PEUGEOT 205

In the pantheon of iconic 1980s hatchbacks, few models capture the spirit of the era quite like the Peugeot 205. Lauded for its nimble handling, stylish design and broad appeal, the 205 became a defining car of its generation, however, when Peugeot launched its enduring supermini, in 1983, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. By 1984, the little 205 was proving a great success and Peugeot was looking forward to returning to profitability but was naturally cautious when their marketing department suggested a limited edition model designed around the French Open (Roland Garros) and their long-standing commercial partner, Lacoste, so only agreed to 1,000 Lacoste-branded cars. In the end it proved a natural fit, a French fashion house helping a French car manufacturer celebrate a French sporting institution.

Despite only originally agreeing to 1,000 cars, Peugeot took the tennis connection seriously. The cars were finished in a court-ready shade of Meije White, as crisp as a set of freshly pressed tennis whites, echoed in the hub caps and rear fluted panel and the standard side mouldings were replaced with red and green decorative pinstripes, with slightly thicker all-green stripes embellishing both the bumpers and the wing mirrors. The front wings and back badging also featured the famous Lacoste crocodile, a logo that was first drawn in 1927, but had been given a major redesign just months before the 1984 tennis tournament took place.

The Lacoste-trimmed interior continued the theme. The seats and door cards were lined with velvet and bore patterns that resembled tennis nets, the floor was carpeted in a grass green textile, and the 2-spoke steering wheel, covered in leather and borrowed from the 205 GTi, saw Peugeot’s lion and Lacoste’s crocodile sit side by side. Even the gear knob markings were inlaid with a vivid, sport-appropriate grassy green. As a sport-based limited edition, it was important that the Lacoste wasn’t just a pretty face, but offered the performance to match its personality and consequently they were fitted with the 79bhp, 1,360cc unit from the 205 GT and a 5-speed gearbox, a lively combination.

This particular example is a true time capsule with only 26,389 documented miles from new and in exceptional original condition. It was cherished by its first owner for nearly 27 years and more recently has formed part of a very special collection consisting primarily of 1980s icons. The paintwork appears totally original with no discolouration and the interior is virtually ‘as new’, with vibrant green carpets and seats in perfect condition and remarkably comfortable. It has been kept in absolutely tip-top mechanical condition whilst in the collection having been serviced 400 miles ago and treated to a new clutch, thrust bearing, cable, fuel pump, water pump, HT leads, distributor cap, rotor arm, alternator belt and a coolant flush.

As can be seen in our images, the car is supplied with all its original dealer and Lacoste Edition manuals and handbooks, service and maintenance invoices, older MOTs, V5s and correspondence - we can't be sure but imagine that nothing is missing. It's also accompanied by a Specialised Covers bespoke car cover with the Lacoste Crocodile on the bonnet.

Offered without reserve, this 1985 Peugeot 205 Lacoste represents a rare opportunity to acquire a benchmark example of a truly special edition. Its originality, low mileage and immaculate condition would make it a standout in any collection and, with Grand Slam tennis as popular as ever, the little Lacoste remains stylishly topical.