- The Peugeot 205 GTI, formerly owned by billionaire Bernard Arnault, it’s a bespoke mix of discreet style and luxurious upgrades.
- The well-kept Peugeot is now valued at $66,000 USD/$100,000 AUD.
- LVMH CEO’s 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI is a level two armoured vehicle.
In an era when the car world hums with announcements of self-driving vehicles, a surprising relic from the past is making waves—a 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI hot hatch with a price tag that might make you spill your champagne—an extraordinary $66,000 USD. At first glance, one might wonder why anyone would shell today’s best electric vehicles money for a three-decade-old Peugeot.
The Billionaire’s Low-Profile Hot Hatch
The answer lies in its James Bond-worthy modifications and former owner. This vehicle features level 2 armour protection and once belonged to none other than Bernard Arnault, the fashion mogul and CEO of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (LVMH), whose net worth stands at $180 billion USD, making him the third-richest person in the world. He was, briefly, the richest man on earth, nabbing the title from Elon Musk in 2022…
But how could a man who can afford a fleet of Rolls-Royces choose an old Peugeot? The explanation is brilliant and simple at the same time —anonymity. In the modern era where ostentatiousness commands uninvited attention, Arnault’s choice of a hot hatch for the common man was the perfect masterstroke of flying under the radar.
This predilection for privacy is nothing new for Arnault. He made headlines in 2022 after selling his Bombardier 7500 private jet, which cost around $73 million USD, when Twitter users began tracking its movements. In a Radio Classique interview he revealed:
“The result now is that no one can see where I go because I rent planes when I use private planes.”
A mentality of evading the attention is the most likely, which would have been in full force back in the 90s when he chose his daily to be a Peugeot 205 GTI.
A Fortification on Wheels
But life as a billionaire can be risky, and Arnault’s Peugeot is far from ordinary. It was transformed into a moving fortress with level two armoured protection, including bulletproof windows and heavy steel plating. Interior upgrades added to the kingly luxury with handmade leather, air conditioning, and power steering, because even undercover billionaires must be comfortable enough.
All this armour bolted around the car brought its weight up to around 1,400 kg— that is quite some departure from the nimble base model. For Arnault, however, the performance-versus-security balancing act was clearly worth it.
The car’s value has only appreciated over time. It was sold to a private collector for $41,000 USD in 2009 after being in the Arnault stable for several years. When it crossed the block in 2018, the new owner put only 100 miles on it over six years — proof positive it was a prized collectable rather than a daily driver. Today, this piece of automotive history is valued at $66,000 USD, a price that reflects not just its unique modifications but also its connection to one of the world’s most enigmatic billionaires.
The Surge of the Classic Car Market
While cutting-edge technology in modern cars dazzles, the classic car market roars on, poised to touch $51 billion USD by 2028. What fuels this passion is a mix of nostalgia, investment potential, and raw emotional appeal, holding enthusiasts in its grip. This sector represents an unrivalled opportunity for financial return or simply the unadulterated thrill of owning a slice of history.
Take Bernard Arnault’s 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI—an extremely rare opportunity not simply to own a car but to get your hands on a piece of billionaire lore and automotive legend.
And for our Australian readers, if you are looking to begin on your own classic car adventure, you may find our exclusive guide, Where To Find Vintage, Unique & Classic Cars For Sale in Australia, of immense help in your quest to finally find your vintage ride of choice.
