Peugeot 205 GTI | PH Auction Block

Definitely the original; probably the best as well...

By Matt Bird / Friday, 10 October 2025 / Loading comments

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.

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