Peugeot 205. A strong number for forty years (part 1)

The Peugeot 205 is often seen as the saving angel of the French brand. The strong song hit a large audience immediately after its introduction. And in such a way that the 205 got the French manufacturer back on its feet. Peugeot laid a strong foundation for the future with the 205, and sold millions of copies of the model. In two parts we reflect on the history of the 205. We do that for a reason, because it is forty years ago that Peugeot introduced the model. Today you will read the first part.

At the end of 1977, Peugeot's passenger car range consisted of the 104, the 304, the brand new 305, the 504 and the 604. There is a lot of space between the 104 and the old 304 and the new 305, and Peugeot sees the need to fill that gap with a new and progressive model. In the meantime, Peugeot is working on the successor (505) of the almost ten-year-old 504. The 304 also dates from eight years earlier and the 104 dates from 1972. Meanwhile, those responsible at Peugeot see that the beautiful range is rapidly moving towards aging. In addition, the class of front-wheel drive superminis and compact hatchbacks is extremely popular, and strong competition from Japan is also growing. In the meantime, the sympathetic 104 has a fifth door from 1976 and a more extensive range, also to replace part of the lost Peugeot 204 range.

There's work to be done

Peugeot's finances are under considerable pressure, interim model adjustments do not solve that problem. In addition, it rather has the ailing Citroën added to the organization, and the takeover of the European Chrysler branch is imminent. Those responsible are also aware that a lot needs to be done about the model range. At the same time, Peugeot also realizes the importance of a sporty variant within the upcoming model range. One sees, for example, that Volkswagen is successful with the Golf GTI. In France, this starting point is widely taken into account in the upcoming development of the new trump card within the compact hatchback segment.

The start of Project M24 and design proposals

Development of Project M24 starts. Traditionally, Pininfarina and Peugeot's own design department in La Garenne are allowed to submit the designs. The Italians come up with four proposals in two years' time, including an early mock-up based on the 104, but they quickly clear the field in terms of lines. On the other hand, the Peugeot team led by Gérard Welter also comes up with four consecutive designs in two years. Designs three and four in particular are strong indications of the design of the later 205. Paul Bracq works on the interior on behalf of the Peugeot design department.

The winning design

At the end of 1979, the answer to the key question comes. Will Peugeot choose Pininfarina or the design of Gérard Welter's team in La Garenne? The answer is clear. The Peugeot management opts for the designs of Peugeot's own designers. They come up with the most appealing final proposal. What matters is that the management also finds Pininfarina's latest design too conservative. The design of Welter and his people is strong and dynamic. The design is characterized by a low, steeply sloping bonnet, a sharp roofline, rounded shapes and a large glass area. The lines of the winning design can also be clearly seen in the final 205. In the run-up to the final version, the 205 also gets the ribbed plastic plate on the tailgate. Gérard Welter applies this because Peugeot thinks the rear without ribbed plate is too similar to that of the Renault 14. For example, the upcoming compact Peugeot is being refined both outside and inside.

New techniques and production methods

During the M24 project work, the application of computer-controlled techniques is an important factor. This results, for example, in the construction of a well-thought-out driver's position and a strong body structure, which is of course extensively tested in the prototype phase. In addition, a strong anti-corrosion program is being developed, 42% of the body weight of the Peugeot consists of galvanized or galvanized sheet steel. Meanwhile, modern production methods are being developed. The production engineers are getting everything ready to build the new 205 as efficiently as possible. The automation of the production lines is very central. With success, because in series production of the 205, 91% of the 2572 welding points are carried out by robots. Also in the press streets, there is actually no human hand involved anymore.

Great chassis

Furthermore, Peugeot is preparing an excellent chassis with MacPherson struts in front with a stabilizer behind the front axle. At the rear, Peugeot uses a cleverly designed system with trailed trailing arms, transverse torsion bars and (depending on version) a stabilizer. The construction is installed entirely under the luggage floor and therefore saves a lot of space. It will later become clear that the chassis construction brings the driving characteristics of the 205 to a very high and mature level.

Basis for future rally success

While the 205 is being made more and more production-ready, Jean Todt sees a very personal perspective in project M24. On October 19, 1981, Todt takes charge of the competition department of Peugeot Talbot Sport. He immediately decides to put all his cards on the future 205 as a new rally weapon. This later turns out to be a hugely successful move. And that move is being worked on at the same time as the development of the series models of the 205. They plan and model the 205 Turbo 16, which lends its basis to the future rally versions.

February 1983: definitive start of a multiple success story

Special: the gun is unveiled in Morocco in February 1983. This happens a day before the official French sales start of the regular Peugeot 205, production of which starts in December 1982 in Mulhouse. The beginning of 1983 marks the prelude to a great success story for Peugeot. The 205 becomes very successful and pulls Peugeot out of the doldrums. And also in a rally context, the 205 will impress immediately after its entrance. The 205 is loose, and how! You can read the continuation of the success story of the strong number final part 2, in which we discuss the model history, the various variants and the rally history.