There isn't anything quite like heading off to Le Mans in a vehicle made by one of the competing teams. The UK probably rises a few inches in sea level as most of the country’s interesting cars leave home shores to head over the water for the celebrations. Streams of Corvette, Aston Martin, Ginetta and Audi owners all head over to support the racing versions of their road cars while partaking of some refreshing beverages too.
Hang on a minute though; we're missing someone aren't we? The chaps at Peugeot have been doing quite well at this Le Mans lark, and they too have their supporters, who fire up their cars and head over the water for the annual pilgrimage. That 406 you discounted as a lost minicab is actually a stickered-up race supporter, and they aren't alone, as others follow in 308s, 407s, 1007s and 207s. I jest of course, as we can't forget greats like the 205 GTI, 309 GTI and the 106 GTI, along with their XSI and Rallye equivalents. It's a shame that the newer models can't mix it with these great heavyweights, but there was a time when Peugeot was amongst the very best at making a well sorted hatch.
As Team PH head over to Le Mans we will be representing Audi with an R8, Aston with a DB9 and RacingPete flies the flag for Ginetta as he races them on his weekends off. As a show of respect for our French friends racing in the 24 we dedicate this weeks Shed to Peugeot, and to keep the Le Mans connection alive this one is diesel powered and has plenty of European travel under its belt.
I once ran a D-Turbo for a year or so and remember that it was a great car to chuck about, while returning decent economy too. Sadly, since then I have contracted an anti- diesel virus and my wallet suffers as a result, however this week's Shed brings back good memories. Let's check over the basics shall we? This one is the prettier 3 door, has the 1.9 TD engine, under 100k miles on the clock, and amazingly it offers a full service history as well the bonus of a bit of tax and test. The 306 was a great car, renowned for its tidy handling and good looks. In fact I'd go as far as to say it still looks good today and, despite being less desirable than the usual Shed fodder, it can still hold its head up high.
It’s obvious that this particular 306 has been a faithful companion to its current owner as they tell potential buyers about continental drives, 50mpg and how they will miss 'him'. OK so it needs some work on the air-con and someone has half-inched the wheel trims, but at under a grand this would have been a cheap Le Manner for someone. However, as this car has missed the boat for this year's celebrations, on it's behalf we wish Peugeot well for the weekend ahead and we imagine that this 306 hopes an enthusiastic owner buys ‘him’ soon and he can head off to foreign shores next June to support his younger brothers.
(Lengthy) Ad Reads: 1998 PEUGEOT 306 1.9D Turbo (AC) Diesel Hatchback. 99,350 miles, 1998 'R' reg, 3 Door, Diablo Red Metallic, Turbo Diesel, Manual, 3 former keepers and our main car since 2003. 99350 miles complete with Full Service History comprising of Stamped Service Book and some invoices. MOT until end of September 2009 with Tax until September 2009. Car is equipped with drivers airbag, electric windows, power steering, Air Conditioning ( requires new pipe to work), front fog lamps and sports style cloth interior, Kenwood 10 disc CD stereo. Very good Michelin Energy tyres all round. This car drivers very well and has carried us throughout the UK and the continent without fail. We are sorry to see him go but needs must. he returns an easy 50MPG every time and will provide the lucky buyer frugal motoring in these difficult times. £975 ono.
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