Thursday 9th July 2015

Peugeot 106 Rallye: Spotted

205 GTIs spiralled out of reach? Very nice 106 Rallyes are still under £3K...

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It's in Fife. The cigarette lighter isn't standard. Other than that? Nothing. It's perfect. Buy it.

The Series 1 Peugeot 106 Rallye is a far more significant car than many give it credit for. As has been discussed on here previously, and indeed in the PH office amongst those of us with fast French previous, it's a genuine homologation special. The kind of car collectors and enthusiasts are tripping over themselves to own because it reminds them of when 'win on Sunday, sell on Monday' really applied. Plus many motorsport-inspired cars are deeply cool and very, very good.

A lightweight hero and some poxy Porsche

Back in the early 90s the sub-1,400cc class in international rallying was very popular and Peugeot wanted to win. Group N and Group A regs stipulated a certain amount of cars must be homologated and the Rallye launched in the UK at the London motor show in October 1993.

Its vitals must have looked silly then; 22 years later they're borderline ridiculous. 101hp from 1,294cc revving to 7,400rpm, 80lb ft and 825kg. ABS was an option. Power steering wasn't available. All that driver interaction and challenge we're always crowing on about in a dinky little Peugeot!

Predictably enough the press adored the Rallye and the public didn't get it. It's not just a modern problem. Too hardcore, not fast enough and so on. See the PHer who bought a car brand new with £1,500 off...

The appeal to enthusiasts has always been high with the Rallye thanks to all the reasons listed above, plus the fact it looks brilliant. Now though, the apparently inexorable rise of the 205 has drawn attention to the value offered by the other Peugeot pocket rockets. You want a standard 205 GTI with comfortably less than 100,000 miles? Nearly £7,000. This Rallye? £2,600. Exactly.

Black just is the best colour

The ad reads just how you would want - the owner has clearly enjoyed the car but cared for it also, with a recent cambelt and water pump always nice to see. The photos are good, the service history is comprehensive and he's even knowledgeable enough to point out the rare colour and non-sunroof shell. Result.

There is no way old, fast Peugeots will get any cheaper. These and 306 Rallyes are incredibly affordable still, particularly when compared with 205s. The 309 is even starting to get some recognition. Remember when the 106 Rallye was at Shed money? Won't happen again. 'Future classic' is always a hard one to predict but the Rallye is surely due some recognition soon. Buy it quick and enjoy it. No really, before someone here does...

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PEUGEOT 106 RALLYE (SERIES 1)
Engine: 1,294cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 100@7,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 80@5,400rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1996
Recorded mileage: 85,896
Price new: £8,995
Yours for: £2,600

View the advert here.

 

[Source: 106RallyeRegister]

 

[cerb4.5lee]

For some reason I never really liked these and I just found the white wheels offensive but I would imagine its decent fun to drive with it not carrying much weight.

[cerb4.5lee]

jontbone said:

A friend of mine had one about 15 years ago. On paper it had nothing more to give than the Fiesta Zetec S I had at the time. then I went in the Rallye.....
Wow! Such a rorty & revvy little motor that sounded and handled great. I've been in love with them ever since. Just bought a 306 GTI-6 to help scratch my mid 90s Pug itch. Would love one of these too.

Edited by jontbone on Thursday 9th July 21:59

I always thought they must be so poor to drive in terms of performance so really pleased to hear that they do hit the spot, I have loved the 306 GTI-6 though since they first came out, good choice!