A highly original, two owner car, in the stewardship of a single family, since new
Boasting a very modest original milage equating to 2,200 miles a year on average
Recently recommissioned with new cambelt, fresh service and new battery
The Appeal
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. So popular was it that Peugeot followed it with the 130bhp 1.9L version in 1986. This bigger engined car was now capable of completing the 0-62mph sprint in 7.8sec and boasted a top speed of 127mph.
It remined with its first owner until his passing when its ownership transferred to his stepdaughter 2019. It has remained largely unused since then having covered a mere 2,200 miles between then and now.
The History and Paperwork
The 205 GTi was supplied new to the first owner by A. J. Blackler of Torquay
The car was first registered in April 1990
A. J. Blackler undertook the complimentary first inspection at 2,244 miles
This was a mere 11 days after its owner took possession
The car remained wit that first owner right up until his passing in 2019
At that stage the car had covered a shade over 70,000 miles
At this point the car passed to the first owner’s stepdaughter
During her ownership the car was mostly dry stored and hardly used
The car has recently been recommissioned for a new owner
There is a good level of paperwork included
This includes the current V5 registration document
The current MOT in hard copy is also on hand
This is an advisory free test and valid until April 2024
The original book pack is present as are some original, period sales brochures
Two original keys are present as is a Haynes manual
There is even a 2XL black 205 GTi 1.9 tee-shirt included!
The Interior
The interior of this 205 GTi appears to be totally original
This is a highly prized commodity by Peugeot and GTi purists
These original attributes include the sublime half-leather interior
The front sports seats are finished with red-flecked, black fabric centres
The bolsters are finished in black leather with red, double stitching
The rear seats are split, folding items and are identically trimmed
The condition of both sets appears very hard to fault
The bright red carpets are original and in fine condition
The black dashboard is finished predominantly in plastic
The black on white Veglia gauges sit within a hooded binnacle
The dished, three spoke leather original steering wheel is fitted
This is in excellent condition and centred with a large GTi emblem
The original Clarion radio / cassette head unit is fitted
This was a well-equipped car for its time, too
Electric windows are fitted and so is a factory fitted glass sunroof
The well-shaped boot is trimmed with a fitted vinyl floor mat
An original, unmolested parcel shelf is present
The Exterior
This example is finished in pristine looking Graphite Metallic paintwork
The paintwork and bodywork look to be free from noted imperfections
All the GTi attributes are in evidence here
These include the red trim inserts and the C pillar GTi badges
Twin driving lights are also fitted below the front bumper
The cabin glass is original and features the etched registration number in each pane
The 205 GTi sits on the highly recognisable 15-inch Speedline alloy wheels
These look to be in an excellent overall condition with no kerb-rash noted
A new set of 185/55 Pirelli Cinturato P1s have recently been fitted
The overall presentation seems excellent and all the better for its originality
The Mechanics
This 1.9L GTi features the well-respected Peugeot XU9JA engine
This is a transverse mounted, inline four-cylinder unit with Bosch LE2-Jetronic fuel injection
In this configuration its produced around 130bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque was usefully up on its smaller engined brother at 118Ib-ft
This endowed the 900kg car with a sub eight second 0-60mph time
Top speed was close to 130mph
Power was fed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox
The seller confirms that a recommissioning has been undertaken at the last MOT
This includes a new cambelt, a full service, new battery and tyres
The engine bay appears as original as the rest of the car
All the expected data plates seem present and correct
The underside looks good for the age of the car
Some new parts are evident such as the front CV boots
No known mechanical issues were reported, and the car is ready to use and enjoy
Summary
The Peugeot 205 GTi has built such a formidable reputation for one key reason. 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, especially in this more powerful and torquey 1.9 version.
This example seems exceptional for its honesty and total originality. Too many of these little icons have, sadly, been “got at” making original examples rare and sought-after in equal measure. This is backed up by its low owner, low mileage history to make it an extremely rare survivor. For those reasons this is likely to be a popular lot so bid early to avoid disappointment.
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.*
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
