106 Rallye 1.3 8V
Discussion
I think people are sometimes a bit confused about the appeal of the original 106 Rallye 1.3 8V.
The marketing of the day suggested that that there was something a bit special about this little car, but given that it’s slower than the later GTi and has a smaller engine than the 1.6 8V Rallye of the GTi era, its position in the Peugeot stable is no longer obvious.
A few adverts courtesy of 1994:
HOMOLOGATION EGG SUCKING
As you are probably aware, in order for a vehicle to be able to take part in FIA approved races a minimum number of cars had to be produced by the manufacturer. I don’t recall the exact numbers but it’s something in the order of 500 for Group B, 2500 for A and 5000 for N.
Manufacturers made a mockery of these rules by producing various homologation specials – effectively road going versions of cars destined for motorsport which shared few common parts with other models in the same range. The introduction of the WRC class cars in 1997 changes the shape of the rules and means that homologation specials are no longer produced.
The 106 Rallye is a homologation special!
106 RALLYE
The 1.3 8V engine is similar to that used in the 205 Rallye 1.3 (another special and a class winner for over a decade), but due to 90s emissions regulations a new lightweight alloy block was developed and the carburettors were replaced by Magnetti Marelli electronic management. The cylinder head is borrowed from the 106 XSI 1.4 but with a Rallye specific cam that had a marginally more aggressive profile:
The engine is gutless below 4000RPM, but develops 100BHP at 7200RPM. In any case, performance is well assisted by the lightweight construction (121BHP/TONNE) and Rallye specific close-ratio gearbox.
PERFORMANCE
Whilst the Rallye never reached the same public fame as the 205 GTI, let’s not forget that the car was engineered by Peugeot Sport in their absolute heyday! Did someone say lift-off oversteer on tap?
With a 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds, it won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the 1.3 8V Rallye is slower than the later 1.6 16V GTi. However, things actually look less favourable on paper than they are in reality as the perfectly matched but ridiculously short box can only manage 53MPH in 2nd gear (meaning a change to 3rd is required to hit the magic number).
I am not sure if things were updated for performance/marketing reasons, but the later 1.6 8V Rallye is geared to reach 62MPH in 2nd and completes the dash in 8.5 seconds. The bigger engine does develop 3BHP and 17LB/FT more than the 1.3 8V, but it’s also marginally worse off in the power/weight stakes thanks to a 40KG deficit.
MY RALLYE
I have literally been searching for a good 106 Rallye 1.3 8V for years. My search has taken various forms and degrees of effort, but highlights include:
The car isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it really has a lot going for it:
MECHANICAL OVERHAUL
I knew that I would have to spend some money on the car when I bought it - the MOT highlighted an oil leak as an advisory item and whilst the filler cap was free of mayonnaise, it was clear that the car was leaking at the head gasket and sump.
I had these issues rectified professionally, as part of a bigger overhaul that included:
RESTORATION
With the Rallye driving like a dream, I’ve turned my attention to cosmetic restoration.
I am quite interested in detailing cars and have already given it a wash, clay and polish. The paint has actually come up quite nicely with the dual action polisher, but there are/were a few minor bodywork issues to be addressed and I sent it off to a pantless dent remove specialist for a general tidy.
As you can probably see from the advert, the original steel wheels were a bit grim. I had these blasted and painted and fitted a new set of Vredestein Sportrac 5 tyres; there isn’t much choice at 175/60/14, but pleased so far.
I have a few more bits to do (see below), before I organise some decent pictures; In any case, this is what she looks like at the moment:
WHAT’S NEXT
The immediate list is as follows:
I will keep you all posted!
The marketing of the day suggested that that there was something a bit special about this little car, but given that it’s slower than the later GTi and has a smaller engine than the 1.6 8V Rallye of the GTi era, its position in the Peugeot stable is no longer obvious.
A few adverts courtesy of 1994:
HOMOLOGATION EGG SUCKING
As you are probably aware, in order for a vehicle to be able to take part in FIA approved races a minimum number of cars had to be produced by the manufacturer. I don’t recall the exact numbers but it’s something in the order of 500 for Group B, 2500 for A and 5000 for N.
Manufacturers made a mockery of these rules by producing various homologation specials – effectively road going versions of cars destined for motorsport which shared few common parts with other models in the same range. The introduction of the WRC class cars in 1997 changes the shape of the rules and means that homologation specials are no longer produced.
The 106 Rallye is a homologation special!
106 RALLYE
The 1.3 8V engine is similar to that used in the 205 Rallye 1.3 (another special and a class winner for over a decade), but due to 90s emissions regulations a new lightweight alloy block was developed and the carburettors were replaced by Magnetti Marelli electronic management. The cylinder head is borrowed from the 106 XSI 1.4 but with a Rallye specific cam that had a marginally more aggressive profile:
The engine is gutless below 4000RPM, but develops 100BHP at 7200RPM. In any case, performance is well assisted by the lightweight construction (121BHP/TONNE) and Rallye specific close-ratio gearbox.
PERFORMANCE
Whilst the Rallye never reached the same public fame as the 205 GTI, let’s not forget that the car was engineered by Peugeot Sport in their absolute heyday! Did someone say lift-off oversteer on tap?
With a 0-60 time of 9.6 seconds, it won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that the 1.3 8V Rallye is slower than the later 1.6 16V GTi. However, things actually look less favourable on paper than they are in reality as the perfectly matched but ridiculously short box can only manage 53MPH in 2nd gear (meaning a change to 3rd is required to hit the magic number).
I am not sure if things were updated for performance/marketing reasons, but the later 1.6 8V Rallye is geared to reach 62MPH in 2nd and completes the dash in 8.5 seconds. The bigger engine does develop 3BHP and 17LB/FT more than the 1.3 8V, but it’s also marginally worse off in the power/weight stakes thanks to a 40KG deficit.
MY RALLYE
I have literally been searching for a good 106 Rallye 1.3 8V for years. My search has taken various forms and degrees of effort, but highlights include:
- Missing out on an admittedly suspect examples with just 12K on the clock.
- Travelling 250 miles to an auction, before sticking foolishly to the guide price.
- Trying to convince various Rallye Register members to put their cars up for sale.
- Many unsuccessful wanted adverts and viewings.
The car isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it really has a lot going for it:
- Fresh MOT.
- Owned by the same family since new.
- Genuine 88K, evidenced by full Peugeot mail dealer maintenance history.
- Letter from Peugeot regarding preparation for motorsport use.
- Totally original, even the Clarion cassette player survives unscathed.
- Almost rust free (well, it is 21 years old), with just a small amount of surface rust on the front chassis legs.
MECHANICAL OVERHAUL
I knew that I would have to spend some money on the car when I bought it - the MOT highlighted an oil leak as an advisory item and whilst the filler cap was free of mayonnaise, it was clear that the car was leaking at the head gasket and sump.
I had these issues rectified professionally, as part of a bigger overhaul that included:
- Complete service, including oil filter, spark plugs, air filter, various gaskets etc.
- Cylinder head overhaul, including pressure test and skim, new valve stem oil seals etc.
- New water pump and timing belt kit.
- New radiator and thermostat.
- New engine mount.
- New clutch and cable.
RESTORATION
With the Rallye driving like a dream, I’ve turned my attention to cosmetic restoration.
I am quite interested in detailing cars and have already given it a wash, clay and polish. The paint has actually come up quite nicely with the dual action polisher, but there are/were a few minor bodywork issues to be addressed and I sent it off to a pantless dent remove specialist for a general tidy.
As you can probably see from the advert, the original steel wheels were a bit grim. I had these blasted and painted and fitted a new set of Vredestein Sportrac 5 tyres; there isn’t much choice at 175/60/14, but pleased so far.
I have a few more bits to do (see below), before I organise some decent pictures; In any case, this is what she looks like at the moment:
WHAT’S NEXT
The immediate list is as follows:
- A few minor bodywork issues, including a poor repair to the driver’s door lock and bumps/scruffs that couldn’t be corrected by PDR.
- Remove the surface rust on the front chassis legs and have the car professionally protected before the winter.
- Fix the driver’s door speaker.
- Lots of boring detailing involving brushes, compressed air and prohibitively expensive polish.
I will keep you all posted!
Edited by t4thomas on Friday 29th January 17:58
Thanks. They are definitely getting rare, but luckily they are still sensibly priced compared to the likes of a good 205 GTi, R5 GTT etc.
I also owned a 106 GTi. It was absolutely fantastic and the perfect daily for me 11 years ago, despite the disgusting insurance.
Whilst it is admittedly at the cost of passenger comfort and safety, the Rallye does feel like the perfect antidote to all the things we dislike about modern cars.
I also owned a 106 GTi. It was absolutely fantastic and the perfect daily for me 11 years ago, despite the disgusting insurance.
Whilst it is admittedly at the cost of passenger comfort and safety, the Rallye does feel like the perfect antidote to all the things we dislike about modern cars.
I love these. (Despite the wrong wheel drive! 
) I used to borrow one quite regularly, along with an XSi.
Personally I think the upgrades you mention would be perfect and do nothing to detract from the cars handling etc. Jenvey would sound great and something like DTA or Omex would mean you could get the best from that 1.3 8V. Happy days!
) I used to borrow one quite regularly, along with an XSi.Personally I think the upgrades you mention would be perfect and do nothing to detract from the cars handling etc. Jenvey would sound great and something like DTA or Omex would mean you could get the best from that 1.3 8V. Happy days!
Challo said:
When I was 18 my friend had a black 106 Rallye. Slightly lowered, new exhaust and K&N air filters and it was rapid and sounded lovely.
I ended up buying a 205 Rallye because of it.
This looks a very good example. Got to love the stripped back motoring.
The 205 Rallye attracts some serious money now. How did it compare?I ended up buying a 205 Rallye because of it.
This looks a very good example. Got to love the stripped back motoring.
Good catch on that Rallye!
I'm a Rallye register member who would never part with his car, Although it is the "less desirable" S2 and modified (still 8v)
As for the suggested mods - It is a homologation car and as such it was pretty much made to be modified in some way shape or form and as such I wouldn't be too bothered as long as you do it well.
Pugsport - deffo, really makes the car and will put a smile on your face. 2" only though.
I have driven a 1.3 8v on jenveys - mental, the sound and the responsiveness is addictive, but the original rallye inlet filter and a pugsport will satisfy you for a while I bet!
I have owned lots of cars over the years, changing them every few months but I have now had my rallye for 5yrs - longer than any other vehicle ever.
When it was off the road for nearly 18 months whilst I stripped and rebuilt it, I kind of lost interest and thought that I would sell it as I couldn't really see the point in it and I am a bit to old to be hooning about in a rallye etc etc.
My point is - nobody really gets them till they drive one - I have put 300 miles on since it went Back on the road and I cant believe I ever considered selling it, Smiles per miles they just cant be beaten.
I'm a Rallye register member who would never part with his car, Although it is the "less desirable" S2 and modified (still 8v)
As for the suggested mods - It is a homologation car and as such it was pretty much made to be modified in some way shape or form and as such I wouldn't be too bothered as long as you do it well.
Pugsport - deffo, really makes the car and will put a smile on your face. 2" only though.
I have driven a 1.3 8v on jenveys - mental, the sound and the responsiveness is addictive, but the original rallye inlet filter and a pugsport will satisfy you for a while I bet!
I have owned lots of cars over the years, changing them every few months but I have now had my rallye for 5yrs - longer than any other vehicle ever.
When it was off the road for nearly 18 months whilst I stripped and rebuilt it, I kind of lost interest and thought that I would sell it as I couldn't really see the point in it and I am a bit to old to be hooning about in a rallye etc etc.
My point is - nobody really gets them till they drive one - I have put 300 miles on since it went Back on the road and I cant believe I ever considered selling it, Smiles per miles they just cant be beaten.
Thanks shedweller,
A 2 inch pugsport will almost certainly happen soon.
I think you might be on to something re: having to have a go to really understand what they are all about; just need to convince the wife to take it out for a bit of a B road blast now!
Do you have a thread up for your car? Where are you based?
A 2 inch pugsport will almost certainly happen soon.
I think you might be on to something re: having to have a go to really understand what they are all about; just need to convince the wife to take it out for a bit of a B road blast now!
Do you have a thread up for your car? Where are you based?
RCBRG said:
It's a car I've always wanted. I got as close as a base spec white 106, and a Saxo VTS. It's even crossing my mind to chop my lovely R26 in for one...
DO IT! Oh, unless you plan to drive it daily or take it near any motorways. That's the only problem I have so far. I quite fancy taking it a bit further afield for some exciting roads in Wales etc. Just not sure I could put up with the RPM drone at motorway speeds for all those hours.
t4thomas said:
Challo said:
When I was 18 my friend had a black 106 Rallye. Slightly lowered, new exhaust and K&N air filters and it was rapid and sounded lovely.
I ended up buying a 205 Rallye because of it.
This looks a very good example. Got to love the stripped back motoring.
The 205 Rallye attracts some serious money now. How did it compare?I ended up buying a 205 Rallye because of it.
This looks a very good example. Got to love the stripped back motoring.
The guy i sold it too tried to convert it to a GTI lookalike but didn't look very good.
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