Unusual. Peugeot 305 V6: the rally car that never saw the light of day

Today, we will tell you the story of a forgotten man: there were only two examples of the 305 V6, one built directly in Sochaux and the other by the important Heuliez in Cerisay.

We have to go back to the beginning of the 1980s, when the FIA ​​(Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) announced the creation of the rally group B that would operate for the year 1982.

Group B are supercharged production cars that must be built in 200 units to be approved.

Group B with existing capacity

In Sochaux, where the sports division of Peugeot Sport led by Gérard Allégret is located, we start to enjoy the opportunities of this group B. With limited resources, because Peugeot Sport is far from being Peugeot Talbot Sport (PTS).

We are in the 1980s and PSA, which has just bought Chrysler (and Simca), is not in the best financial shape. So we have to make do with what we have. Peugeot Sport doesn’t want to use small 104s and old 504s.

So, to increase the brand, we will take the 305, released three years ago.

305 takes a horse

A good family sedan, the 305 has nothing of a rally car: in the basic version, it develops 60 hp… Since there is no modern engine, the idea is to use the V6 PRV installed in the ‘before and change. 305 in propulsion.

Modified by Peugeot Sport, the 2.5-liter V6 receives a new cylinder head and timing belt. It is fed by carburetors and intake manifolds for each bank of cylinders and will develop 250 hp.

Body built 305

The body of the 305 will be modified and widened to accommodate properly sized tires. It’s also light, especially with a polyester hood with ventilation holes and lots of aluminum and plastic parts to keep the weight under 900kg.

The widening of the tracks has led to a modification of the doors which are specific to the rear. Surprisingly, the 305 does not use a wheel drive, we remain very classic.

To accommodate the front dimensions, the V6 was moved to the rear and reduced and the 5-speed gearbox was placed in front of the axle, in the rear.

Difficult decisions

In order to successfully complete the production of the 200 necessary cars, Heuliez was contacted to ensure a small assembly line.

The prototype is assembled: it is painted in neutral white with blue and yellow stripes and features a revised front end of 1982. Everything seems to be ready when… The evolution of strategy within Peugeot.

Following the acquisition of Chrysler Europe, PSA found itself in charge of restructuring competitive operations due to the financial difficulties of the new group.

Take a cold shower

On the other hand, Sunbeam Lotus (the English branch of the competition) has just won the 1981 World Championship On the other hand, Group B.

The creation of PTS (Peugeot Talbot Sport) with Jean Todt at the head will have to make decisions. Industrial strategy will force us to sacrifice 305 (sales that are beginning to deteriorate) for future profits 205 that must be successful.

Participating in group B will go through the 205 Turbo 16 although development of the 305 V6 will continue for a few months to prepare for the transition to the 205.