This tiny French hot hatch from the 1990s is much more special than its ordinary looks might otherwise suggest. Not only was it previously owned by one of the wealthiest people on this planet, but it also features level 2 armored protection. That’s exactly why this unassuming hatchback has an eye-watering asking price of 59,990 euros (~$66,000). What you’re looking at is a 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI that was ordered by Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods company.
With a current net worth of $181 billion, Arnault is the third richest person on the billionaires’ list. By the end of the ‘80s, he was already in control of LVHM (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE), making him one of the most influential and wealthiest businessmen in the world. You might wonder why he bought an armored hatchback for himself instead of a luxury limo. Well, the reason behind it is quite interesting.
Unlike the flamboyant billionaires of this world, Arnault prefers to live a life without drawing too much unnecessary attention. You might remember that he sold his private jet two years ago to escape immense public scrutiny. The French billionaire wasn’t any different back in the ‘90s. Perturbed by the spotlight on him after his company’s growth, Arnault wanted a daily driver that he could regularly use anonymously without a chauffeur while maintaining a low profile.
The Peugeot 205 GTI was perfect for the job. However, a billionaire’s life is always at risk. That’s why he had the hot hatch modified by specialist company Labbé, who added level 2 protection, which includes bulletproof windows and heavy armored plating.
In addition to the armored protection, the Peugeot was also fitted with a bespoke leather interior along with air conditioning and power steering. Apparently, those features were not available on the 205 back in those days. All the modifications, especially the armored protection, added significant weight to the hot hatch, taking away its power advantage over the standard car. It weighs over 3000 lbs., which is more than a thousand pounds heavier than the regular 205 GTI. However, we aren’t aware if the car’s 1.9-liter engine was retuned for more power to compensate for the added weight. Arnault used the Peugeot for several years before it was put into storage. It was later sold to a private collector in 2009.
Arnault’s armored hot hatch changed hands in 2018 for €37,500 (roughly $40,000 in today’s money). It had just over 9000 miles on the odometer back then and was listed for sale in perfect condition. The current owner has added a little more than a hundred miles over the last six years, which suggests the hot hatch was preserved as a collector’s car. It is now being offered for close to $66,000, which translates to a price increase of around 66%. This goes on to show that it’s not just Ferraris and other exotic cars that appreciate in value if the provenance is right. But would you buy an armored Peugeot 205 GTI once owned by a somewhat famous billionaire for the kind of money that can buy you a modern hot hatch with a lot more performance and features?
