1990 Peugeot 205 GTi

Currently in the care of a serious car collector, this lovely little Peugeot 205 GTi is in fabulous condition; where many post-100,000 miles examples are looking tired and worn out, this one looks and feels way more fresh than you’d think, given its mileage.

The panels are tight and even and largely free of damage. The paintwork is still good enough to win something at your local classic car show, and it starts and drives well.

It is, in short, a good, honest and very usable example of an appreciating classic hot-hatchback that is good enough to draw a lot of attention but not so good that you’ll be afraid to use it. Being offered with no reserve, this is one for the discerning French car enthusiast, or anyone who ever lusted after the definitive hot hatchback as a teenager.

The white bodywork is in pretty good shape with tight, even panel gaps and ripple-free flanks that belie the car’s lightweight build. There appears to be no rust or damage either, and while it has clearly had some localised repairs in the past they’ve been done to a good standard and the paintwork gleams. It really does look very good and is in attractively usable condition.

Of course, there is the odd stone chip but it presents very well indeed and the paintwork needs nothing doing to it whatsoever bar a wash every now and then, and waxing twice a year.

The original equipment alloy wheels look almost like new and are free of any damage, even the sort of light scuffing that is almost ubiquitous these days. These were refurbished in 2017 and fitted with new correct size/spec Pirelli tyres.

Problems appear to be limited to the beginning of a trace of rust at the base of the offside B-pillar that could do with catching before it becomes more of a problem, a small area of surface rust on the bottom of the driver's door and there are light cracks on the seams above the rear windows but then they all go there, sooner or later…

The black-and-red cloth seats are in a very good condition for their age and the car's mileage, showing only light patination and remaining firm and supportive. This is almost certainly due in part to a recent refurbishment. The stitching on a couple of the seams still looks a bit loose, but it’s not serious and a decent car trimmer should be able to revive it at little cost.

The door trims are in great shape, as is the dashboard; never renowned for being especially robust, they’ve weathered the years incredibly well and are looking fabulous.

As does the very of-the-moment red carpet. It’s in fine condition, being free of holes, rips and other serious damage – and that goes for the all-important heel protector, too.

The rear parcel shelf is still in place and in a very good state of repair; enthusiasts will know how rare that is and its condition and presence is another indicator of the care with which it has been kept and used over the years.

The headlining is in a good condition, being free of sagging and any damage. The glass sunroof opens and closes as it should, and seals tightly. It even still has its matching grey sliding cover.

An immobiliser has been fitted, as has a semi-period radio-cassette player.

The boot is clean and tidy, although the floor covering is patinated and the floor itself does show some light surface rust. It would be relatively cheap and easy to get that sanded back and resprayed, a job that should probably be done as soon as time and funds allow in order to prevent it turning into more of a problem than it need be.

Other problems appear to be limited to the possible need for a new gear knob, should you wish, and some dry and cracking seam sealant on the base of the doors. That this seems to be the only work that needs doing in here, is quite remarkable.

It looks to have had a recent battery and alternator, which should take care of the coming winter’s cold starts. The receipts also indicate that it had a braking system overhaul, a full cylinder head rebuild, new cylinder head gasket and bolts, new water pump, new silicone type coolant and breather hoses, and a fresh timing belt in 2017. At this time various suspension components were also replaced with new.

It starts, runs and drives well, although we did notice that the biting point of the clutch is a little high.

The engine bay is a big grimy and could do with being cleaned and detailed. That’s not a bad thing though, because a) it means that it’s being honestly presented rather than quickly tarted-up to take advantage of gullible bidders, and b) you get to spend a happy weekend with your head under the bonnet cleaning it, adding value with every stroke of your detailing brush and wipe of your microfibre cloth. Few winter jobs are as satisfying as this, especially with the heater on, some music playing, and a glass of something warming and reviving within easy reach…

The underside looks solid but could do with being wire-brushed and protected with a decent rust-inhibiting underseal. This would be another satisfying DIY job for a couple of winter evenings.

As would rectifying what appear to be a couple of minor oil leaks from around the engine and gearbox area. They don’t look serious but potential bidders are welcome to pop along to see the car (and us!) here at The Market HQ in Abingdon to assess the extent of the problem for themselves.

After a decade off the road, the plucky Peugeot passed its MOT in 2017 with not a single advisory bar a chip in the windscreen - and, the better news is that it passed this year’s in March with no advisory points at all; who said that older French cars can be fragile?

It also comes with two sets of keys for the ignition and immobiliser, plus some old receipts for the work that was carried out in 2017.

Of course, the new owner can take the car in whatever direction they like but we can see it being used as a daily driver, with perhaps the odd classic car show at the weekend, and possibly even the odd trackday or Sunday hillclimb thrown in for good measure; the Peugeot 205 GTi really is one of the most versatile, multi-role modern classics out there, and will happily fulfil a number of roles with its customary charm and joie de vivre.

It probably won’t be that expensive to buy, either; while the price of Peugeot 205 GTi's hasn’t risen in the way that those of fast Fords have, we have been seeing a nice, steady climb in values over recent years – but we think they’re still underpriced, which means this one might prove to be a canny investment for the car enthusiast with an eye to a good investment.

Being offered with no reserve, we reckon this charming 205 GTI 1.6 will provide its new owner with a whole heap of fun in a depreciation-proof package. Of course, nothing in life is guaranteed but we’d be amazed if this example didn’t provide someone with some low-cost retro fun over the next few years.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen here at The Market HQ in Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings of any auction, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles we have for sale. While we use our trade experience to assess every car that comes through our hands (and between us we have bought hundreds of classic cars over the years for our personal use…) we are fallible, and our assessment of a car may contrast with that you might form yourself.

This is why we offer a far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange a professional inspection on their behalf of, each vehicle prior to bidding than any traditional car auction, and we will never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this by coming to see it in person.

That said, we do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or those formed as a result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.