Auction Find: Haven't You Wanted A Peugeot LMP1 Racer?

Towards the end of the 2000s, there was a war going on between the French and German automakers. Audi and Peugeot were fighting on the track with their LeMans prototypes to show who was the better one. Now, you have the chance to own of those vehicles.

RM Sotheby's have a 2008 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP Le Mans Prototype heading onto the auction block. The particular model was the fifth chassis built and would make its racing debut at the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans, replacing chassis number four that was destroyed in an accident during the Le Mans test day. Driven by Nicolas Minassian, Marc Gene, and 1997 Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve, chassis number five had an impressive debut by finishing second overall in the race. Audi's dominant R10 TDI LMP beat it for the outright win.

Chassis number five would go on to take two endurance race wins: the 2009 Petit Le Mans at Road in Atlanta and the 2010 1000 Kilometer Algarve race. Other accomplishments for this 908 HDi include two more second-place finishes, three pole positions, and four fastest laps. After the 2010 season, Peugeot pulled chassis number five from racing. A couple years later, Peugeot would bow out from endurance racing.

What made the 908 HDi FAP a real challenger to Audi's LMP race cars? Part of it comes down to the 908's engine. A twin-turbo 5.5L DOHC V12 diesel engine produced over 700 horsepower. Like Audi's diesel LMPs, the 908 HDi was able to go further on a tankful of diesel, allowing it not to visit the pit lane as often.

Along with the 908 HDi prototype, the seller will provide technical support for two years.

Interested? You better make sure you have enough money in your bank account. RM Sotheby's is estimating the 908 HDi will sell between 1.2 to 1.6 million Euros (about $1.35 to $1.8 million). The 908 HDi will go on the auction block in Monaco on May 14th.

Pic Credit: RM Sotheby's