It’s OK, because a French billionaire doesn’t own a hot hatch.
The acquisition of wealth is usually associated with a collection of expensive cars. After all, what’s the point in being wealthy if you can not share your success (or inheritance) with others? We are here to tell you that not all wealthy people are like this. Although we don’t know Bernard Arnault personally, the fact he owned and drove this 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI shows us that he is at least aware of how to keep a low profile. Arnault’s customized Peugeot is now available for sale.
Take A Trailer was notified about the sale at Arts & Revs. We’ll also be upfront about the un-Peugeot asking cost of EUR37,500 which currently amounts to $46,388. There are many nice 205 GTIs in Europe that sell for less than half the price. Some are originals with low mileage, others have custom wheels and body kits, and some have engine upgrades. None of them, as far as we know, have bullet-proof windows or armored sides.
The Art and Revs description states that Arnault ordered a new Peugeot in 1990 to allow him to have a car he would be proud to drive. The Peugeot was a celebrity and very wealthy. This made it difficult for him to drive the car without being noticed. According to the upgrade, it will be able to withstand shrapnel in war zones. We are not wealthy nor famous enough to know what level 2 armor is.
This armor, as you would expect, adds weight to what is otherwise a delightful hot hatchback. According to the advertisement, the 205 GTI weighs nearly 1,400 kilograms (3.086 pounds). This is why suspension and brakes were also upgraded. The 1.9-liter engine is not mentioned, but the interior was adorned with leather. The vehicle also features both power steering as well as air conditioning, which were options that weren’t available in a 205 GTI back in 1990.
You won’t be disappointed if you dream of meeting Arnault in a coffee shop to purchase the car. The car was sold to a private collector in 2009. However, it is believed that the car is still in the name of the billionaire. This means that if you had the money to purchase a new BMW 4 Series you could theoretically buy this 205 GTI, and get a lot of parking tickets than Arnault would have to.