1990 Peugeot 205 GTi

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● Low mileage example of one of the all-time great hot hatches

● Lovely unmodified condition

● An appreciating classic

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

There was a time when many would look at a straight 205 GTI with no sunroof and think “that would make a great rally car” and, indeed, many did. The feisty little French hatchback has frequently topped best handling hot hatch tests and so it was that many of them were stripped, fitted with roll cages, and headed out to the stages.

However, with the numbers of good, straight cars reducing and the nostalgic pull of eighties and nineties cars on the upswing, values of nice examples have been headed steadily northwards for some time now. And with the benefit of hindsight, we can see that the desirable (to PHers, at least) formula of a lightweight hatchback with a large engine and lively handling is unlikely to be repeated. Put simply, if you’ve always wanted one, then you need to get in quickly before values go stratospheric.

Which brings us on to this example. The current owner acquired the car in 2009 and, following some restorative work to get it through the MOT, he has managed to cannily resist the temptation to drive it for over a decade. While it’s been for its annual test each year, the mileage has stayed virtually unchanged which is how we come to have a sub-80,000 mile car to offer up for auction.

While it is in very good condition both inside and out, it’s not a fully concours car which presents the next owner with a decision to make: restore it to show standard and enjoy the plaudits, or use it as Peugeot intended and enjoy the delights of one of the all-time great B-road blasters. Either way, it should be a sound long term investment.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● Registered new 15 May 1990

● Acquired by the current owner in 2009

● Brought up to standard to pass the MOT test and then used a little 2013-14

● MOT history shows that it has been tested every year but has covered fewer than 1,000 miles in the last 10 years

● The owner reports that it has been stored in a dry, heated garage

● Original service book present and stamped for the following services 1991 (twice), 1992 (also twice), 1993-1995, 1999 (at 49,636 miles) and 2000

● 2009: Replacements for all brake pipes and discs, the hand brake cable, middle and rear exhaust, radiator pipe, distributor and front drop links. A service included new oil and filters, new spark plugs, coolant and brake fluid and a cambelt

● 2011: Replacements for the offside front anti roll bar bush, brake pipe in engine bay, rear wheel bearings and an oil and filter change

● 2013: Replacements for the nearside front anti roll bar bush, HT leads, distributor cap, rotor arm and ignition coil and a service including new fuel filter and spark plugs at 76596 Miles (receipt available)

● 2016: Small service / oil and filter change

● 2020: Oil and filter change

● All service work from 2009 – 2020 was carried out at local garage. In most cases, there are limited or no receipts available

● The original book pack is present, including the instructions for the original radio cassette player, along with a collection of old MOTs and tax discs and a 1989 Peugeot brochure

● MOT with no advisories valid until 13 May 2024

● V5 present in the owner’s name

● HPI clear

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The simple but stylishly effective cabin is in great condition; keeping the car locked away in a garage has avoided the sun from causing dashboard cracks or fading the signature red trim

● The seats and bolsters are in very good condition and although the cloth is a little saggy in places, there are no rips, tears or cigarette burns

● The parcel shelf is in original condition, having (unusually) not been butchered to fit aftermarket speakers

● Everything looks to be original, even down to the radio cassette player for which you can dig out your old period-correct tapes, or use a cassette-shaped Bluetooth adaptor if you need some modern conveniences

● Some cracking to the gear knob and slight discolouration to the bottom edge of the rear view mirror are the only significant signs of age

● The boot trim is all in place, if showing some signs of use

● In all, it’s about as good an interior as you’re likely to find on an original, unrestored car

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Finished in metallic Graphite Grey, with red pinstripes and pepperpot alloys, it’s a design that, to our eyes, still looks great today

● The bodywork appears to be straight throughout and, although there are a couple of patches of lacquer peel (on the roof above the driver's door area and on the front left windscreen pillar), the paintwork is generally good with just a few age-related marks

● There is a small stone chip in the lower right side of the front windscreen which the owner tells us has been there for some time and has not stopped the car regularly passing an MOT

● The alloys are all in great shape and, although they wear a matching set of tyres, they should probably be replaced due to their age (plus, modern performance rubber helps to calm some of the more wayward tendencies of the rear end of the car in the wet)

● Overall, it’s a handsome and well-presented car

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● 1580cc XU5JA engine which, in standard tune (as this is) was rated at 115hp which may not sound a great deal today but it only has 900kg to push along

● Drive is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox which has shorter ratios than that used in the 1.9, meaning that the performance difference at road speeds is less than you might expect

● Ultimately, it’s the handling for which the 205 GTI is rightly renowned; on a twisty road it will easily keep pace with more modern and more powerful cars

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

The 205 GTI has timeless looks, is a cracking drive and, as a result, is a steadily appreciating classic. Having been shielded from the elements for an extended period, this lovely example is a car that you can buy with both your heart and your head.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Hove, East Sussex.