One to Buy: Non-sunroof 28,000km 1990 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 Griffe Edition
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Given most mainstream car builder’s propensity for endless special editions, it was perhaps a measure of the 205 GTi’s immense popularity that Peugeot didn’t feel the need for such an approach until their iconic hot hatch was approaching its sixth birthday.
Aside from requests by specific distributors, Peugeot actually only created three GTi-based specials which were all launched to help publicise the availability of new colour options.
First to arrive were the Sorrento Green and Miami Blue Editions in late 1989 that, aside from their paint schemes, shared identical specifications with unique all-grey upholstery, full leather trim and a sunroof.
More exciting through was the Griffe Edition launched towards the end of 1990 which marked the introduction of our favourite colour for a 205 GTi: Laser Green Metallic.
Offered exclusively with the 1.9-litre engine, the Griffe was produced for the French, German and Dutch markets with each region receiving 1000 cars for a total run of 3000 units.
To complement the Laser Green Metallic paint, each Griffe came with dark grey as opposed to the normal red exterior trim inserts, full grey leather upholstery, green stitching and grey carpet. The wheels were finished with handsome dark grey anodised centres. The tab-shaped plastic trim panels on the C-pillars were left blank at the top and featured a Laser Green Griffe script at the bottom. Anti-lock brakes and power steering were fitted as standard.
Like the majority of 205 GTis, most Griffes were driven hard and racked up substantial mileages, eventually falling into a state of disrepair when values were low. However, on April 18th, a remarkably well preserved and rarely seen non-sunroof example will be going under the hammer at Artcurial’s sale in Paris.
Manufactured in 1990, chassis VF320CD6224176690 was used by its French first owner until 1997, at which point the car was laid up. In late 2014 it passed to the second and current custodian. Following recommissioning, the car was selected by the 205 GTi Club de France for display at 2016’s Retromobile show in Paris and Epoqu'Auto in Lyon.
With just 28,700km on the odometer and two owners from new, this must rank among the best Griffes to exist.
