1987 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9

This Graphite Grey Peugeot 205 GTI is fitted with the 1.9-litre engine and a half-leather grey interior – and if that’s not enough to whet your appetite then it’s also been fully restored and has been in the same family for the past two decades.

It originally belonged to the seller’s father before being passed to his older brother who kept it for a while before the seller managed to pry it out of his hands in 2020. 

He kept it in storage for a year or so before embarking on a two-year restoration in 2021. This work was fully documented and included many new body panels in addition to an overhauled engine and gearbox. He commissioned various specialists to carry out the work on ‘D770 APH’ and spent far too much time and money on what had become a bit of a family heirloom.

Sadly, a change in circumstances forces this reluctant sale but his loss could your gain, so please read on to learn more about this fabulous 1980’s jewel.

The recent restoration included new front wings, rear quarter panels, the boot floor, and the bonnet plus new door seals, bumper inserts, and badges to finish it all off. The receipts are online but, for us, the fact he even replaced the flocked window channel guides speaks volumes.

The photos support our opinion; with good alignment and tight and consistent shutlines, it’s clear an awful lot of time and effort and skill went into fitting the new metal panels.

The same diligence looks to have been applied to painting them. With a lovely sheen, the metallic Graphite Grey coachwork presents very well indeed, not least because of the attention to detail he paid to the trim, choosing to source and fit new items when so many other people would have taken the easy route by reusing the old stuff.

It’s also got yellow front fog lamps for the win, plus a huge rear genuine Peugeot spoiler, which was an optional extra, and an air deflector on the Skylark glass sunroof. 

The OE alloy wheels weren’t neglected. In great shape, they’re fitted with matching Hifly tyres

The owner might have spent a few hundred pounds on buying new material with the intention of having the interior retrimmed but after giving it a deep clean he realised he’d been a bit premature and decided it was good enough to leave it as it was.

We completely agree; a car is only original once and conservation is better than restoration if possible and it’s lovely to see this gently patinated and original cabin. 

The 205 range might have a reputation for fragility but this one, with 150,000 miles on the odometer, has survived very well, so perhaps it’s more to do with how they’re curated than any inherent failings in the quality of the materials used?

As for the design, we all remember the striking half-leather seats and the eye-bleeding shade of red the French firm used – and the combination of the seats heavily sculpted shape and bright red carpets, seatbelts and piping leaves even the most casual of observers in no doubt they’re in the presence of a very quick car.

It all looks very good – especially the seats – and while the odd piece of trim is showing its age, you could source and fit replacements over time if they bother you. 

But we think most folk, including us, will probably be happy to leave it all as it is and enjoy the romance of an original interior. 

Except for the boot, which is the car’s one weak area. It’s not that it’s horrible, because it isn’t, but it is a little bit scruffy. Mind you, given the seller’s experience with the rest of the interior, it might clean up better than you imagine.

The engine work he commissioned included a reconditioned cylinder head fitted with new valve stem seals plus a polished crankshaft. 

As a result, the fuel-injected four-cylinder engine idles as it should. Of course, being a GTI it thrives on revs and the Piper exhaust has a wonderfully fruity note to it.

The engine bay is beautifully presented and needs nothing other than continued TLC. 

The rest of the mechanical work included many other bits and bobs including a reconditioned alternator, Bilstein dampers on all four corners, new driveshafts, gear linkage, and suspension and steering components.

The 205’s MoT certificate, which is valid until February 2024, was gained with no advisories.

The history folder contains a thick wad of invoices and receipts from its restoration, so please set aside a few minutes to browse them to appreciate the lengths the seller went to to get it looking this good. 

The recent Vehicle History Check shows it as a Cat D write-off but given its comprehensive restoration, that may not be the issue it might usually be.

At a time when the price of fast Fords is stratospheric, and that of Golf GTIs merely high, the Peugeot 205 GTI has remained relatively sane.

Of course, that depends on your definition of sanity but we think the £18,000 to £25,000 we expect this one to fetch is very reasonable, especially when you consider what it would cost you to do the work yourself.

You might also be able to persuade your other half that this is a deposit into your classic car account that should be easy to access should you need to rather than a depreciating asset like a new car…

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Chichester, West Sussex. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.