This highly original Peugeot 205 GTI is a cherished example of an iconic hot hatch, with single-family ownership from new. The revvy 1.6-litre petrol engine and running gear have been well maintained over 32 years, allowing the next owner to enjoy the car’s legendary handling capabilities for many more years. The odometer shows 59,492 miles.
This 205 GTI was first registered on 5 February 1988 to a gentleman in London, and in 1992 it was transferred to his wife’s name. It has been enjoyed and serviced over more than three decades by the same family.
The silver paintwork is in generally good condition for its age, bearing only a few scuffs and marks that you would expect to find on an unrestored car of this age. The car has had a few superficial knocks to the doors, wings and tailgate over the years, which have been repaired and repainted as needed.
Today, the car presents with a few minor blemishes on the bonnet, some scuffs on the lower front bumper, and a slightly untidy seam below the window on the passenger side. There is also a small ding to the front left wing, and another around a door lock. The 14-inch Speedline ‘pepper pot’ alloys appear to have never been restored, retaining their raised lettering, and showing some paint and lacquer damage around the rims and centre sections.
The grey-and-red interior is original and well presented for its age. The seller notes a few small tears and wear patches on the front seats, while the cotton undersides have perished over time. Some of the foam on the driver’s seat is also slightly misshapen, and there is some wear on the inside trim around the sunroof. There is also a small tear in the trim by a vent on the driver’s side, as well as a piece of cracked trim in the pedal well. However, a replacement part is on order for the latter and will be included in the sale.
Although most of the switchgear is fully functional and there are no dashboard warning lights, the vendor notes that the door switches for the cabin light are faulty, but that new switches are included in the sale. The boot light is also inoperative. The rear window demister is partially faulty, with roughly half the heater elements working, and the rear window washer spray is not working – though the motor is running correctly. Finally, the clock backlight does not illuminate, and the radio has a loose on/off connection as well as damage to the LCD screen.
The car’s most recent service was carried out at Autotech Hampstead in February 2020 at 58,461 miles. The service included a new cambelt, fresh spark plugs and new engine oil, plus new oil, fuel and air filters. The gearbox oil was also replaced, while the brake fluid and coolant were topped up. At the same time, a new water pump was fitted, along with a new handbrake cable, fresh track rod ends and an offside driveshaft unit. To top it off, the car also received new front discs and pads. A number of new air and water hoses have also been replaced, along with a new water thermostat.
This service followed maintenance in March 2019, when the car had covered 56,709 miles. That included a spark plug change and new oil and fuel filters, plus new fluids and an engine flush. Fresh wipers were also attached, along with some new anti-freeze. A year earlier, the nearside driveshaft was replaced, along with the distributor cap and the clutch.
The most recent MOT test was on 13 February 2020 at 58,461 miles, which resulted in a pass with only minor advisories. One was for deterioration to the front registration plate – which has been rectified with a new set of plates – while the other two were regarding play in the steering rack joints. The car comes with four nearly new tyres, which were fitted in March 2020, and have since covered less than 1,000 miles.
This car comes with a comprehensive service history, with stamps in the log book up to 30,000 miles. Thereafter, the seller has included paperwork for servicing and maintenance, as well as the original handbooks and storage pouch.
With the reassurance of thorough maintenance, this single-family-owner car is itching to offer its new custodian some ‘80s hot hatch thrills. While there are a few areas that could be rejuvenated cosmetically in due course, this is a sound example of the breed, and is ready to enjoy as-is, and is ready to demonstrate why the Peugeot 205 GTI remains such a coveted modern classic.
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