For fans of classic Peugeots and motorsport history, 2025 is a year to look forward to. From March 21 to September 30, 2025, the Musée de L’Aventure PEUGEOT in Sochaux will open a stunning exhibition covering 130 years of motorsport history. This exhibition brings the brand’s rich racing history to life with iconic vehicles, fascinating stories, and technical innovations that have transformed motorsport.
From Paris-Bordeaux-Paris to Le Mans and the Dakar Rally
Peugeot’s racing history began in 1895 with a victory in the very first official car race: the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris race. The winning car, a four-seater Peugeot driven by Koechlin and Rubichon, laid the foundation for a series of iconic victories.
In the decades that followed, Peugeot dominated various motorsport categories. The legendary Peugeot 404 and 504 became invincible in African rallies, while the revolutionary 205 T16 made a name for itself in the World Rally Championship. On the Le Mans circuit, the Peugeot 905 and 908 excelled, with victories in 1992, 1993, and 2009.
Peugeot also made history at the infamous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where the 405 T16 (1988 and 1989) and the 208 T16 (2013) set records. Successes in the Dakar Rally—with seven championship victories—also reinforced Peugeot’s status as a motorsport giant.
Technological breakthroughs and revolutionary engines
One of the highlights of Peugeot’s racing history is the innovative L76 engine from 1912. This engine, with an advanced DOHC system and hemispherical cylinder heads, enabled Peugeot to reach top speeds of up to 190 km/h – revolutionary for its time. The L76 achieved major successes in the ACF Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500, among others.
In the decades that followed, Peugeot continued to use motorsports as a testing ground for technical innovations. Models such as the 201, 203, 403, and 504 demonstrated not only speed but also reliability in demanding rallies.
A spectacular exhibition full of iconic vehicles
Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to more than 40 legendary vehicles, complemented by exclusive archive footage and historical objects. Among the cars on display are:
The historic 1891 Type 3, which competed in the Paris-Brest-Paris race
The stylish 302 Darl’mat Sport
The unyielding 404 from the East African Safari
The iconic 504 Coupé V6
The revolutionary 205 T16, a rally winner
The powerful 908 HDI FAP, winner of Le Mans
The spectacular 3008 DKR MAXI, which achieved success in the Dakar Rally
Peugeot’s successes in cycling and motorcycles are also featured. The impressive P515 motorcycle and the ten Tour de France victories between 1905 and 1977 also feature prominently in the exhibition.
An unmissable event for Peugeot enthusiasts
For fans of Peugeot classic cars and motorsport history, this exhibition is a unique opportunity to discover the French marque’s rich racing history. The exhibition combines legendary cars with compelling stories and technical innovations that have made Peugeot a pioneer in motorsport.
So mark your calendars: from March 21st to September 30th, 2025, Sochaux is the place to be for anyone who wants to experience Peugeot’s impressive motorsport history.
