1989 Peugeot 205 GTi – Auction Car of the Week

Are you in your 40s? Have you been looking to scratch an itch that you haven’t been able to reach since you were a teenager? You’ve now got some disposable income, right? You can now, finally, do the things you always wanted to do, own the things you have always wanted to own. Like the cars. Oh the cars. Your mate’s bigger brother, he had the car of your dreams, right? That 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi. You were but a nipper back then, but you lusted after it, didn’t you? Well, lust no more, because we have what has to be the best one on the market right here. Don’t believe us? Look at this picture and tell us we’re wrong. Then read the listing for this 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi and tell. Us. We’re. Wrong.

This frankly stunning 1.6 205 GTi has lead an enviably sheltered life. It’s covered just 54,322 miles thanks in part to spending a great many years hidden away in dry storage. It’s recently been treated to a comprehensive but sympathetic course of rejuvenation, and now stand’s proud as one of the most original and best kept examples on the market today. Yes, the wheels have been changed in favour of the 15-inch items from the 1.9 version, but come on, are you going to knock it for that? It’s a timeless wheel design.

A great many people who have almost certainly never driven a 205 of any kind, let alone a GTi, will tell you the 1.9 is the one to have. And it is indeed a great car. However, do not dismiss the 1.6. It’s still got that chassis to die for, but the engine while not as powerful is more rev-happy and, if you ask us, a tad more characterful. And is that not what you want from a hot hatch? As for power, the 1.6 was rated at 115bhp, while the 1.9 was 1250bhp or so – there’s not a lot in it. In fact, the 1.9 with a cat was 120bhp. See, the 1.6 is not worlds away, so ignore anyone who says it should be ignored. Plus, just look at this stunning thing, how could it, on any level, be ignored?

Then, when you have finished drooling care of the exterior aesthetic, you have the cabin. Bright red, immaculate carpets, mint seats, that red-stiched leather steering wheel. It’s just bliss. This thing is near showroom quality inside. The plastics are free from damage, nothing has been modified, the door cards are mint – it’s a proper time capsule. Slide behind the wheel and you’re not going to want to get out. Unapologetically ’80s with the alarming amount of bright red, it’s a celebration of speed and a glowing example of how a GTi could elevate the otherwise humdrum feel of a stock 205.

If you’ve been looking for one, this 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi is, without a shadow of a doubt, it. Yes, it’s had some recommissioning work, but by and large it stands as an exceptional survivor. One of such calibre it’s seldom seen on the open market. The owner is going to be heartbroken to see this go, but needs must. And in doing so, it affords you what must be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Go on, relive your youth, dust off the Ministry of Sound tapes, get yourself a hot hatch icon and live the dream. You deserve it.