One to Buy: Non-sunroof 32,000 mile Cherry Red 1991 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9
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When it comes to the greatest hot hatch of all time, it’s difficult to look beyond Peugeot’s 205 GTi which, thanks to a combination of sparkling performance and superb chassis dynamics, is still almost unbeatable on a twisting back road.
Whether you prefer the revvy 1.6 or slightly more powerful 1.9-litre version, both iterations of the hot little 205 were incredibly light and compact. Cosmetically, they shared just enough in common with Peugeot’s 205 T16 Group B rally car to capitalise on its World Rally Championship endeavours.
Today, only a small number of this, the ultimate GTi, have been preserved in true collector-grade condition, one of which will be going under the hammer during Iconic Auctioneers’ Classic Motor Show sale at the NEC in Birmingham on November 14th.
Ordered in Cherry Red with optional power steering but importantly, no catalytic converter or sunroof, chassis VF320CD6224462035 was supplied new by Linden Garage of Maidenhead and registered on October 5th 1991 to its first owner, a Mr G.P. Greener, with whom it remained until 2004.
Since then, the car has resided with a further five custodians, the most recent of which has owned it for eight years. It heads to auction with a little under 32,500 miles on the odometer which is backed up by a comprehensive service history that includes the original sales invoice, book pack, tool kit and spare keys.
According to Iconic Auctioneers: “The car still presents well throughout, the paintwork and trim are in very good order, the black and red cloth and leather interior shows little sign of use, and the front seat bolsters and red carpets are well preserved. A period Clarion and Peugeot radio cassette completes the cabin.”
“The service book carries stamps from Linden Garage’s first inspection in 1992 through to 2014, with work carried out by Charters of Maidenhead, Smiths Motor Services of Cookham and Minerva Motors.
More recently, the car has been looked after by renowned specialists Maidstone Sports Cars, who carried out annual services in October 2019 and December 2020. In January 2024, the GTi was treated to an uprated Magnecor plug lead set, a new Magneti Marelli ignition coil, distributor cap, rotor arm and NGK spark plugs and in April 2026, a new fuel pump, rear brake compensator and pads, and a new washer pump were fitted.”
