1991 PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1.6 - NON-SUNROOF

This non-sunroof Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 is a fine example of the iconic 1980s hot hatchback, which remains in excellent condition and with low mileage from new. Under the bonnet is the rev-happy 1.6-litre inline-four, which produces 115bhp, driving the front wheels via the engaging five-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays just 66,047 miles from new.

First registered at Sovereign Cars, Port Talbot on 22 March 1991, this original right-hand drive 205 GTI was then acquired by someone in the motor trade in Pembrokeshire – shown on the tax disc holder in the gallery – before being registered to the seller’s father as the third keeper, who passed the car down in 2004 once insurance costs became more bearable.

The car was used as a daily driver for the next five years, and was then put into dry storage for most of the next decade, but was subject of extensive mechanical work during this period by the owner – who is an automotive engineer and motorsport mechanic, as well as being involved in the UK Peugeot 205 Rally scholarship programme for many years. In 2016, Octane magazine ran a feature on the cars owned by McLaren employees, and this 205 GTI took centre stage in the group shot taken by James Lipman, which is shown in the gallery.

Described as being in generally excellent condition, the bodywork presents very well, thanks in part to minor repairs and future-proofing work which have been carried out in recent years to help this French flier to stand the test of time. In 2019, the inner front left wing was professionally repaired, with a small section being replaced behind the left-hand lamp. A small spot section of the boot floor was also dressed and treated after the seam sealer in the nearside rear wheel arch perished. Providing further protection, the car’s underside, inner wings, boot floor and spare wheel cradle have also recently been refreshed with an anti-rust zinc coating and a layer of colour-coded Raptor stone chip protection.

Its Miami Blue paintwork is understood to be entirely original, save for the lower section of the driver’s door, which has been professionally treated and resprayed to correct a small area of bubbling, approximately the size of a 50p coin. Elsewhere, any small blemishes have been left in place to preserve as much of the car’s factory paint as possible. As well as some small, age-related stone chips on the nose and bonnet, the current owner also notes that there is a minor screwdriver mark next to the passenger door lock which resulted from a failed break-in attempt. There is also some fading to the paint on the roof. Other minor imperfections are clearly shown in the photo gallery, so a full review of the images is encouraged.

The headlight and tail light lenses are in good order, as is the original glass, and the factory-fitted SIEM spotlights – the latter having new metal surrounds in 2018. This 205 rides on the original Speedline 14-inch ‘Pepper Pot’ alloy wheels, which are immaculate, having been refurbished in 2019 – including the spare wheel.

Moving inside, the cabin presents very well indeed, and the ‘Quartet’ patterned upholstery covering the seats is in impressive condition, with a driver’s seat cover having been replaced in 2014 with original Peugeot parts. The padding also remains full and supportive and there are few signs of the car’s age, save for a 2cm tear to the black vinyl covering the back of the driver’s seat. A trademark touch of the 205 GTI, the car’s bright red carpeting remains in excellent order, with no signs of scuffs or fading, and the red-striped door cards and other trim pieces are in excellent order.

The gear knob and steering wheel also exhibit few signs of wear and the original Clarion radio/cassette player is still fitted, while an aftermarket immobiliser installed in 2014 provides an extra layer of security. All interior buttons, switches and controls work without fault, with no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Described as having been completely reliable throughout the vendor’s 16 years of ownership, the car is in excellent mechanical order. This 205’s last service was completed by its mechanic owner in 2018, and included replacement of the engine oil and oil filter, coolant, brake fluid and air filter.

In 2019, the vendor also fitted new rear dampers, rear bump stops, front strut bearings and bushes, along with a replacement rear exhaust silencer. In 2016, new HT leads and a replacement driver’s side lower wishbone were fitted, with the seller including a new passenger-side wishbone as part of the sale. Prior to this, the front brake callipers and pads were replaced in 2014.

In 2013 at 64,853 miles, the engine and gearbox were removed, stripped down, and refurbished. This included aqua blasting and sealing of the cylinder head using high temperature lacquer, refacing of the cylinder head valves, the fitment of new valve stem seals, ultrasonic cleaning of the throttle body and the replacement of the cambelt, alternator belt, water pump, fuel filter, coolant transfer pipe, head gasket, cylinder head bolts and spark plugs. The starter motor and alternator were both also professionally refurbished and the gearbox and engine block were cleaned and painted with high temperature enamel.

This iconic hot hatch’s last MOT test was conducted on 2 August 2019 at 65,704 miles, where it achieved a first time pass with no advisories. The seller notes that the cooling fan initially failed to kick in after a long idle, however the relevant connections were cleaned and the issue was resolved. It will need a new MOT certificate before taking to the road again.

The wheels are shod in a set of Uniroyal RainExpert2 tyres in size 185/60 R14, which were fitted in 2016 and have covered approximately 300 miles since, with virtually full tread remaining.

Accompanying the car are its original owner’s manual and service booklets, Lioncare handbook, dealer network directory and radio manual. The seller is also supplying a number of past MOT certificates and receipts from 1995 onwards, and the factory tool kit is still present.

Doted on by its automotive engineer owner for the past 16 years, this low-mileage, non-sunroof Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6 is presented in excellent, largely original condition, and thanks to a fully refurbished engine and gearbox it is sure to provide its next owner with countless miles of modern classic thrills.

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 through HPI checks and MOT history where available. 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.