In the 80s, Peugeot was the master at creating performance cars for the everyman. From the 205 GTI to the 309 GTI and this 505 GTI, each model was a leader in its field and all have gone on to become iconic and highly desirable.
The 505 GTI is a performance saloon that offers a stylish and credible alternative to the German big-hitters of the day. With styling input from Pininfarina and Paul Bracq, it’s a very handsome and well-proportioned car.
Renowned to this day for its robust mechanical set-up (you’ll still find them being used all over Africa), fine handling and cosseting ride, it makes for a usable and practical everyday classic. It’s also the last rear-wheel-drive car that Peugeot produced.
Increasingly rare on British roads (really, when did you last see one?), this pre-facelift model has been lovingly cared for by just two owners from new, and is now in need of a new home as the owner can no longer look after the car due to ill health. SegE4oiI20N003Ck22odMvCAhzMOf2o0iQJ5rb5G.jpeg597.95 KB
The History and Paperwork
• MOT until January 2023
• Supplied with original handbook in vinyl wallet
• Comes with Haynes Workshop Manual and original sales brochure
• Previous MOTs going back many years confirm the car’s low mileage
• Current V5 present and correct
• Duplicate original V5 from DVLA confirms the car’s history
• Original purchase invoice and new vehicle order form from Aerodrome Automobiles in Hendon
• Large number of invoices confirming work carried out in current owner’s car, some invoices from previous ownership
• Blue/grey carpets with contrast blue aftermarket mats
• Electric windows and sliding sunroof
• Original radio/cassette unit
The cabin is presented in excellent condition, with all the fabric elements – seats, headlining and carpets – being in very good condition, with no tears, significant wear or damage.
It’s a lovely place to spend time, the seats are plush and comfortable yet supportive. If you required evidence of the car’s low mileage, the interior provides it, being a real time-warp.
Aside from the fabrics, the dash, doorcards and switchgear are all in in similarly fine condition, making it clear this car has been cherished by its owners. All of the car’s internal features and switchgear work exactly as they should.
The boot area is large and well-proportioned with a rubber floor liner. Underneath the liner the steel floor of the boot is in fine condition with no evidence of damage or repairs. A lovely bonus is the 505 Turbo model on the rear parcel shelf, which is a charming touch.
Obviously, as a 37 year old car, the interior does show some signs of age, but the wear is very light and much less than you’d expect from a car of this vintage.
• Side rubbing strips removed but will come with the car
Featuring a subtle all-silver finish that contrasts well with the blue interior, overall the external condition of this car is very good. The panels are all original, straight, undamaged and nicely gapped, albeit, some damage has occurred to the near side valance beneath bumper
Underneath you can see how well the car has been kept, with the floorpans, sills and chassis/mechanical elements all looking very solid, with only some light surface corrosion evident. It’s a very handsome car, and the silver finish shows off the styling and proportions well.
The external trim elements are all present and correct, with some light wear and scratches evident particularly on the door handles, but nothing we would worry about. There is some misting in the near side headlamp.
When the car was resprayed, the side rubbing strips were removed as the current owner prefers the vehicle without them. They have some light damage, but will be sold with the vehicle, should the new owner wish to reinstate them.
There are, however, a couple of issues that any potential buyer should be aware of. Firstly, the car was recently fully resprayed after the nearside was keyed along its length.
The work has been carried out reasonably well, but the nearside rear door has some ‘orange peel’ and the bonnet has been sprayed quite badly, resulting in some paint rippling across the bonnet and runs on the front edge. It’s a simple fix for a decent bodyshop though, and certainly wouldn’t put us off.
The wheels are the original 15-inch items, which suit the car perfectly and are shod on new tyres. They are completely original items though, and have obviously never been restored.
As such they do have some scratches and kerbing damage, so the new owner may wish to have these refurbished, but again this is a relatively minor job.
Overall, we would describe the exterior as in good, solid condition.
Mechanically the 505 GTI is a robust and reliable machine. That 2.2 litre injected engine provides plenty of power and, in this car, being twinned with the automatic transmission makes it a smooth and interesting performance saloon.
The engine starts and idles well, running smoothly and quietly and pulling the car along well. The gearbox shifted through the cogs smoothly and with no hesitation when we drove it, and the brakes were sharp with a good amount of feel through the pedal.
One of the most compelling things about the 505 driving experience is the ride – it’s incredibly smooth and plush, smoothing out bumps like they’re not even there. Typically French, of course, but still a wonderful thing to experience.
There were no unexpected creaks or bangs from the suspension or steering either. Overall the car is presented in fine mechanical condition, as evidenced by the advisory free long MOT which runs until January 2023.
The current owner has kept on top of the maintenance as well as undertaking proactive repairs.
Some of the work that has been carried out includes: new fuel sender unit (2022), recent full service and timing belt change (March 2021), new exhaust rear section and battery (2018).TPfc5VZXfQ748oS2YmPIKlVf56s75JCPxPjTAEpM.jpeg465.63 KB
Summary
Not many 505 GTIs remain on the road in the UK. Even fewer are in such good, original condition as this. With less than 30,000 miles on the clock and just two owners from new, this is a remarkable survivor that runs beautifully.
With a little bit of work, it would soon be back to the kind of condition that would see it happily gracing the podium at any classic car show you care to mention.
If you want a practical, desirable and rare daily classic, this is perfect. It rides beautifully, performs well and still looks incredibly handsome.
They’re only going up in value too, like most 80s performance cars.
This has the potential to be the finest 505 GTI in the country – are you the one to help it get there?
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