Tag: Peugeot

ON THE BLOCK: The $1,000,000 Fort Lauderdale Challenge

March 26, 2015 / moto+match / 0 Comments

After a successful haul in our $2,000,000 Amelia Island Challenge, we’re heading south to the Auctions America sale in Fort Lauderdale. Our Petrolhead Godmother continues with her generosity; this time with $1,000,000 to play with this weekend. Using Auction America’s HIGH estimate, choose one or choose several cars (no motorbikes or automobilia) that you would like to bring home. We’ll get started:

Lot 108 — 1973 Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
Estimate $30,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $13,500 including premium

Featured in a Pick Of The Day last year, this is an presentable example of a car rarely seen on these shores. While it shows signs of wear and previous body repairs, this Peugeot 504 has had recent paint and is a complete example of a classic Pininfarina styling.

Lot 177 — 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante
Estimate $150,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $151,250 including premium

Not much information is in the catalog beyond the history of the V8 as a model, but this looks to be a rather tidy example, complete with books and tools. Although it is an automatic, it would still make for some very pleasant open touring.

Lot 226 — 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo (930)
Estimate $85,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $82,250 including premium

Although we aren’t given an odometer reading other than its condition belies the miles, this looks to be an excellent original example of a one-year-only 5-speed 930. Its high estimate would appear to be a bargain relative to other 1989s in like condition (not to mention the 1976 model that runs earlier in the day, estimated at $200,000).

Lot 317 — 1935 Ford Model A “Ratrod’ Pickup
Estimate $40,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $26,000

This is another one of those lots that we’d chase only when Petrolhead Godmother is footing the bill, but that said, it is dandy. Powered by a 350 V8, its steel body has been chopped, stanced, channeled and dropped. Period wheels and tires cover front disc brakes. A very nicely built blend of bootleg-era looks and contemporary performance.

Lot 356 — 1949 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe Sedanette
Estimate $65,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $55,000 including premium

The C-Body Cadillacs of 1948 and 1949 brought together big advances in engineering with the overhead-valve V8 and alluring looks. Here we see the first nubs of Harley Earl’s tailfins punctuating a sleek and graceful body, particularly in the fastback “Sedanette” form. This one form 1949 was a former barn find restored to its current condition with a rebuilt original drivetrain. It’s a positively gorgeous American cruiser that is said to drive quite well.

Lot 472 — 1981 Renault R5 Turbo
Estimate $75,000
UPDATE: SOLD FOR $49,500 including premium

The Renault R5 Turbo is in many ways an answer to a question no-one was asking. It’s a completely insane answer, yet it makes perfect sense at the same time. Take a pedestrian Renault R5 (what we might remember as Le Car) and transform it into a mid-engined beast that eats supercars for breakfast. This example looks to have been restored at some point to what appears to be a high degree, yet appears to have been used as intended which is to drive the merde out of it. What’s not to love?

Lot 486 — 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary
Estimate $425,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid of $320,000

Petrolhead Godmother always says, “if you get thrown from a bull, get right back on.” We missed out on the Lamborghini Countach 5000S Quattrovalvole at Gooding and Company’s Amelia Island sale earlier this month, thus we’re somewhat compelled to try again. This time it’s the ultimate expression of the Countach, the coveted 25th Anniversary model. This one shows beautifully in its classic Italian combination of red on tan. With a recent service and less than 21,000 km, it promises to be appropriately raging.

Lot 622 — 1948 MG TC
Estimate $52,000
UPDATE: STILL FOR SALE high bid $37,500

Few capture the charm of early British motoring the way an MG TC does. Future TDs and TFs were already becoming too modern. This one from 1948 has been used sparingly since undergoing an older high quality restoration. It condition remains show worthy, but this little thing begs to be thrown on the open road, only stopping for a picnic. The Clipper Blue finish is a nice departure as well.

We came to a total of $922,000. Buyer’s premiums will put us slightly over the million dollar mark, but once again we’ll err on the side of excess when spending the Petrolhead Godmother’s money. Let us know what your picks are in comments.

For the complete Auctions America Fort Lauderdale 2015 results click here.

FORBIDDEN FRUIT: Limited Production Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Unveiled at Goodwood

June 26, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Très tragoc. The 208 GTi 30^th delivers a more intense driving sensation enhanced with a new Euro6 1.6-litre THP petrol engine developing 300Nm of torque and maximum power increased to a symbolic 208hp. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, it has exceptional traction and efficiency assured through the specification of a Torsen differential, specific suspension and steering settings.The exterior can also be distinguished with an optional paint finish – a coupe franche – where the rear is separated distinctively by a sharp dividing line from which the colours are cleanly divided.

Its sporty and assertive temperament can also been seen in its stance and look, in particularly by its dual-material livery, separated by a sharp dividing line. It will be presented to the public at the forthcoming 2014 Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in November 2014.

The 208 GTi 30^th anniversary Limited Edition made its world debut on display with dynamic demonstrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – dynamically in the Supercar & ‘First Glimpse’ class on the Hillclimb at speed and on static display in the Moving Motor Show showroom – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It goes on public display at the next Paris Motor Show in October and will be going on sale in November 2014.

“As with any project of this type, there was a convergence of ideas and needs. Following on from the RCZ R, PEUGEOT Sport proposed that the Brand make a more radical version of the 208 GTi. At the same time the Brand thought about how best to celebrate 30 years of the PEUGEOT GTi in 2014.”
Maxime Picat – PEUGEOT Brand CEO.

A year after its commercial launch over 10,000 Peugeot 208 GTi Hatchback cars have been produced, confirming the success of the reinterpretation of the GTi icon and the strategy to offer a well-specified, performance sports model from PEUGEOT in the B Segment.

PEUGEOT has left its mark on the history of motor sport and DNA can be found in the genes of the 208 GTi, as in those of the RCZ, and its R version greatly enhanced by PEUGEOT Sport. As Peugeot celebrates 30 years since the original 205 GTi, it is now the turn for the 208 GTi to benefit from the expertise and racing pedigree of the engineers at Peugeot Sport. They have worked to give it a more radical character with what some call ‘extra soul’, in response to expectations by driving enthusiasts to have an authentic product with real capability.

A coherent exclusive signature with a more radical temperament

“The 208 GTi 30^th builds on the virtues of a strong identity, great attention to detail and in the style of the 208 GTi, and takes on a more radical and brutish fashion, making the link with the incisive character of its dynamic performance,” Julien Kerlidou – Product Manager 208.

From the outset, the exclusive and more radical temperament shines through with the 208 GTi 30^th. The suspension is lowered by 10mm, the track widened by 22mm at the front and 16mm at the rear, and larger wheels are specified giving it a pronounced sports car posture on the road.

The chic bright chrome finishers on the 208 GTi are replaced by matt black on the 208 GTi 30th, giving it a more brutish look. At the front the same treatment is applied to the grille surround, the fog lamp bezels and door mirror shells. From the side, the lowered stance is accentuated by matt black side skirts and wheel arch extensions that cover new 18″ wheels finished with matt black rims. The front wheels house large red PEUGEOT Sport labelled brake calipers. The window trim strip, which finishes with a signature paying homage to the illustrious 205 GTi, is also finished in matt black, while the quarter panel bears a ‘208 GTi 30^th logo’. At the rear, the round twin chrome tail pipes ensure the sound of the new engine is fully expressed to enhance the aural driving experience.

Finally, the 208 GTi 30^th could only be finished in colours that identify this sporting world. The interpretation uniting the red and black in a two-tone and dual material treatment is innovative and unique. The front is finished in a textured black, contrasting with the new high-gloss red at the rear. The two colours are divided by a sharp oblique straight-cut line (a ‘coupe franche’), as first seen on the Onyx Supercar Concept and reinterpreted on the 308 R and Exalt Concept cars. The 208 GTi 30^th will also be available in Pearl White and Ruby Red – historical colours of PEUGEOT GTi cars.

Perfectly consistent with its exterior signature and dynamic character, the interior ambience has a more radical sports character developed for the 208 GTi 30^th. The red fading to black finishers on the 208 GTi change to lacquered black. The black door handles with a red line echo the seat belts. High-quality floor mats are trimmed in red, while the front bucket seats are of a form specially developed by PEUGEOT Sport. These seats are trimmed in an exclusive blend of materials, mainly Alcantara, accompanied by black TEP with red stitching and a black dotted mesh pattern with red highlights.

A numbered plate marked ‘208 GTi 30^th’ positioned above the courtesy lamp finishes off this limited edition anniversary model.

Unrestrained driving sensations for incisive behaviour on the road

“Based on the 208 GTi, itself already a very effective and well powered car, our ambition was to focus on behaviour on the road, by further increasing its effectiveness. For this we have developed the traction and a potential for more grip, mainly on the front axle. The benefits are essentially in passing speeds, driving sensations and feedback,” Pierre Budar –208 GTi 30^th Project Manager.

The sensations begin when taking the wheel of the 208 GTi 30^th. For the driver, familiarisation is simple and obvious as is directing the car. The compact steering wheel makes it easy to place the vehicle and enhances driving sensations. The instruments, positioned above the compact steering wheel, are directly in view. This facilitates the reading of information, which becomes instantaneous, without the driver having to take their eyes off the road.

Consistent with its specific dynamic character and pronounced driving sensations, this driving position is ideally complemented by a specific ‘bucket’ seat developed by PEUGEOT Sport. Together with the small wheel, the head-up instruments and feedback from the compact steering and suspension, it allows the driver to be at one with their car.

The new 1.6-litre THP engine, meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard, is fitted with Stop & Start. Its maximum torque is increased to 300Nm and maximum power to 208hp, an immediate reference to the model name. The power and torque are transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios, and a Torsen differential – both taken from the RCZ R, allowing the full potential of the vehicle to be exploited.

The ESP and traction control are recalibrated, so as to be less intrusive when driving and to set free the vehicle’s traction and allow the Torsen to operate. The advantage provided by the Torsen and the reduced anti-roll at the front are felt in particular when accelerating in a corner by maintaining tight trajectories, and when braking, with improving stability.

The lowered centre of gravity and redefined suspension geometry (wider track, camber angle, wheel alignment, 0.5’’ wider wheels) and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 ZR 18 tyres optimise grip and ensure remarkable road holding.

The steering calibration has also been the subject of much development work, both on a track circuit and on the road. The objective was to obtain a linear level of assistance appropriate for the character of the car, taking account of the effect produced by the Torsen differential.

Associated with new damper settings and spring rates, as well as revised anti-roll, the steering is informative. All together it offers both precision and agility. The 208 GTi 30^th can count on a braking system to match the performance achieved, with 323mm diameter and 28mm thick discs at the front and Brembo fixed four-piston calipers.

The sporty temperament of the 208 GTi 30^th can also be seen in the figures: 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and standing kilometre in 26.5 seconds. Mid-range acceleration is also of a high level with with 5^th gear acceleration from 50 to 70mph possible in 6.0 seconds. Its performance and sharper handling are achieved with efficiency that is unprecedented in the segment, with CO₂ emissions of just 125g/km.

The 208 GTi 30^th again demonstrates that emotion, sportiness and efficiency are engrained in PEUGEOT’s heritage and genes

PICK OF THE DAY: Exceptional Peugeot 504 Cabriolet

April 29, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

When we think of a Peugeot 504—and how many of us do—we think of the indestructible saloon cars that, while conquering the worst roads that five continents have to offer with ample comfort and high efficiency, are not the stuff an enthusiast pines for. However, the 2-door coupé and cabriolet versions are an entirely different animal. Introduced in 1969 with a Pinifarina design that looked like a cross between a Fiat 124 Spider and a Fiat 130 Coupé, these cars evoked a 70s Parisian attitude that was more dolce vita than utilitaire. Additionally, their relative light weight (1165 kg) and four-wheel independent suspension, combined with a 110-hp four-cylinder motor gave the cars excellent road manners and decent pep (0-60 in just under 10 sec.). Cabriolet production totaled about 1,000 cars a year over an 8-year run, however like many open-top cars of the time, a good number of those have succumbed to rust. The car presented here was recently imported from an evidently dry part of Sweden as there are no signs of rot and only minimal surface oxidation. Interior is free of cracks and upholstery wear indicating that the car has spent much of its life stored indoors. The top also looks to be in good condition with no rips or snags and clear plastic rear window. Paint, interior (except for radio) and top are all said to be original. The motor also looks solid with good hoses, unblemished wires and no signs of leaks or seepage; and since it used a fuel-injected version of the ubiquitous saloon car’s 2.0 litre, parts are still widely available. It’s a car that’s sure to turn heads while capturing some joie de vie. Find it here at Ragtops in West Palm Beach FL for a Hagerty No. 2 $18,500.