1988 Peugeot 405 Mi16 Group A ex-Works
Chassis No. VF315BD6208091715
When the Peugeot 405 Mi16 received its FIA Group A homologation on 2 March 1989, the category demanded a minimum production run of 5,000 units—a threshold the car cleared with ease. A family sedan whose exterior had been sculpted by Pininfarina and whose cabin was shaped by the Peugeot Style department under Paul Bracq, the 405 had already been crowned European Car of the Year in 1988.
Under the hood, its iron-block, aluminum-head engine, featuring twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, 1,905 cc, and 160 CV gave the Mi16—short for "Multi Injection 16 valves"—a mechanical foundation as trustworthy on a flowing stage road as it was through a tight hairpin. Planted, responsive, and remarkably consistent, the car proved a serious threat in national championship competition.
It was in Italy, however, that it achieved its finest results. Four works-prepared examples were built and campaigned under the Peugeot Italia program, with preparation entrusted to Italtecnica, to compete in the Italian Rally Championship.
The logbook of the car presented here begins on 5 May 1989. Homologated in Group A under number 5380, it was owned by Peugeot Talbot Automobili Italia and registered in Milan as MI4G8727. That same date marks scrutineering for its very first race—the legendary Targa Florio.
Excitement spilled onto the roads as spectators crowded the edges of gravel and tarmac, faces marked by dust and anticipation. Engines screamed, tires clawed at the surface, and each corner released a surge of adrenaline. Driven by Andrea Zanussi and Paolo Amati under race number 2, the car took class honors and crossed the line third overall on debut.
Targa Florio, Il Ciocco, Rally Limone Piemonte, Rallye du Valais, Rally della Lana—the stages, the dates, the drivers and their signatures fill the pages of a logbook available for consultation in digital copies. Among its entries, none stands taller than the outright victory at the Rally del Salento, delivered by Andrea Aghini and Sauro Farnocchia in May 1991.
After a long and active career, its final official appearance came at the Trofeo Villa d'Este in October 1995, as recorded in the last line of its logbook. Thirty years on, this proven competitor, a piece of rally history, is now offered to a discerning next custodian.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
Italian Libretto
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Chassis No. VF315BD6208091715
When the Peugeot 405 Mi16 received its FIA Group A homologation on 2 March 1989, the category demanded a minimum production run of 5,000 units—a threshold the car cleared with ease. A family sedan whose exterior had been sculpted by Pininfarina and whose cabin was shaped by the Peugeot Style department under Paul Bracq, the 405 had already been crowned European Car of the Year in 1988.
Under the hood, its iron-block, aluminum-head engine, featuring twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, 1,905 cc, and 160 CV gave the Mi16—short for "Multi Injection 16 valves"—a mechanical foundation as trustworthy on a flowing stage road as it was through a tight hairpin. Planted, responsive, and remarkably consistent, the car proved a serious threat in national championship competition.
It was in Italy, however, that it achieved its finest results. Four works-prepared examples were built and campaigned under the Peugeot Italia program, with preparation entrusted to Italtecnica, to compete in the Italian Rally Championship.
The logbook of the car presented here begins on 5 May 1989. Homologated in Group A under number 5380, it was owned by Peugeot Talbot Automobili Italia and registered in Milan as MI4G8727. That same date marks scrutineering for its very first race—the legendary Targa Florio.
Excitement spilled onto the roads as spectators crowded the edges of gravel and tarmac, faces marked by dust and anticipation. Engines screamed, tires clawed at the surface, and each corner released a surge of adrenaline. Driven by Andrea Zanussi and Paolo Amati under race number 2, the car took class honors and crossed the line third overall on debut.
Targa Florio, Il Ciocco, Rally Limone Piemonte, Rallye du Valais, Rally della Lana—the stages, the dates, the drivers and their signatures fill the pages of a logbook available for consultation in digital copies. Among its entries, none stands taller than the outright victory at the Rally del Salento, delivered by Andrea Aghini and Sauro Farnocchia in May 1991.
After a long and active career, its final official appearance came at the Trofeo Villa d'Este in October 1995, as recorded in the last line of its logbook. Thirty years on, this proven competitor, a piece of rally history, is now offered to a discerning next custodian.
PREVIEW DETAILS:
This lot will be available for viewing in person at Museo Alfa Romeo from Thursday, 14th May 2026 to Monday, 18th May 2026.
SALE LOCATION:
Italy
BUYER'S PREMIUM:
10% + VAT on the Hammer Price
TITLE/REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS:
Italian Libretto
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
N/A
POST-AUCTION REMOVAL AND STORAGE:
Following the auction, this lot will be removed from site and transferred to a nearby third-party storage facility pending receipt of payment. The removal fee of €450 + VAT will be charged to the buyer. Storage charges of €50 + VAT per lot per day will also be charged from Thursday, 21st May 2026.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
