Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 Andrew Frankel (7)

Arguably a less common sight on dealers’ forecourts today than 20 or 30 years ago – perhaps due to increasingly popular fast coupes like the BMW M4 or even some powerful SUVs – the hot hatch used to represent many enthusiasts’ first foray into ‘performance’ car ownership.

Bringing together the winning combination of increased power and sharper handling with a small and lightweight platform, these peppy yet affordable cars may have lacked refinement, but they made up for it by being incredibly entertaining to drive.

In the hot hatch’s heyday through the 1980s and early 1990s, buyers were spoiled for choice, with the outrageous Renault 5 Turbo, the ever-popular Mk2 Volkswagen Golf GTI, the rally-proven Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione, and the subject of today’s auction highlight: the eminently ‘chuckable’ Peugeot 205 GTI.

Launched in April 1984 and initially powered by a naturally aspirated 103bhp 1.6-litre inline-four but weighing less than 900kg; the 205 GTI could dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 8.7 seconds. Just two years later, the 1.9 GTI was introduced, boasting a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds, and a claimed top speed of 127mph.

But, as any fan of modern classic hot hatches will attest, these cars are about so much more than straight-line speed, and both the 1.6 and 1.9-litre 205 GTI are renowned for their direct handling, engaging driving experience, and impressive levels of feedback despite (or possibly due to) the model’s humble origins.

One enthusiast who was won over by the GTI’s charms is the former owner of today’s Auction Highlight – former City worker, occasional racer, and renowned motoring journalist, Andrew Frankel. He had purchased a brand-new 1.6 205 GTI in 1985, before parting with the beloved machine two years later.

First registered in March 1990, this 205 GTI 1.9 Miami Blue limited edition was acquired by Frankel in 2012 following a thorough search (after he had fallen in love with the model all over again writing the ‘Hot Hatch World Cup’ feature for Autocar). Along with its grey leather upholstery, the car rode on the correct 15-inch Speedline wheels, with the only modification being an aftermarket exhaust that was quickly returned to factory specification.

The car had evidently been well cared-for, and was routinely serviced throughout its early life, and during Frankel’s ownership. Not only that, but it had appeared on several magazine covers, and was now familiar to many enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.

As a result of its good order, its owner’s stalwart reputation and high profile, and ever-increasing demand for these characterful performance cars, this 205 GTI attracted spirited bidding during its seven-day auction, and secured a hammer price of £17,750. There was no doubt it was strong money for the model, but arguably a bargain when judged as one of the best hot hatches ever produced.

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