Go Back
As New Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6
NOW SOLD
n 1984 when Peugeot launched the 205 GTi its breathtaking performance and impeccable handling quickly gained a strong following with keen drivers and the motoring press alike. Peugeot’s press and marketing team described the 205 as ‘a small, but mighty technological miracle”. Bold claims, that ultimately proved to be correct as the GTi went on to become arguably one of the greatest hot hatches of all time.
With a 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds, a top speed of 122 mph, and a standing ¼ mile in 17.4 seconds the 1.6 version of the 205 GTI mixed exhilarating performance with a ground breaking ride. It made the driver feel they could take on the best and fastest around.
Many of these pocket rockets have had a very hard and unforgiving life. Most owners have taken the opportunity to fully exploit the delights of the chassis and the power on hand. Consequently, finding an unmolested, original and loved example has become almost impossible.
Without question, this example is the best we have ever seen. It is safe to say that the condition is better than new. Although the car was already a fine example, 100% accident and corrosion free, the last owner embarked on an extraordinary and unbelievably detailed restoration. This car has to be seen under the bonnet and underneath to fully appreciate the time and money that went in to creating perfection. Finding a better 205 GTI than this may well be impossible.
I
Without question, this example is the best we have ever seen. It is safe to say that the condition is better than new. Although the car was already a fine example, 100% accident and corrosion free, the last owner embarked on an extraordinary and unbelievably detailed restoration. This car has to be seen under the bonnet and underneath to fully appreciate the time and money that went in to creating perfection. Finding a better 205 GTI than this may well be impossible.
After the owners 4 year search at a time when 205's and other 80s hot hatches had yet to start to increase in value amongst a wider collecting audience, it was becoming obvious that what he wanted was already a rare car as more examples were scrapped and modified. Finding a nice straight original example became hard.
Eventually G649 0MA was viewed and fitted the bill. The frst owner was Mrs. A Longson of Wimslow, Cheshire who purchased the car from Charles Barber and Sons. Mrs. Longson kept the car for 16 years until it became too difficult to drive due to the lack of power steering. During this period it was serviced every 6 months at Barbers. When they relinquished their dealership, the car was looked after by another main dealer, Tom Garner in Manchester. In 1999 with a mileage of 31,311 and approaching 10 years old, Mrs Longson had a full AA inspection of the car carried out and the report shows the car has no body damage, all original paint and was still in excellent mechanical condition.
Based this favourable report she kept the car for another 6 years and during this period with the lack of a local main dealer the servicing was taken over by local garage. There are supporting VAT receipts for all of the work carried out during this period. In June 2005 as the car became more difficult to drive due to lack of power steering it was put up for sale with 43,000 miles on the clock. It was obvious from the condition that the car had spent a significant amount of time under cover as there was no fading of trim or paintwork.
Ownership then passed to a family friend Mr. R Dobley of Sheffield who owned the car for only 5 months covering 5500 miles. He bought the car as a cheap run around with a nice service history. Luckily however, Mr. Dobley quickly realized that driving so many motorway miles in such a short amount of time would effectively ruin the car. It was around this time that the 205 GTI was starting to gather future classic status amongst the real enthusiast.
The car was then purchased by serious GTI collector Mr. C Bowen of Birmingham in October 2005. He cared for the car superbly with all the correct routine maintenance and amassed a few OEM spares that today are simply not available. During his ownership the car lived in a garage at the end of his garden and covered only 3,500 miles in 6 years.
In 2011 the current owner became the 4th keeper and was thrilled to find such an original, unmolested car to add to his now growing car collection. It had never been smoked in (rare for the 80s and 90s) and was all original panels and paintwork still. The original Clarion radio was still present as were the supplying dealer number plates. A file containing around 200 documents supported all the original handbooks, manuals and fully stamped service book.
Now it was time to take this 205 an even higher level. After much careful research a suitable restorer was found. In his late 60s and with an exceptional reputation for restoration and many Concours d’ Elegance class wins to his name.
The instruction to the restorer was simple. She has to be the best and in as new condition. Work commenced and after two years she was delivered back to the thrilled owner who truly now owned probably the best 205 GTI in the country.
A bare metal respray, every single clip, mount, bolt washer was cadmium plated, painted, powder coated, renewed, a total mechanical rebuild, engine rebuilt, the interior detailed and cleaned and wheels restored. Every part had to be as new and original both outside, inside and underneath. Even the correct spotlights are still present.
Since completion, the car has covered less than 20 miles and it goes without saying has not seen rain.
Unfortunately the current owner has had to relocate to Kuwait for work and with much deliberation this as new 205 GTI must find a new loving home.
Please contact Barney for full details of this concours 205 GTI