Why is scouring dismantling companies a fantastic experience? Why do many find it so exciting? Perhaps out of the silent hope of making a beautiful find? Hans knows the answer: it is the love for the special versions of the Peugeot 106 – “keeper types” of which he has several in his collection. Hans is an optimist full of energy who starts beaming as soon as he talks about his Peugeot hobby. And now he talks about his Peugeot 106 XSI.
Old iron hunt?
His: “Sometimes I come across cars that are ready to be dismantled and are more than worth saving. This was certainly the case with this one Peugeot 106. The rust had not yet done its destructive work and the damage to the bodywork could be repaired affordably to restore it to its former glory. According to the owner, the engine was no longer working and, fearing too high costs, the Peugeot could disappear from the road permanently.”
Peugeot 106 XSI Rescue Operation
The tragedy of the scrapyard: the car that has done its duty, has been robbed of all valuable parts and seems doomed to disappear. Hans had to brave the necessary disappointments for this rescue operation. The license plates were already in a container with hundreds of other 'victims' and the car had already been deregistered with the RDW for dismantling. Still, the happiness thermometer was still high, because the keys were found — with the label of the license plate attached. The beautiful, matching rims were also already hidden, but fortunately were also found.
Collector's item
His: “I do not agree – as an expert on the Peugeot 106 – that the mechanical problems cannot be solved. Moreover, I am convinced that the special types (think also of the GTI models) will increase in value and driving pleasure. It is not yet a storage place for the 'mud of the earth', but the value will increase. Although the monetary value does not play a role for me... the emotional value does! Understand that the scrapyard does not see the emotional element in classic cars, for him it is a source of income.”
the Peugeot 106 XSI
De Peugeot 106 was introduced in 1991 as a compact hatchback in the B-segment. The model was intended as a successor to the successful Peugeot 205 in the smaller segment, but (in various versions) it still ran parallel to the 205. Production of the 106 finally ended in 2003, after which the 206 largely took over the role of the smallest Peugeot.
- Introducing the XSI: The 106 XSI appeared in the early 90s as a sporty variant. Depending on the year of manufacture and the market, it was equipped with a 1.4 or 1.6 liter petrol engine from the TU series of PSA Peugeot CitroënIn many cases this engine delivered around 95-105 hp (for the 1.4) and around 105-120 hp (for the 1.6), giving the XSI a peppy character for such a light car.
- Notable achievements: Thanks to its relatively low weight (around 850 to 900 kg, depending on the version) and sporty tuning, the Peugeot 106 XSI was able to keep up with the competition in its time. Magazines such as autoweek en Top Gear Magazine At the time, they praised the manoeuvrability, the 'kart feeling' and the enthusiastic engine character.
- Equipment: Compared to the standard 106, the XSI was often equipped with sportier seats, a modified chassis and sometimes additional instruments or sporty exterior accents, such as striping and alloy wheels.
- Rally heritage: The Peugeot 106 (in Rallye version) also became popular in rally sport, partly due to its low costs and light chassis. The XSI shares many features with those agile rally variants.
- Increasingly rare: Nowadays, the Peugeot 106 XSI, just like the 106 Rallye and 106 GTI, is becoming increasingly scarce. Most copies are either used up or are in collections. This makes them sought-after cars for enthusiasts and collectors, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Enthusiasm
The Peugeot 106 is and remains a very characteristic appearance: compact on the outside and surprisingly spacious on the inside. The finish was excellent for its time, the driving characteristics are great, and it is known as a gem on the road. It delivers performances that you do not have to be ashamed of. In the XSI version it has become special in the meantime: the last copies quickly end up with enthusiasts or become the prey of dealers and disappear abroad.
Driven
Hans can talk passionately about his Peugeot 106-collecting hobby to anyone who wants to listen to his experiences. We are happy to do so and ask him how he felt when he saw the Peugeot 106 XSI on the scrapyard.
His:
“I have to be honest, when I saw the car, an electric current went through me, it took my breath away for a moment and I went into a mild form of ecstasy. Am I exaggerating? Or can the real classic car enthusiasts understand me?”
In any case, he gets a thumbs up from us for this rescue operation.
With its compact size, powerful engine and timeless charm, the Peugeot 106 an iconic choice for those who love French flair and sporty driving characteristics.
(The article continues below with the photos.)
Also a fan of the 106s. Had an N-tje with 1100 engine. Drives well and playful. Ralleys are even more fun….
Nice cool cars that don't rust unlike the German cars from that time, (I prefer a 106 in a bright color). Actually just as nice as a 205...
In the 90s I had to replace the windshield twice with a 106, which was very expensive according to the invoice, because it was glued (fortunately it was a lease car)
For that reason alone I would choose a 205 with its very cheap to replace old-fashioned windshield.
Also, with the 106 I sat with my knees pressed against the dashboard, with the 205 there was considerably more space even though the car was not really that much bigger.
Wow, a damn neat car to look at. The 'engine bay' also looks neat. Mechanical problems are there to be solved of course. Demolish? A waste! Yes, of course The Hague thinks very differently about that. Everything that is not electric is certainly not a good business (because that is greening in the first place) and therefore this is almost financially punished more severely than illegal possession of weapons. Give that thing some TLC and thumbs up👍🏼
We have a regular 1.4 version with 75 hp; that also goes 'quickly' in such a light body.
Before this we once had a ZX with the same engine, but it was heavier, although it could keep up just fine.
The 106 looks more like my old AX, and unfortunately those have also disappeared from the streets.
They remain 'street go-karts'.