The genesis of the Peugeot 205 Indiana, far more exceptional than just a limited edition.

Let’s explore together the captivating mysteries surrounding this special edition! While many of you wonder about the number of units sold, the question remains: why create a unique model in this market segment, with no apparent competition? How did this bold idea take root in Peugeot’s mind at the time?

Let us take you behind the scenes of the fascinating creation of this automotive marvel and discover the intriguing story that gave birth to this special edition. Hold on tight, as we are about to unveil the secrets that shaped this rolling masterpiece! Don't miss a single detail of this captivating story—read this article to the very end!

Let’s start by crossing off the many rumors surrounding the creation of this car. One rumor suggests that, at the time, a Peugeot executive spent his vacation in the state of Indiana, USA, and fell head over heels in love with a place called "SR 205." Thus, he supposedly came up with the idea to create the Indiana based on the 205 "SR."

Digging deeper, we discover that at the time, a road in this state was named « SR-205 » for « Indiana State Road 205 » now renamed « In-205 ». A thorough search even reveals the existence of a restaurant called « The 205 » along this route. Although the Peugeot 205 Indiana is indeed based on the structure of the Peugeot 205 "SR," it is difficult to believe this story, as the road in question does not cross any desert. Moreover, such an initiative from an executive of the Lion-branded company would certainly have made headlines.

This hypothesis seems to gain traction, especially since the "Indiana Café" is a restaurant franchise that was inaugurated in 1988, with its first establishment located on Rue Quentin Bauchart in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Connections between the inspiration for the 205 Indiana and this friendly venue emerge, strengthened by the similarity between the font used in the car's rear monogram and that of the "Indiana Café" sign.

Another rumor suggests that a high-ranking person at Peugeot used to have breakfast every morning at a restaurant nicknamed "Indiana Café" before heading to work. A budding friendship with the manager is said to have sparked the creative idea behind the Peugeot 205 Indiana.

However, the lingering question is the connection between this morning atmosphere and the car's interior. If we follow this lead, why not choose an interior that evokes the croissants and orange juice of breakfast instead?

Let's now move on to the hypothesis that seems the most likely.

It’s 1989 when the successful film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" is released, a movie directed by Steven Spielberg that will win an Oscar that same year, the seventh since the beginning of the saga!

One could think that this success inspired Peugeot, as by the end of 1990, the Peugeot 205 Indiana made its debut in the lineup.

Despite the trilogy's triumph over the years, it seems that the design of this model by Peugeot was not directly influenced by the cinematic adventures of Indiana Jones, at least not immediately.

However, the role of this iconic saga becomes more significant later on. Stay with us, as we will address this point in detail later.

But then, what really inspired the creation of the Peugeot 205 Indiana? To find out, let's take a step back a year before its conception. In 1989, at the Paris Motor Show, a visionary in the automotive industry named "Heuliez" unveiled a playful concept car called "Peugeot Agades 4X4."

The Agades concept car was built on the basis of a Citroën BX GTI 4x4, recognizable by its doors. Under the hood, it featured a 1.9 GTI engine of type "1CW2Y6DEA," marked "test no. 109126." The vehicle was equipped with hydraulic suspension and all-wheel drive.

Inside, there were bucket seats from the Peugeot 205, upholstered in sand leather and denim of the same blue as the bodywork. The dashboard was that of the 205 GTI, with a net added on the passenger side, while the glove compartment door was replaced by a bag.

Externally, the body and wheel covers were a bright blue, just like its two skirts. The front end resembled that of the Peugeot 405, while the rear lights and tailgate were reminiscent of the Peugeot 205, which featured a sticker in PTS colors.

This model targeted a young and dynamic clientele; although it was successful, the color and features did not make it a playful vehicle.

This is why the prototype reappeared on March 8, 1990, at the Geneva Motor Show. Its striking new color evoked the desert, with star-shaped wheel covers in the same hue. Its painted bumpers were replaced with black ones to emphasize its sporty and adventurous side.

Its equipment was upgraded with a spare wheel on the tailgate, roof bars, and two swiveling headlights on the front fenders. This made it a true adventurer! This time, the reception was even more enthusiastic from the public than before. Peugeot's management did not believe in the potential success of a small urban 4x4, remaining completely indifferent while still not neglecting this off-roader.

On the same date, Heuliez unveiled another concept car, taking the name of the famous B2 10HP model K1 tracked vehicle that made history by participating in the"croisière noire", becoming one of the first five cars in the world to cross the desert in 1922: the "Scarabée d'Or".

This model was a style study for the brand with the chevrons. Intended to use the same mechanics as the BX GTI 4X4, this prototype would ultimately never be powered.

This little convertible borrows many elements from its counterpart. From the wheel covers to the rear lights, including the body lines and the mirrors—now painted—everything evokes the spirit of adventure. The color shades remain faithful, just like the bumpers, except for the color that shifts from black to dark brown on the Golden Beetle.

Additionally, its interior space is modular; the rear seats are an integral part of the body and can be folded down to optimize the vehicle's aerodynamics when not in use.

In the cabin, the driver’s area closely resembles that of a Peugeot 205, featuring brown and beige tones. The dashboard stands out with a more contemporary style, showcasing modern lines. The interior plastics adopt the same color palette, as do the floor mats and carpeting. The seats are covered in a light beige and white fabric, adorned with the Heuliez brand logo embroidered on the headrests, depicting a cart.

This logo is also found in the center of the steering wheel and on the front fenders of the car. The glove compartment is replaced by a mesh storage area. The doors are thin and lack windows at the foot level. These perforated side panels provide better visibility of the terrain while offering minimal lateral protection.

But you may ask, how is the Peugeot 205 Indiana related to all of this? Well, the answer is simple: at the show where crowds flock to the Heuliez stand, Peugeot takes a keen interest in the success of these two concept cars. However, the company is not interested in creating this type of vehicle.

At the end of 1989, Fiat launched the second generation of its Uno, which was a great success, not to mention its Tipo, which was named Car of the Year. The beginning of 1990 saw the arrival of the Renault Clio and the Ford Fiesta, disrupting the market. In response to these new models, Peugeot sought an original way to diversify. The brand would then draw heavily from the Agades and the Scarabée d'Or to design its own model with style and creativity.

But Peugeot does not simply want to create yet another limited series with a few stickers and a stereo radio. No, this time, Peugeot really wants to make an impression! In fact, in the car's study document, there is no mention of a special series, but rather a "new original concept."

The goal was clear: to continue dominating the high end of the B segment market with a 205 that surpassed all its competitors, much like the Lacoste and Roland Garros editions that had preceded it. This new concept was to become the new reference for the 205 and position itself as a leader with an original theme never before explored by an automotive manufacturer. This model was meant to display a strong and captivating personality, leaving no one indifferent.

The theme of this 205 was to revolve around wide open spaces, premium styling, and trendy adventure inspired by the Camel brand.

Aimed at a clientele seeking a car that reflects their aspirations, this new model was designed to captivate with its charm and originality.

The base selected was that of the XS for the Spanish market and that of the XR for France, Portugal, and Germany. The 5-door version, available only in France and Belgium for a very short period, was based on the SR trim. In total, 3 engine options were offered depending on the country of sale, with power ranging from 60 to 85 horsepower.

No shade from the 205 color palette would be suitable for such a novelty, so Peugeot decided to make a bold move with a brand new color that has just as exotic a name! The entire body, including the two skirts, will be covered in Tropic Beige. The XS-type wheels and chrome strips will receive special treatment reminiscent of the wheels from the two prototypes. In fact, the trims will feature the Mayfair beige color similar to that of certain 205 Gentry models, while the wheels will have a different beige that slightly leans towards bronze when exposed to sunlight.

Vintage saddle strap stickers adorned the length of the bodywork, with a nod to the decorations on the rear windows. The tailgate was not to be outdone, featuring not one, but three specific monograms! Inspired by the badges of the Agades and the Scarabée d'Or, these three logos were painted in a darker beige than the bodywork. This would be the only 205, across all models, with the three designations painted in a color other than gray!

The team behind this project started with a blank slate to design the interior! The warm tones of beige and khaki present in the cabin were largely inspired by the two-tone ambiance of Heuliez's Scarabée d'Or. The upholstery was custom-made using the same type of fabric as that of the 205 Rallye, except for the backs of the bucket seats, where pouches were woven in. Unusually for Peugeot, an embroidery was harmoniously added to the front seat backs.

The door panels were modified to accommodate removable bags. The dashboard is from an XS model, recognizable by its additional indicators and tachometer. The finishing touch was the three-spoke sport steering wheel, which featured a central "INDIANA" badge.

The standard equipment varied from country to country. All models came with tinted and electric windows, central locking for the doors and tailgate, a ceiling light with a map reader, a coin collector, a rear seat that folded in two parts, and a trunk light. The fuel cap locked with a key, and a radio pre-installation was included, leaving the choice of radio as an option.

They were also equipped with a panoramic sunroof, except for the Spanish Indiana models, which lacked this feature in favor of a more powerful engine.

The German versions also had a headlight adjustment button integrated into the dashboard.

During the study in September 1990, it was proposed that the Indiana be equipped with the TU3A engine of 70 horsepower. Countries where anti-pollution standards were in effect were to receive the TU3M engine. Ultimately, Peugeot Spain opted for the same engine as the 205 XS with the TU3S of 85 horsepower, while France, Portugal, and Belgium for the following year would choose the all-new TU3F2 block of 75 horsepower. As for Germany, two engine options would be offered in the catalog: the TU1M (1124 cm³) with 60 horsepower and the TU3M (1360 cm³) with 75 horsepower, both equipped with fuel injection and catalyzation.

Little anecdote:

In 1922, during the Black Cruise, the 8 Citroën autochenilles were differentiated by a designation. Their emblems were painted in a circle on the sides of the cars and on the trailers to avoid coupling errors. This is why this characteristic is found on the Heuliez prototype with an illustration of the scarab on the rear wing; only the colors have been changed for more modernity.

Peugeot paid tribute to this expedition by designing a logo in the same shape for its 205 Indiana. This logo was placed along the body and woven into the seat backs. Before this special edition, no other 205 had received a rounded designation.

All that was left was to give a name to this original new concept, and here again, the brand had some hesitations. This edition was meant to reflect the spirit of a youth eager to have fun, to embark on adventures in an agile car without worrying about tomorrow. One of the suggestions from the project team was "Libertad," a catchy Spanish name, but it would likely have struggled to sell in all the concerned countries. The chosen name would ultimately be that of the famous archaeologist "Indiana" Jones, an extraordinary adventurer who feared nothing!

Thanks to the Peugeot 103 "Indiana" released in 1985, the lion brand was completely free to use this name without having to pay royalties to the production company "Paramount Pictures," provided, of course, that they did not mention or illustrate the character from the film in their brochures and advertisements.

The Peugeot 205 Indiana was officially released on June 19, 1991, during the "Journées Plein Soleil" event. It was available exclusively as a three-door model and priced at 76,700 francs. It was launched alongside the new Peugeot 205 Style.

Unlike all other special editions, Peugeot made the decision not to promote the Indiana in newspapers and other advertising media, a choice that unfortunately rendered it completely invisible to the public. Potentially interested customers could only discover it in a few dealerships that had one on display or simply through thin paper brochures. Faced with this lack of visibility and sluggish sales, the company reacted in 1992 by running an advertisement in a few Spanish magazines and filming two commercials that featured the new 5-door version.

Without precise explanation, these television commercials were only aired abroad, notably in Spain and Germany, a true paradox since the 5-door version was only sold in France and Belgium!

1992 marked the end of the model after less than a year and a half of sales. Just like the Peugeot 205 GTI Griffe released the same year, the 205 Indiana was a commercial failure.

However, this limited edition is the one that has the most distinctive elements among all the Peugeot 205s produced. From the color error when ordering the seat covers in 1991 to the Spanish television advertisement inspired by an American film that won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1990, it is also the 205 that holds the most fascinating anecdotes! Among those already mentioned, we can also talk about the magazine advertisement integrated into several pages of the book "El lenguaje de la publicidad" by Antonio Ferraz Martínez published in 1993, a work available in many university libraries around the globe, including the famous Carlow University in Pittsburgh, USA, or the prestigious University of Montreal in Canada, two countries where the Peugeot 205 was never marketed.

With fewer than 250 units still in circulation across Europe, including fewer than thirty in the 5-door finish, this collectible car is one of the rarest 205s. Driving it is a unique experience that few enthusiasts will get to live. With its differences and exoticism worthy of the finest concept cars, the Peugeot 205 Indiana appeals to those who do not wish to be like everyone else.

Today, the value of this model has not yet risen in France. French sellers, having no knowledge of the value of their car, are selling them off on classified ad sites. It then becomes quite possible to find beautiful examples for under €8,000. However, this special edition is highly sought after in countries where the Indiana was not marketed.

During an auction on international sites, prices soar! The most recent example took place at the end of 2022, when a Peugeot 205 Indiana in a 3-door finish, in concours condition and with less than 42,000 km on the clock, was purchased at the "Voiture Vintage" stand at Epoqu'Auto for only €7,500. Just a few weeks later, the car was auctioned on the famous site "Benzin" and managed to resell for €15,650!

As Peugeot wisely stated in 1992: "If you make freedom your territory, you now have the mount you have always dreamed of riding."

Peugeot 205 Indiana,
adventure accompanies you.