Equipment

Black paintwork, Black and red Biarritz cloth, 14-inch Speedline SL201 ‘pepper pot’ alloy wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Two-spoke sports steering wheel, Philips cassette radio, Red carpets, Front seat belts, Heated rear screen, Yellow front fog lights, Front mud flaps, Spare keys.

Exterior

This is one of the finest 1.6 GTIs we’ve seen. A near-immaculate Phase 1 car from the first six months of production, wholly unmodified, and in the more collectable non-sunroof configuration – this early example is definitely one for the purist. The beautiful black paintwork has a deep and even lustre with no swirl marks, and looking along both sides of the car, the panels are straight and true with perfect fitment. There is no damage to any of the contrasting grey plastic trims, and the red GTI stripes are also unmarked. Further defying its years, the underside of the car is also remarkably fresh. Filling the arches are original 14-inch Speedline SL201 alloy wheels, all in pristine condition having previously been refurbished to the highest standard.

Interior

The time-warp condition continues inside. The seats are trimmed in their original Biarritz cloth and the delicate bolsters are undamaged with no wear to the stitching or foam. All of the interior plastics are excellent with a perfect textured finish, including commonly worn items such as the steering wheel and gear knob. There are no cracks on the dash and the carpets are also first-rate with a vibrant red hue and no unsightly marks or discolouration. A period Philips cassette radio remains in place, and we’re pleased to see that no aftermarket speakers have even been fitted and so the door cards and rear parcel shelf are untouched.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

As with the rest of the car, the engine bay is incredibly well presented. There are no signs of rust, accident damage or previous poor repair, and even the aluminium components are only lightly oxidised. The car has driven only 51k miles from new and on test it feels as tight and together as a new GTI would have felt back in 1984. The engine is zingy and free-revving, and the five-speed box is a joy to operate. For the new keeper’s peace of mind, a full mechanical inspection has just been carried out by our trusted classic car workshop.

History File

This lovely low mileage 1.6 GTI was ordered new from Mann Egerton Peugeot by Mr Taylor in May 1984; part exchanging his Talbot Sunbeam GLS, he took delivery of the car that August. Since then, it has driven only 51k miles in the hands of 4 additional keepers, the current owner having acquired it back in 2012. He has enjoyed the 205 for the last 8k or so miles, occasionally exercising it in the south of France. The accompanying paperwork comprises the original 205 owners’ manuals, a raft of invoices and MOT certificates, the original vehicle order form and sales invoice from Mann Egerton, the original registration document, a classic car magazine in which this example was featured, spare keys, and the current V5C registration document showing only 4 former keepers (5 in total).

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