Peugeot 405 Turbo 16 GR

Before the rebodied 406 Coupe, a version of the 405 was produced. I’m sure you’ve never heard of it because only 4 were built all with one purpose, rallying. Mid engine with a 1.9ltr turbo engine producing 245 bhp and permanent 4 wheel drive taken out of the 205 16GR, the only thing they had in common with their production counterparts was the front end styling and a badge.

Jules Roll Royce Dakar Car

You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was the Roller out of Cannonball Run, but no this was actually raced in the Paris Dakar in 1981. Not only that it was doing quite well, 13th place, when it had to be retired or rather it was retired by disqualification when a repair to the broken steering axle took too long. The car is based on the Roll Royce Corniche but was seriously modified to have Toyota Land Cruiser running gear, which makes this Roller a 4x4.

Jules Proto 6x4

Competing in the Paris Dakar is never an easy feat due to the rigours the vehicles have to go through to just finish. Most are either heavily adapted road cars/4x4 for privateers or for the established manufactured out to prove something with one off purpose built creations with the company face and model name attached to it. However, every so often a team enters with something truly awe-inspiring. The entry of the perfume sponsored “Jules” Proto in 1984 with 6 wheels, 4 powered (the rear axle not being powered), and powered by a mid mounted Chevy 350 V8 with 350bhp transmitted through a Porsche gearbox, all sat in a space frame chassis. The thing looks awesome and like it could take on anything. Unfortunately it didn’t finish due its chassis snapping!!!!!! Still this shows the innovative thinking that this race needs, it also looks cool.

Mega Track

400 bhp V12 from a Mercedes engine, 4 wheel drive and adjustable suspension, not what you’d expect from a company that traditionally made cars that can be driven on a bike licence, not only that but its French!!!!! This was the first car built by them for full licence use, well almost built only 5 were delivered in 1995.