1991 PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1.6

Finished in eye-catching Miami Blue, this Peugeot 205 GTI is a well cared-for example of the popular hot hatch, which runs and drives superbly. It is powered by the rev-happy 1.6-litre inline-four, producing 113bhp, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 94,171 miles from new.

While almost entirely unmodified, this 205 GTI does benefit from the fitment of a set of Eibach Pro-Kit high performance springs, which lowers the ride height slightly and imbues the car with even sharper handling. The rear torsion bar components have also been adjusted to match.

The car was first registered on 28 March 1991 and was purchased by the second owner from the Isle of Wight around 1995. Two consecutive long-term owners held on to the car until 2017, at which point it was briefly owned by another Isle of Wight resident before being purchased by the vendor. In his ownership, approximately 2,000 miles have been covered.

Having been repainted previously, the Miami Blue paintwork shows a deep shine with red GTI trim lines and yellow fog lights pairing perfectly with this factory colour. Plastic trims are largely free of fading, as are the light lenses, and the window and door rubbers – though there is a light scuff to the passenger side wing mirror.

The vendor also notes that there is a minor stone chip on the front right lower valance, a small blemish to the front of the sunroof and below the wing mirror on the driver’s side, and some minor abrasion to some body mouldings. The door shuts, wheel arches and engine bay of the car present superbly – no doubt a result of the past paintwork – and the correct 14-inch SMR ‘pepper pot’ GTI wheels are in excellent unmarked condition, having been recently refurbished by Lepsons.

Moving inside, the black needlecord seats with red quintet inserts are in great condition with minimal wear, and the vendor notes that Dodo Mat carpet insulation has been fitted beneath the original carpets. The radio has been removed and covered by a blanking plate, with the vendor reporting the engine sound provides a more than adequate soundtrack, but all wiring and speakers remain. The vendor reports some mild fading of the centre console, and a small cut above the glovebox, but the optional sunroof and all of the other switchgear are fully operational.

The car was most recently serviced in January 2020 at 94,150 miles by the owner, comprising of an engine oil and filter replacement, and cleaning of the K&N air filter. Prior to this, the car was again serviced by the vendor in June 2019, with fresh engine oil, as well as a gearbox oil change, replacement of the spark plugs, fitment of a new thermostat and fresh coolant. Other notable maintenance during the vendor’s ownership includes new front wheel bearings, new steering rack and track rod ends, new lower engine mount and new coolant hoses. Its last cam belt renewal was in June 2018 at 92,500 miles.

Throughout his three year ownership, the vendor has self-serviced the car, and kept it in good order. The car was MOT tested on 7 March 2020 at 94,155 miles, with only one advisory for play in a steering rack inner joint that was then replaced. The vendor reports that today the car drives superbly, though there is a slight knock from the front right suspension when driving over very bumpy terrain, which is being investigated.

Accompanying the car is a stamped service history until 1997 when the odometer stood at 42,000 miles, along with various receipts for work since then. It is also sold with two keys and the original handbooks. The wheels are fitted with 185/60 R14 Michelin tyres all round, which have plenty of tread.

This Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 is a very smart example of the most lauded hot hatches. With mileage that is neither too low nor too high, this is a great car for an enthusiast who just wants to get out and drive, relishing the pure and direct experience from behind the wheel.

All 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.