Highlights
- A superb example of a legendary Hot Hatch
- Recent respray
- Evidence of regular servicing and maintenance
The Appeal
Firmly placed as a 1980s icon, the lean and agile 205 GTI has seen an impressive rebirth since its boy-racer days. Recognised as one of the best hot-hatch experiences, the sharp and engaging drive is just one reason why these cars are so well regarded. It is of course debatable which engine is preferable, but the earlier versions' favourable combination of power and handling seem to win favour. Peugeot had a tough job replacing the car when its natural life cycle ended, and it has to be said, the brand has never bettered the 205 GTI.
This well-presented 1988 1.6-litre example in cherry red has been in the hands of several sympathetic owners over its lifetime, with a healthy provenance of invoices which reveals plenty of mechanical upkeep over the years. Very close to factory spec, with a clean and original interior, it has also been treated to a recent body respray. Sold with an MOT to August 2023, it has seen a recent service and has received £2000 worth of upkeep in the last 3 years.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT August 2023
- Stacks of invoices back to 2000 covering the brake, suspension and service items
- £2000 spent in the last three years
- Several previous MOTs
- Evidence of regular servicing
- V5c present
The Interior
- Original cabin fittings free of any modifications
- Iconic red & black upholstery
- Very well presented dashboard with minor signs of wear
- Cloth seat facings intact with some bolster wear
- Light scoring on some plastics
- Light signs of age on the carpets
- Intact rear parcel shelf - no holes!
- 205 GTI Motiv mats
- Headlining and door cards are tidy
- Said to be damp free
- The boot appears to be solid with no corrosion
The Exterior
- Structurally positive throughout
- Solid sills, floor pan and inner wings
- Good panel fit and body free of damage, bubbling or blistering
- Very recent repaint in Cherry red
- Delete sunroof option
- Trim and fittings are in good shape, with just minor damage on the bumper trim
- A small crack noted on the boot plastic trim
- Glass and seals intact
- 15” 1.9 GTI Speedline alloys presentable with minor wear
The Mechanics
- 1580cc single overhead cam eight-valve engine presents well
- Five-speed gearbox
- The engine idles with no undulations
- Eager starter and revver!
- Recent full service and battery
- Cambelt and water pump replaced in 2019
- Recent front brake discs and pads
- Regular attention to the cooling system
- The brakes and steering said to be in great working order
- Slick gear change and healthy clutch
- Handles like a 205 GTI should, with no knocking or shaking reported
Summary
A great example of one of the finest handling cars ever made, this unmodified example has seen plenty of mechanical maintenance and the very recent bonus of good quality respray. An iconic car in every sense, its potential investment value is just half of its appeal but the pretty 205 GTI is one of those cars that you’ll just want to drive for the sake of it.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
