Premium Collector Cars Auction
15
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1987 – Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L
See original version (French)
15
-
1987 – Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L
See original version (French)
Estimate €25,000 - €30,000
Voluntary lot
Description
1987 – Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9L
French registration certificate
Chassis no. VF320CD6201043800
Engine no. D6B-1CW44/024131
- The iconic French sports car of the 1980s, in its most powerful version
- Stunning ‘Blanc Meije’ specification with Ramié fabric upholstery and red carpet
- 1988 model year with optional sunroof, power steering and right-hand wing mirror
- Originally registered in France, kept by the first owners until 2009
- Fifth owner, with just 118,100 km on the clock and in a rare state of preservation
- Exceptional history file: order form, purchase invoice, service book, maintenance records…
View the full catalogue for the ‘Rétromania’ auction, which includes this lot, on the Collector Cars Auction (CCA) website.
The documentation and additional photos for each vehicle are available via the following Drive link (access must be requested):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aluJ7ZZJvUKBib-4eJDbaGH6vxu5ePC4
In the mid-1980s, GTIs were all the rage. Since its launch in 1976, the Volkswagen Golf GTI had established itself as the queen of the category. Peugeot could not afford to sit on the sidelines of this phenomenon. In March 1984, the Lion brand unveiled the GTI version of its famous 205. Although it arrived later than some already firmly established models, such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Renault 5 Alpine Turbo, the little car from Sochaux soon made its mark thanks to its unique character.
Its remarkable chassis balance, exceptionally precise steering, modest weight and playful character quickly made it the benchmark in its class, leaving a lasting impression on an entire generation of enthusiasts. Fast, responsive and practical for everyday use, the 205 GTI successfully combined performance, driving pleasure and versatility – a combination that goes a long way towards explaining the enthusiasm it still inspires today.
The timing was particularly well chosen. At the same time, Peugeot was enjoying exceptional sporting success thanks to the spectacular 205 Turbo 16. A true force to be reckoned with in Group B, it won the Manufacturers’ World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986, whilst Timo Salonen and then Juha Kankkunen successively clinched the Drivers’ World Championship titles. Although it had no direct technical link to this formidable racing machine, the 205 GTI benefited fully from this winning image and contributed, in its own way, to firmly establishing the sporting revival of the Lion brand.
Launched with a 1.6-litre engine producing 105 ch, the 205 GTI was upgraded to 115 ch in 1986, before the range was expanded to include the highly anticipated 1.9L version, powered by an engine delivering 130 ch. More powerful and with greater torque, this version also featured wider track widths, 15-inch wheels, four disc brakes and a specific set-up that perfected the model’s dynamic qualities. Fast, responsive and remarkably consistent, it quickly became the most desirable variant in the range.
Beyond its performance, the 205 GTI captivated with its instantly recognisable identity. The black plastic wheel arch extensions, the trim strips accented with a thin red line, the distinctive alloy wheels and the sporty interior combine to create a visual identity that has become iconic. A leading figure among the ‘hot hatches’ of the 1980s, the 205 GTI forged its reputation above all through its road handling: sharp without being treacherous, agile without being uncomfortable, it offered a driving experience unanimously praised by the motoring press and, a rarity for a French car, gradually succeeded in dethroning the Golf GTI in the hearts of many enthusiasts.
Produced until 1994 with nearly 300,000 units made across all versions, the 205 GTI remains one of Peugeot’s greatest successes. Now regarded as one of the most iconic cars of the 1980s, it ranks among the most sought-after ‘youngtimers’ on the classic car market.
The Peugeot 205 GTI offered for sale is a highly desirable 1.9-litre, 130-chevaux (non-catalytic) version from 1988.
It was first registered by the Peugeot dealership, Dubus et Compagnie, in Saint-Pol-sur-Mer on 16 October 1987, where it had been ordered, and was then registered in France for the first time on 26 October of the same year.
It boasts a stunning colour scheme, featuring a glossy Blanc Meije paint finish paired with Ramié-style black and grey two-tone fabric upholstery and red carpet, complementing the red decorative trim and exterior badging. The electric pack, the leather steering wheel and the 15-inch Speedline alloy wheels – which were standard equipment for this version – round off the specification. It also features some valuable original options, such as the sunroof and power steering, as well as the right-hand wing mirror, as confirmed by the original order form in the file. Its specification is therefore extremely attractive.
Another appealing aspect of this particular car is that it has always been carefully preserved and maintained by its successive owners – five in total, according to the service history – the first of whom was a couple who kept it for over twenty years, from 1987 to 2009. Furthermore, it has been used sparingly, having clocked up just over 118,100 km on the day of our test drive – a very reasonable mileage for this type of vehicle. It is therefore in a particularly enviable state of preservation, with a superb, period-correct appearance and running smoothly and pleasantly. The latest MOT, valid until July 2026, is also virtually unmarked.
In addition to the original service history book that still accompanies this 205, it comes with an exceptionally comprehensive set of documents, including not only the original order form but also the purchase invoice, sales documentation, the red delivery note and even the receipt for the windscreen tinting. All the invoices for servicing work – which allow you to trace the work carried out on this little ‘lioness’ and are organised by successive owners – as well as numerous MOT reports dating back to 1997, round off the picture of this thoroughly documented history.
Given all these attributes, our 205 GTI 1.9L is therefore a prime choice for the most discerning youngtimer enthusiasts. Easy to use and still just as enjoyable to drive, even 40 years after its launch, the 205 remains a real character, and its GTI version – here in its most powerful variant – has left a lasting mark on the hearts of enthusiasts, becoming the queen of GTIs, at least in France!
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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