Peugeot 205 GTI | PH Auction Block
Definitely the original; probably the best as well...
It’s not really the best time to be a hot hatch enthusiast - you’ve probably noticed already. While the odd glimmer of hope can emerge from unexpected areas (we’re at the point where a Cupra Formentor VZ5 might qualify as a hot hatch), those days of every manufacturer fielding something fast and fun seem a long time ago. Even when they actually weren’t, something like the Audi S1, a 2.0-litre manual hatch that’s as far from the current offering as it’s possible to imagine, was made until 2018.
A dearth of contemporary options only serves to shine an even brighter light on those cars from days gone by. Not so long ago, there were new and shiny things to be distracted by; in 2025, it’s all too easy to pine for the good old days, to wistfully recall a time when hot hatches were abundantly available and eminently lovable. Slower and less capable than the cars that followed, undoubtedly, yet fun in a way that grippier, safer, more serious replacements couldn’t achieve.
You already know the Peugeot 205 GTI is one of those. We’ve all known it for a very long time, and watched values climb as that recognition has spread. More than 40 years since it was first seen, little captures the hearts and minds of pocket rocket enthusiasts like a good 205 GTI. It’s arguably the defining hot hatch of the segment's '80s pomp; sure, the Golf was great, but as it evolved, so the reputation of those early cars gets swept up with the later GTIs also. But here was only ever one 205 GTI; it'll always be brilliant.
Indeed, we’ve reached the point where the Peugeot is being reimagined by the likes of Tolman to create the stunning Edition cars; a combination of enthusiasm and expertise has served to make these legendary cars into something unimaginable not long ago. The engine-swapped cars are living their best lives as rowdy retro rascals, and low-mileage minters have increasingly punchy price tags attached to them. Which has happened to all sorts of classics - the 911 springs to mind, in fact - making it increasingly difficult to find standard, usable examples to actually drive and enjoy.
This 1.6 GTI looks just the ticket for 205 enthusiasts. It’s been used sufficiently (alongside sufficient TLC) to continue enjoying as intended - but it’s also a lovely little object as well, a classic Peugeot that will remain desirable for a long time yet. It comes to auctions after almost 15 years with the current owner, which is typically a good sign. The spec is perfect as well: white, the pepperpots, the red carpets with the grey seats.
It’s a Phase 1 GTI from 1988, still with fewer than 90,000 miles. But we all know that lower than average mileage doesn’t guarantee everything, so this 205 has just been subjected to a £3,000 pre-sale spend to make sure it’s tip top. Brakes, bearings and top mounts all received attention. Prior to that, it was serviced in the summer of 2022, and the cambelt was changed in 2018. The Pug sits on four nearly new Michelin tyres, with almost a year’s worth of advisory-free MOT left to run. It really does appear to want for nothing but driving and loving, as so many of these cars have over the years. If the 205 GTI remains a box to tick, there can’t be many better.
This isn't a phase 1, it's a phase 1.5.
"The Peugeot 205 GTI Phase 1.5 (1987-1990) is a transitional model, bridging the original Phase 1 and the later Phase 2, with key features including an updated dashboard with rotary controls, optional power-assisted steering, and all-around disc brakes. It came with improved upholstery and a reshaped tailgate but retained the "Phase One" front and rear light clusters. 115 bhp 1.6-litre engine."
The phase 1 dash is per the images below.
In 1988 I was in the market for a new hot hatch, my mate had a 1.8 Astra GTE (digital dash) but it was a bit of a pail, it was two tone white and brown, the brown was rust.
I went to have a look at the 205 GTi...it was amazing, but made of paper thin metal so I bought a new Golf GTi 8v which was like a tank...I kind of always lusted after a 205 GTi 1.9 as its stance looked perfect.
In my eyes the design has stood the test of time exceptionally well. Fabulous things.
A quick trip to DVLA can't find it. Poor G920 ALE must be deceased
In my eyes the design has stood the test of time exceptionally well. Fabulous things.
A quick trip to DVLA can't find it. Poor G920 ALE must be deceased
Brilliant car, I had an E reg phase 1 1.6 in white, bought for £500, and in which I enjoyed a spectacularly unsuccessful season in 750mc stock hatch.
The 1.9 had circa 125-130bhp iirc but I think it wasn’t as ‘revvy’ as the 1.6 and not much faster in the real world.
sometimes they (the lower powered cars) get other gears so they still feel fast, but no idea what gearboxes the 1.6 and or the 1.9 uses...
Any decent 205 GTI should feel quick, nippy and fun. They did back in the day, they do now. I see the argument for the 1.9 on aesthetic grounds - the wheels and the stance do make it look better, but unless you actually are Lewis Hamilton I don't think you'll find any of them lacking in performance.
And where / how often can you drive anything on the road as fast as you did in the 1990s? Traffic volume, traffic calming and speed cameras have all increased since then - speed limits have not. In fact there's probably more UK mileage under the NSL now than there was back then.
This one looks great - if anyone wants to take my Fulvia Coupé off my hands I'll have a bid on it.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff