Highlights
- Just 80,000 miles from new
- Meticulously maintained
- Completely original
The Appeal
What is the greatest hot hatch of all time? It’s been a widely debated question and Peugeot’s iconic hot hatch, the 205 GTI, has been at or near the top of many attempts to answer it. Its nimble handling and strong performance has made it a popular choice for amateur motorsport and unmodified 205s have become increasingly hard to find. As a result, the model has been on the ascendency in recent years with values of the best cars increasing strongly.
By contrast with many, this example is to be celebrated for its originality. Registered in 1990, it was one of 300 limited edition models to be painted Sorrento Green, accompanied by a more luxurious and subtler interior than the standard car and with power steering and a sliding sunroof as standard. It’s lived a pampered life in the hands of an enthusiast who has kept it in prime condition. With low mileage for its age and with little in the way of wear to show for it, this must surely be one of the best standard cars remaining and is your chance to grab one before values head off into the stratosphere.
The History and Paperwork
- In last owner’s possession for 10 years
- He owned it twice, selling it to a Guernsey-based buyer and travelling to Guernsey to secure its return
- Largely maintained by Dorset Sports Cars, Wimborne since 2013. Invoices totalling £6,600
- Dry stored 2015-2020 and recommissioned with a full service including cam belt change, idler and water pump at a total cost of £4,200
- Has covered just 500 miles since, and has passed MOT with no advisories twice
- Current MOT expires 30 Jan 2023
- Full set of original owner’s manuals
- Comprehensive folder of service history, MOT certificates and receipts for parts and works completed dating back to 1993
- Two keys
- V5 present
The Interior
- Grey leather seats
- Grey carpet
- Completely original, including radio
- Minimal wear
The limited edition GTI swapped the lairy red carpets and half leather seats for a more luxurious appointment with full grey leather seats and grey carpet. A sporty accent was provided by red stitching for the seats and gear lever gaiter and a sliding sunroof provided some light relief above.
Here it’s all original and with very little wear to show for its age. Living indoors for the last decade means that the dashboard has avoided the level of fading that many succumb to and, while the cabin shows a little patina consistent with its age and mileage, it’s streets ahead of the majority of GTIs of this vintage.
The switchgear functions as it should and the original radio/cassette player is accompanied by a thoughtful selection of tapes left in the glovebox by the previous owner. Suffice to say that if you’re a fan of Glen Campbell, then you’re in for a treat!
The Exterior
- Rare Sorrento Green paintwork
- Straight bodywork
- Lovely condition
Particularly when finished in this hue, to our eyes the 205 looks fantastic even to this day. The paintwork on this one is thought to be more or less completely original which makes its condition even more remarkable as, aside from a few minor scratches, stone chips and general patina, it presents extremely well.
Years of indoor storage have also paid dividends in preserving the exterior as neither the plastic trim nor the lights show signs of fading to the degree that you would usually expect at this age.
The history shows that the underside has benefited from a layer of Waxoyl which has been kept topped up and this is apparent from the car’s appearance underneath where this only light surface corrosion to be found on a few components.
The Mechanics
- Completely original
- Cambelt and water pump replaced 2019
- Drives exactly as it should
The 1.9 litre four cylinder engine produced 128bhp when new which made for a lively drive then and age has not dimmed the appeal. The vendor reports that this example displays the nimble handling that the 205 GTI is deservedly famous for and drives very well with no crunches from the gearbox, strong performance and effective brakes.
Summary
A prime condition limited edition 205 GTI which should delight enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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