The 806 ‘Procar’ can be considered one of the most exotic and ambitious racing car projects ever made. Photo courtesy of Aguttes

Peugeot 806 “Procar”: 30 Years of the World’s Coolest Minivan

Despite competing in only one single event in its entire racing career, the 806 'Procar' left on its tail a lasting legacy, with the three decades that separate its debut on a cloudy afternoon in Spa-Francorchamps and the present day helping to convert the vehicle into a true cult classic for lovers of the sport.

MINIVAN: CHANGING THE WORLD OF TRANSPORTATION

Launched in the early 1980s, the minivans became a worldwide phenomenon in the following decades. Offering a spacious interior combined with reasonable economy, their versatility was perfect for families, who were the target audience for this type of vehicle. Although in its beginnings minivans became a craze in the United States, in Europe the concept took a little longer to catch on.

The pioneer in the European MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) market would be the 1984 Renault Espace, which had a slow sales start; however, by the end of the decade, both the Espace and other imported American-made minivans had already conquered a significant share of the middle-class automotive market, as consumers in the European community realized the conveniences offered by this segment of vehicles.

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