Peugeot Agades by Heuliez

Unveiled in 1989 at the Paris Salon, the bright blue Agades was conceived as a compact four-wheel-drive passenger car for urban environments.

It was powered by a 1.9-liter gasoline engine coupled to an integrated transmission, combining practicality with everyday usability.

The Agadès concept measured 3.30 meters in length and 1.66 meters in width, proportions that allowed for a surprisingly spacious interior despite its compact footprint.

Although it carried Peugeot styling cues inspired by the conservative 106, its technical foundation was far less ordinary, as it was built on the underpinnings of the Citroën BX GTI 4×4.

Two wide, conventionally hinged doors provided access to a four-seat interior featured an unusual combination of sand-colored leather and denim upholstery dyed to match the exterior.

While the public response at the show was generally positive, critics noted that the Agadès lacked the sense of fun expected to appeal to the younger audience it was meant to attract.

In response, Peugeot revisited the concept with coachbuilder Heuliez and presented a revised Agadès a few months later at the Geneva Motor Show 1990.

This iteration wore a satin sand finish and gained roof bars, twin adjustable headlights, more rugged wheel covers, and a spare wheel mounted on the rear hatch.

Public enthusiasm was markedly stronger this time, even as Peugeot management remained largely indifferent, staying true to the brand’s conservative outlook.

The Agadès was later displayed in the window of the Heuliez showroom on boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris during the winter of 1990, showcasing an interior in pristine condition trimmed in jeans fabric and beige leather.

Beneath the hood sat a 1.9 GTI engine, type 1CW2Y6DEA, stamped “test no. 109126,” paired with hydraulic suspension. Showing just one kilometer on the odometer, this prototype was ultimately sold in 2012 for €17,870 at Artcurial.