Even if seen less frequently than they once were, there’s nothing quite as exciting as an engine swap. As well as hopefully adding a chunk more performance, there’s a whole new world of character to be explored, too - think Rocketeer MX-5. Plus an enormous sense of achievement, presumably, for those that undertake the work themselves. That Dodge can still make the Hellephant crate motor shows there’s still demand for wild engine swaps, and closer to home Tesla batteries in Range Rovers or old sports cars are surely more interesting than in yet another Model S. The powertrain swap has a long history ahead of it.
And you never know, perhaps there will be a time in the future when we’re crying out for standard, unmodified Teslas to collect, only to find they’ve all been harvested for restmods and nowhere to be found. Or maybe not. But that is the fate that befell the Peugeot 405 Mi16 and Citroen BX GTI 16v; fun cars, no doubt, yet almost impossible to find now because their 160hp engines were much more fun stuffed in the front of a 205 GTI. Now it feels a pity there aren’t more around, but back when all of them were cheap the appeal must have been irresistible; who’d have thought anything of sacrificing an old Citroen that nobody wanted to make a great hot hatch even better?
This is one of the Mi16-engined cars, and must be one of the best. Not only is the shell very low mileage (52k) and recently rejuvenated with some fresh paint, but the 1.9-litre engine has also been rebuilt. The cambelt is just 100 miles old as well. With any kind of engine swap it typically has to be accepted that you won’t know everything about the shell and the powertrain, yet this 205 boasts an engine that’s not long been brought back to its best - result.
Additionally, this one benefits from Bilstein suspension, better brakes and some parts pinched from a 309 GTI, including some fantastic seats. Plenty of important bits, including the dampers, are again very recently installed. This owner won’t get to enjoy the fruits of their labour (perhaps the M3 on the drive needs attention, or the caravan), but it looks a cracking opportunity for somebody else.
Moreover, as a car that's already some way from standard, there won't be any need to be precious. So no agonising on whether to keep a classic untouched or fully realise the potential; it’s already a 160hp 205 GTI with 309 leather seats and 1.6 badges, so the next custodian is free to continue the story however they deem fit. With the engine sorted, it could be made into a little fireball of a track car, for example.
The additional benefit of a modified GTI like this one is that it’s more affordable than the standard cars that are now being priced squarely at collectors (i.e., quite highly). This is never going to win any awards for originality, but at £12,500 it’s a lot less than half the price of the most expensive 205 GTI. And likely even more fun, which is exactly what a great engine swap should be all about.
SPECIFICATION | PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1.9
Engine: 1,905cc four-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 130@6,000rpm (standard)
Torque (lb ft): 118@4,750rpm (standard)
MPG: 30ish
CO2: N/A
Recorded miles: 52,000
Year registered: 1990
Price new: £9,295
Yours for: £12,500
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