1987 PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1.9

This 1987 Peugeot 205 GTI is a well-preserved example of the iconic hot hatch, which is presented in superb order throughout and has been featured in numerous motoring publications, including Autocar, Practical Classics and Octane magazine. Under the bonnet sits the 126bhp 1.9-litre inline-four, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 127,700 miles from new.

First registered in January 1987, this 205 GTI was supplied new to Pike Hill Garage in Burnley, and was formerly owned by respected motoring journalist, John Simister. While in his care, the 205 GTI appeared in numerous articles, some of which are included as part of the sale. It is also believed to be the oldest surviving right-hand drive 1.9-litre car in the UK, and possibly the world.

Not only that, but it was this very car – D743 WBV – that was crowned overall champion in the 2012 Hot Hatch World Cup feature conceived by Andrew Frankel for Autocar magazine; and therefore the very car that inspired him to acquire his own 205 GTI 1.9, having named it “the finest hot hatch ever built”. This car was acquired by its current keeper a year ago, who has simply not found the time to enjoy it as he had intended, so is now offering it to another enthusiast.

The bodywork of this GTI presents in very good order, with no prior damage. Indeed, it has previously been treated to some renovation of the metalwork, with visits to body shops in 2012 and 2020 to remove any rust and repair the inner front wings and inner rear wheel arches among other common areas for corrosion. In 2005, while in Simister’s ownership, it was also fitted with a pair of new old stock doors. All of this work is well documented, and of course was concluded with proper undersealing where needed, and high quality repainting of the new or repair sections.

Today, the paintwork presents in generally excellent condition, though the vendor has indicated a number of minor blemishes, including some light stone chips to the bonnet, a shallow dent and repaired scuff on the plastic offside front bumper trim, some stone chips on the doors and rear bumper, and minor damage to the plastic trims in a few places. These are all very small imperfections though, and clearly the car is a very well-cared for example. It rides on a set of 15-inch ‘Speedline’ alloy wheels, which appear pristine on all four corners. Bidders should note that in the photos here, the grille is sitting slightly proud on its lower clip, but the owner has since correctly fitted it so it is flush and aligned correctly.

Moving inside, the leather and fabric upholstery is described as being in excellent condition. A repair to the driver’s seat wing was carried out by A.C.R. Huke and Co. in 2005, and today the vendor has indicated only some slight wear to the driver’s seat outer bolster. There are no rips or holes in the leather however, so it would simply benefit from some conditioning and occasional treating with feed. The gear knob presents with some hairline cracks, and there is a small scuff on the right-hand side of the centre console. The vendor is clearly being fastidious in his reporting here of course; the cabin looks in superb condition for its age and mileage. All of the switchgear is reported to work as it should, though while the central locking function for the passenger-side door locks automatically, it needs to be unlocked manually.

The last service was undertaken in June 2020 at 126,906 miles, where Peugeot specialist Pug1Off in Brackley changed the engine oil, filters, spark plugs and brake fluid, before carrying out a brake service and replacing the offside rear calliper. The car was also given a new head gasket set, re-machined valves, new lap valves and new re-shim lifters, alongside a de-coked, re-faced and rebuilt cylinder head. Prior to this, in October 2018, Wadham Garage in Putney changed the water pump and timing belt, before replacing the oil and consumables.

The most recent MOT test was on 22 October 2020 at 127,549 miles, which resulted in a pass with two advisories to monitor a non-excessive oil leak and some tactile wear in the steering system. The wheels come wrapped with Goodyear tyres, which were fitted in 2017 and reportedly have 6mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle is the original stamped service book, accounting for scheduled work up to 42,000 miles, as well as a vast file of paperwork that provides an excellent record of the mileage and maintenance thereafter. The original owner’s handbook with pre-delivery inspection stamp is also present, alongside the dealer location guide and original Peugeot vinyl document holders. Various pieces of documentation from John Simister’s tenure with the car are also present, including correspondence from the Peugeot Sport owner’s club and his official membership card. Also included in the sale are copies of the aforementioned motoring publications, in which this 205 was road tested by Andrew Frankel and re-visited by John Simister.

This Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 is a well-preserved modern classic with rich provenance and a comprehensive maintenance history. It is presented in superb condition, and has been put to the test several times in major print titles, proving its mettle in the hands of renowned road testers. With history and documentation that sets it apart from many other examples, this 205 GTI would make a superb addition to any collection, and is of course also an absolute delight to drive.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.


Car Overview

  • 127,700 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Grey
  • Grey / Red
  • 1.9L


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #02106
  • private Sale
  • London, United Kingdom

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