• A low number of previous owners and stacks of paperwork and history make this a great rolling project car

 • All the hard to source parts are present and correct with the period-correct rear quarter stickers even included with the car

We are so used to seeing and driving performance versions based on work-a-day hatchbacks nowadays that it is hard to imagine when they didn’t exist. The 205 originally appeared in 1983, when it was launched to supersede the diminutive 104. 

Created to fill the gap between the 104 and the larger 305, the 205 was a bigger, more able car in every respect and owners and Peugeot alike soon realised the sporting potential of this light-footed but humble hatch back. 

Just about a year later in April 1984 Peugeot released a GTi version of the 205 onto an unsuspecting world. Powered by a 105bhp 1.6-litre engine and weighing in at less than 900kg, the little car provided a previously unseen amount of verve and go for a car of its size.

This example of the breed offers huge potential to its new owner. Now currently on only its fourth owner this car represents a great opportunity as a useable rolling project car or the basis of a fuller restoration and recommissioning to bring it up to show standards. 

The current owner is reluctantly parting with the car due to other commitments so is looking for someone to take this little icon to the next level.

As you will see from our photographic package, this car comes with a big archive of paperwork and provenance. This includes the current V5 and original book pack, including the stamped service history book, many invoices, MOT’s and other useful documents.

Those that know the 1980’s hot-hatch market will know that originality is prized above all with cars of this nature. Nearly 35 years on, some trim parts and interior fittings can be hard to find. The great news here is that this car’s interior is complete and original…with the minor exception of the gear lever gaiter! It presents so well for an original interior. 

The signature red carpets can be hard to keep clean, but these appear vibrant and fresh still. The grey and red striped velour seat facings are in remarkably good condition with only a little deterioration noted on the driver’s seat base. The steering wheel, gear knob, door cards and headlining are all original to the car and in really good used condition. 

Even the rear parcel shelf, now hard to source without DIY speaker holes, is present and correct. 

The bodywork and paintwork of this 205 GTi appear commensurate with an original car of this age and mileage. Our photographic package carefully documents all the key areas of scratching, deterioration, and surface rust. 

The owner helpfully notes the following areas specifically – the scuffs on rear nearside wing, offside front bumper, a crack on the edge of the front spoiler and the offside rear quarter of the sill exhibits some rust and paint cracking.

The car is presented on the correct 14-inch “pepper-pot” alloy wheels which are in decent used condition with no signs of major dents or dings.

The fizzy little XU5J 1,580cc four-cylinder engine was at the heart of the success of this car and it is reassuring to hear from the current owner that “the car drives great, the gears change effortlessly, and everything works as it should. “

As you will see from our photographic package, there is a host of documents relating to the upkeep and mechanical maintenance of this car. The owner reports that in the last 10,000 miles the clutch has been changed and the car has received a service.

The Peugeot 205 GTi built such a formidable reputation for one reason and one reason alone. It was, and is, a superlative drivers’ car, the like of which is very hard replicate in today’s world of added complexity, weight, and legislation. That alone makes this a very special car. This example shines for its honesty and originality. 

Too many of these little icons have, sadly, been “got at” making original examples rare and sought-after in equal measure. Just look at our photographic package to appreciate for yourself the originality on offer here. Lastly there is the host of paperwork and low owner count that gives this GTi the right sort of provenance for those wishing to bring this beautiful 1980’s hot-hatch hero back to its full former glory.