To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its best-selling model ever, the 206, Peugeot decided to convert an Indian hatchback into its successor the 208.
After Peugeot obtained Indian manufacturer Ambassador last year, the French manufacturer decided to recreate an advert from 2003 where a Hindustan Ambassador driver ‘sculpted’ his car to look like a 206.
This time around, Peugeot got the help of engineers from Ajeenkya D Y Patil University in Pune, India, to convert the iconic Indian car into a 208 GTi – the market successor to the 206.
Over several months, the team shaped the Hindustan into the 208 GTi with the finished article looking almost identical to the sporty hatchback – minus a few sculpted lines here and there.
Ashish Nar, head designer at DYPDC School of Design of the Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, said: “It has been an exciting and very valuable opportunity working with Peugeot to create this concept vehicle.
“To see the original Hindustan Ambassador parked in the workshop and to then be a part of its transformation into a new, shiny Peugeot 208 GTi is extremely rewarding for all of the team, in particular the students who had the chance to be a part of this project.”
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Mark Pickles, Peugeot marketing director, added: “It’s been 15 years since ‘The Sculptor’ advert appeared on TV screens and as Peugeot has recently acquired the Ambassador brand, it seemed a fitting way to mark the 206’s anniversary year. The outstanding work that the team has put into the vehicle modification has been incredible to watch.
“The anniversary of the 206 is a great opportunity to recognise the vehicle’s success in becoming Peugeot’s best-selling model of all time. On sale between 1998 and 2008, the 206’s reliable build and iconic design made it a popular choice of vehicle.”
