Ask anyone in the UK what the most famous Peugeot is in its 210 years of existence - or at least what their very favourite has been - and they'll more than likely say one thing: 205 GTI. Perhaps more than any other mainstream manufacturer, which tend to have a few hero models, 'le sacre numero' still stands out as Peugeot's most revered creation. Which is most likely way Sochaux is having another go at making them...
To mark that 210th anniversary, Peugeot is to restore and sell authenticated 205 GTIs. Yes, you read that right: good-as-new versions of perhaps the most iconic hot hatch ever, for sale in 2020 from Peugeot. What a way to mark a birthday!
Work is already underway at the Musee de l'Aventure Peugeot workshops on a black 1.9, Peugeot promising that "specialist craftspeople" will restore the cars to "like new condition"; they include body restorers, textile trimmers and sheet metal workers - it's a proper job, be in no doubt. So much so that every car that goes through the process will receive 'Par l'Aventure Peugeot' badging and certification'. Think of it like Ferrari Classiche, just for a 205.
Aha, you're probably thinking, that's all well and good, but what about the required parts? There hasn't been a new 205 GTI on the roads for more than 25 years, and the car was first introduced way back in 1984. Well, Peugeot has that covered. Not only has it obtained "the necessary stock and warehouse operations" to support the new scheme, it's also suggested 3D printing will be used for those parts no longer made. This really is as thorough (and therefore exciting) as you could hope.
It's not just Peugeot sourced cars that will be available, either. Existing GTI owners will be able, come 2021, to receive a quote about full or partial restoration of their 205 in Sochaux. With factory restoration on the cards, there'll be no excuse not to have your 1.6 or 1.9 in the finest of fettle.
The news gets better, too, as this process won't be limited to just the 205. Not only does the release from Peugeot state that other classic models will eventually be included, the website where the restored cars are going to be sold from next year is https://laventurepeugeotcitroends.fr/ - so perhaps the other marques might eventually be included as well. Now, obviously, a factory restoration isn't going to come cheap, but with the best 205s still commanding almost £20,000, it might look like a sensible investment in time. As if the temptation to get hold of one wasn't already high enough...
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