, outclassing rivals with precision and power. The car’s final outing in 2003 saw Grönholm win 11 special stages and claim first place at Rally New Zealand, cementing the 206 WRC’s status as a rally legend.
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Today, chassis C35 has undergone meticulous restoration, returning to its 2003 Rally New Zealand configuration, complete with the iconic Marlboro red livery and Marcus Grönholm’s number one roundels. With a price tag of £360 000 (or around R8,3 million), this rare piece of motorsport history stands as a testament to Peugeot’s dominance in the WRC and the extraordinary journey of the 206 WRC through the rally world.
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