Buying a Saxo Kit Car : it's still a rally fan's dream !

In the small world of rallying, some cars leave an indelible mark, just like the Citroën Saxo Kit Car released in 1997 in France. A stunning look, a sound that gives you chills, memorable victories, and top-notch performances: this Saxo is part of motorsport history. But what makes it so special that it continues to captivate fans? Its record, enriched by renowned drivers, attests to a living legacy. Discover how this rally legend defies time and continues to inspire enthusiasts more than 25 years after its release! Want to know everything about the Saxo Kit Car / S1600? Then, let's go 🥳

Saxo Kit Car & Super 1600: Overview

Derived from the Saxo Group A, the Kit Car version was unveiled in 1997 during the French Rally Championship. This car quickly established itself as a serious contender, particularly thanks to Patrick Magaud (see below), who took it to second place in the championship, just behind Gilles Panizzi, who was driving his famous Peugeot 306 Maxi.

From 1998 to 2000, the Saxo Kit Car Trophy served as a springboard for many drivers, including a certain Sébastien Loeb, who later had the career in WRC that we all know 😉

In early 2001, the Saxo Kit Car evolved into the new Super 1600 category, in which Sébastien Loeb clinched the title of Junior World Rally Champion, ahead of Italian driver Andrea Dallavilla, who was then driving a Fiat Punto S1600. In 2002, it was driver Daniel Solà who won the same JWRC championship, still behind the wheel of a Saxo.

In the following years, the championship was won by more recent cars like the Renault Clio S1600, the Suzuki Ignis S1600, the Citroën C2 S1600, and the Suzuki Swift S1600.

Beyond rallying, the Saxo also made a name for itself on the circuit with the Saxo Cup and in rallycross. Decades later, Saxo VTS models are still numerous on entry lists in various groups and classes in rallies.

See also: "How to Get Started in Rallycross in France?"

However, true Kit Cars are becoming rare as the maintenance costs are high and specific parts are no longer manufactured. Owners are forced to have them custom-made. These are cars that are becoming quite difficult to keep running.

According to my information, about a hundred Saxo Kit Cars were built between 1997 and 2001.

Saxo Kit Car Technical Specifications

The Saxo Kit Car, specifically designed for competition by Citroën, boasts some interesting technical features. It's important to note some differences between the Kit Car version and the Super 1600 version, particularly in terms of the gearbox and intake.

• Engine: TU5J4 (1.6 16V)
• Displacement: 1,596 cm3
• Transmission: 6-speed SMAN dog box (later a sequential gearbox on the Super 1600)
• Power: 210 hp at 8,500 rpm (or more depending on developments)
• Intake: 4 throttles on the Kit Car and single throttle on the Super 1600
• Wheel diameter: 17 inches
• Maximum torque: 19.4 kgm at 6,000 rpm
• Front suspension: Pseudo MacPherson type suspension
• Rear suspension: Trailing arms with torsion bars
• Unladen weight: 1,000 kg
• Length: 3.74 meters
• Width: 1.74 meters
• Height: 1.45 meters
• Years of production: 1997 to 2001

Saxo Kit Car's Rally Record and Drivers

The Saxo Kit Car has distinguished itself with numerous victories and podiums in prestigious competitions, engraving its name in rally history. Each victory contributed to building its legend, making it a truly respected champion.

The history of the Saxo Kit Car is closely linked to that of Sébastien Loeb, who first won the Citroën Saxo Kit Car Trophy in 1999, then the French Rally Championship 2WD in 2000. After becoming an official Citroën driver, he won the inaugural Junior World Championship in 2001, driving a Citroën Saxo S1600, with logistical support from PH Sport and the Spanish structure Piedrafita.

Since then, many drivers have had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of this little rocket: Thibault Riester, Stéphane and Hervé Poudrel, Pellerey, Giraldo, Fagot, Cluzel, Cornil, Rouquairol, Brun, Jouve, Fernandes, Giraud, Coria, Conil, Deborde, Beaupellet, Venturini, Kondracki, Franceschi, Thiry, Fabre, Pellegrin, Fauguet, Mortier, Farnaud, Chkondali, Visseq, etc. Not to mention, of course, drivers like Beaubelique, Ceccone, Tron, Chicherit, and Berenguer.

On the reference site for rally results ewrc-results.com, there is a total of 192 victories, 691 podiums, and 552 fastest stage times in rallies since the Saxo S1600 / Kit Car was released in 1997: an impressive record 🎉

Buying a Saxo Kit Car: At What Price?

Today, buying a Saxo Kit Car is quite the challenge, as its rarity has become synonymous with prestige. Enthusiasts and collectors are willing to invest large sums to own this piece of history. Finding a Saxo Kit Car for sale isn't easy, but some models can still be found regularly by checking classified ad websites. Some models have recently been added to GoToTheGrid, so don't hesitate to check out the list of online ads.

At the time of writing this article, the prices for a fine example ready to drive are around 85,000 to 90,000 € on average.

This price, though high, reflects the importance of the Saxo Kit Car in the hearts of enthusiasts. These models remain, however, far more affordable than a 306 Maxi (see here).

Beyond the purchase price, also pay attention to the maintenance costs of this type of competition vehicle, whose parts are now difficult to find.

Alternatives to Buying a Saxo Kit Car: The F2000 Group

For those who want to build a Saxo Kit Car at a lower cost, the option of buying an F2000 equipped with parts such as the rear axle, wheels, and a wide-track Saxo Kit Car body kit (fenders, bumpers, spoiler, etc.) represents an attractive alternative, although distinct from the authenticity of the original. On the second-hand market, you should count on around 45,000 to 50,000 € for a top-level Saxo F2000/13 in France.

Renting a Saxo Kit Car

For those who wish to experience the Kit-Car adventure for the duration of a rally, rental companies like BBS Location and GP Compétition in France offer the possibility to rent a Saxo Kit Car. If you are a rental company or know of a Saxo Kit Car rental company, French or foreign, please let me know by email so I can keep this list up to date!

Renting a Saxo Kit Car will cost you around 5,300 € for a regional rally, 8,000 € for a national rally, and 10,800 € for a round of the French Championship.

Also see: "How much does it cost to rent a rally car?"

The Saxo Kit Car's Rivals in S1600

During its heyday, the Saxo Kit Car / Super 1600 competed against many other cars. Here is a more or less exhaustive list of other vehicles homologated in this Super 1600 category:

• MG ZR S1600
• Alfa Romeo 147 S1600
• Citroën Saxo S1600 / KC
• Citroën C2 S1600
• Ford Puma S1600 / KC
• Ford Fiesta S1600 / KC
• Fiat Punto S1600 / KC
• Fiat Palio S1600
• Nissan Micra Kit Car
• Opel Corsa S1600
• Peugeot 206 S1600 / KC
• Peugeot 106 Maxi
• Proton Satria S1600 / KC
• Renault Clio S1600
• Suzuki Ignis S1600
• Suzuki Swift S1600
• Volkswagen Polo MK3 & MK4 S1600
• Lada 2112 S1600
• LADA Kalina Mk1 S1600

For Your Viewing Pleasure: A BEST OF Compilation of Stunning Saxo Kit Car Moments!

The Saxo Kit Car remains a living legend in the rallying world, still inspiring admiration. Its journey, marked by successes and feats, has left a lasting impression. And you, what memories or emotions does the Saxo Kit Car evoke in you?