This small French hot hatch from the 1990s is much more special than its simple appearance suggests...
This car once belonged to one of the richest people in the world, Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company. In addition, this Peugeot 205 GTI features level 2 armored protection, which has pushed its price to an astonishing €59,990 (~$66,000).
With a current net worth of $181 billion, Bernard Arnault is third on the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals. By the late 1980s, he was already at the helm of LVMH, making him one of the most influential businessmen of the time. Yet, instead of a luxury limousine, Arnault chose an armored hatchback. The reason lies in his desire to avoid excessive attention and live discreetly, unlike other billionaires.
Arnault is known for his modesty; two years ago, he famously sold his private jet to escape public attention. In the 1990s, when media scrutiny intensified due to his company's growth, Arnault wanted a car he could drive daily without a chauffeur, while remaining unnoticed.
The Peugeot 205 GTI was the perfect choice. However, given the risks that billionaires face, Arnault enlisted the specialized company Labbé to install level 2 protection, including bulletproof windows and armored plates. The car was also fitted with a customized leather interior, air conditioning, and power steering—features not standard in the 205 GTI at the time.
All these modifications significantly increased the car’s weight, now tipping the scales at over 1,360 kg—more than 450 kg heavier than the standard model. It remains unclear whether the 1.9-liter engine was modified to compensate for the added weight. Arnault drove this armored Peugeot for several years before selling it to a private collector in 2009.
The armored hatchback changed hands again in 2018 for €37,500 (~$40,000). With just over 9,000 miles on the odometer, the car was in perfect condition. It is now listed for $66,000, marking a 66% increase in value over the past few years. This example shows that it’s not just Ferraris and other exotic cars that appreciate in value—cars with the right provenance do, too.
Would you buy an armored Peugeot 205 GTI once driven by one of the world’s most famous billionaires for the price that could get you a modern hot hatch with far better performance and features?
