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Looking back on the 1980s, there were certainly some design disasters but also design triumphs in the world of car manufacture. With their bold, attractive looks and great performance, the hot hatchback has to be one of the high points!

And we are not alone in our opinion that the Peugeot 205 GTi has to be up there with the very best of them. Apart from its superb agility and adjustability another great thing is that even the latest models are now safely within the definition of classic car status. Meaning they can be covered with great value classic car insurance.

If you’re interested in bagging one of these modern classics for yourself, then read our guide to all things Peugeot 205 GTi. We’ve also included some important issues to watch out for when looking to invest in one of these older models.

Peugeot 205 GTi – the making of a modern classic

Our classic tale begins way back in 1983 when Michael Jackson’s Thriller was the best-selling album of the year and Thoroughbred racehorse Shergar famously disappeared. Launched as a successor to the Paolo Martin-designed Peugeot 104 supermini, the handsome Peugeot 205 was designed by Gerard Welter with an interior by Paul Bracq.

However, the French car maker soon saw the model’s potential appeal and just 12 months later followed it up with the Peugeot 205 GTi. Launched at first with a 1.6-litre, 105bhp engine it weighed less than 900kg, and was capable of 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds with a top speed of 122mph!

But this super motor didn’t stop there. In 1986, Peugeot released the 126bhp 1.9-litre GTi. Its 0-60mph speed was slashed to 7.6 seconds and its top speed boosted to 127mph.

While motoring fans still debate which offers the better GTi experience, with their lightness, lively engine, whipcrack gear changes and sharp steering both offer a top-notch motoring experience. Just make sure yours is covered with classic car insurance to keep it protected when you’re out on the road.

Peugeot 205 GTi timeline

February 1983: Peugeot 205 range launched in France.

September 1983: Right-hand drive Peugeot 205 launched in the UK.

April 1984: The 1.6-litre 105bhp GTi goes on sale in the UK with a price tag of £6,245.

February 1985: Some minor changes introduced, including softer suspension to improve the ride.

May 1986: Power of 1.6 GTi increased to 115bhp. Achieved with larger valves, a redesigned cylinder head and a changed camshaft design.

June 1986: Designed and partly assembled by Italian car manufacturer Pininfarina the convertible 1.6 CTI is launched.

December 1986: The 1.9-litre 130bhp GTi is released. Outside the engine the main differences included half-leather seats, disc brakes all round, uprated suspension, wider wheels and electric windows as standard. The price was £8,445.

September 1987: The so-called Phase 1.5 205 GTi was introduced, featuring substantial trim changes. These included changes to the dashboard (making it less rattle-prone), a three-spoke steering wheel, better-quality plastics and a different pattern on the seats. Unfortunately, some believe that the beauty of the original Bracq-designed interior was lost with these developments.

August 1989: Another tweak. A new BE3 gearbox and larger two-piece exhaust were introduced. Buyers could also opt for power steering.

September 1990: The 1990 model year saw yet further changes, both cosmetic and mechanical. The Phase 2 205 GTi received clear indicator lenses and smoked rear lamp units, a new black dashboard and trim. A Bendix ABS brake system became optional and the CTI was updated to an electric hood. Rear seat belts became standard.

September 1992: After 8 years of production and under pressure from increasingly stringent emissions regulations, production of the 1.6 GTi and 1.6 CTi ends. By this time the price had increased to £11,375.

October 1992: The 1.9 GTi engine is re-engineered and gets a catalytic converter. The power drops to 122bhp. Grey carpets as standard.

April 1994: Production of both the GTi 1.9 and CTI 1.9 stops. There was a keypad immobiliser on some of the final versions. By this time the price for a 1.9 GTi had risen to £12,265 and the 1.9 CTI to £14,195.

October 2020: To celebrate its 210th birthday, Peugeot revealed it plans to restore and sell Peugeot 205 GTis. Apparently, it’s already obtained the parts for its own museum craftspeople to use, with 3D printers creating anything no longer available. With the promise of an as-new condition, expect these to be sought-after with a price to match!

Special editions

Over the course of the Peugeot 205 GTi’s production run a number of special editions were produced that it’s always worth looking out for when on the road or at classic car rallies.

Phase 1.5 Sorrento Green and Miami Blue

Between 1989 and 1990 the company branched out with their colour offering into Miami Blue and Sorrento Green. Only 1,200 examples were produced during that period with buyers also receiving a sliding sunroof, power steering and a grey leather interior. There are more common Phase 2s available in these colours, but they didn’t have the high-specs of the Phase 1.5s.

Griffe edition

In 1990 and 1991, some lucky buyers in France, Germany and the Netherlands could purchase a special bright green colour edition with many optional extras. These included black leather interior, panoramic sunroof, dark anthracite grey alloy wheels, power steering and ABS brakes. Over 1,600 of the Griffe edition were produced.

1FM edition

The Peugeot 205 GTi was so successful in the UK market that to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of BBC Radio 1, they produced a special 1FM edition. Only 25 of the individually numbered cars were made boasting a range of additional features. Produced all in black with Radio1FM badging and decals, air-conditioning, power steering and ABS, the cars also boasted a top-of-the-range sound system designed by Clarion.

Arranging classic car insurance even for such rare examples as these is straightforward with Lancaster Insurance. After all, our specialist team is able to quote for virtually every classic car available.

Current prices on Peugeot 205 GTis

While production stopped in 1994, the popularity of these fantastic cars has never really diminished. But whereas at one time they might have been seen as a great little track car they are now far more coveted for their classic credentials. And with such a high survival rate there’s usually a great selection to choose from.

Which is a good thing, because discerning buyers today are always searching for originality, as well as great condition. Such cars are commanding good prices which in turn is encouraging more motor enthusiasts to rebuild and restore these fantastic motors.

At the moment you could be looking at around £2,000 for something in poor condition with 130,000+ on the clock. While £4,000 will get you something with decent bodywork and mechanics with 100,000+ mileage.

Most classic car enthusiasts will probably be looking to spend around £5,000 to £8,000 for a solid GTi and £12,000 to £15,000 for a good, low-mileage car with history.

However we did see some examples advertised for as much as £43,000 a few years ago, so prices are certainly on the rise.

Whether you’ve had one of these since launch in the 1980s, or you’re a more recent convert, you’ll have seen prices increase considerably. So, make sure yours is covered with classic car insurance to reflect its true market value.

A quick buyer’s guide

While the Peugeot 205 GTi is not a badly made car, you’re not going to be able to run it on a shoestring. Like all classic cars it will require a fair amount of tinkering, renewing and upgrading, but if you keep it well maintained you shouldn’t have any major headaches. When looking at second-hand cars it’s important to bear the following in mind.

Engine

The Peugeot 205 GTi engines are strong but high mileage and hard driving can cause damage and many you encounter may have a rebuilt engine. If you are viewing one, look at any receipts for work or parts to check the standard of work and when it was done. Check the exhaust manifold for cracks. Check for coolant leaks. The timing belt and water pump need changing every four years or every 48,000 miles. If they haven’t been then move on or ask for a discount.

Oil issues

It’s important the engine oil and filter have been changed at regular intervals. If you come across a 205 GTi that hasn’t had regular oil changes or servicing then be cautious as it might mean the owner hasn’t cared for the vehicle properly. While inspecting the engine oil level, remember to check for any contaminates or metallic particles in the oil. If you do see any, then it might be time to move on.

Gear box

Many 205 GTi models have been driven hard so a tired gearbox is not uncommon. But look out for wear on the third and fourth gears. A sloppy feel to the gear change could mean you need new plastic gear linkages. However, these are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit.

Suspension and brakes

Get down and take a good look at the suspension and brake components. Do they look good or are there worn parts and corrosion? Push down on the front suspension. You should have to use quite a bit of force to get it to move. Listen out for any strange squeaks or knocks.

Body

While Peugeot was in general pretty good at galvanising their cars, rust can still be found sometimes. Check around wheel arches or door bottoms, sills, around the headlights and in the boot floor. If the car has a sunroof then check for leaks.

Interior

Check the seats are secure, as they can become loose. Also, particularly on cloth interiors you will notice wear to the seats. However, new covers are now being reproduced. Interior plastics generally age well but take good care of them as replacements are hard to find.

Once all the inspections are made and you feel happy to make the purchase then call Lancaster Insurance to arrange some competitively priced classic car insurance.

It’s also worth knowing there’s a fantastic community for owners of the 205 GTi so help should always be close at hand. Some useful owners’ clubs, forums and websites include:

Club Peugeot UK – Founded in 1981, Club Peugeot UK is the longest established Peugeot club in the country.

Peugeot Sport Club UK – Originally started by Peugeot UK to help owners gain maximum pleasure from their cars as part of their marketing strategy, the club is now run by members. Membership is £25 for one year and includes a club magazine, local groups and regular shows and meetings.

205gtidrivers.com – A well-regarded Peugeot 205 GTi forum.

Peugeot Central – Perhaps the largest and most active Peugeot forum and community website for all models of Peugeot. It offers a great place for chat, technical advice and modification ideas.

 

Protect your hot hatch with classic car insurance

If you’re lucky enough to get behind the wheel of a Peugeot 205 GTi you’ll need the best classic car insurance to protect it for the future.

As the broker of choice for thousands of classic car owners from MGBs and Mazda MX5s to Ford Escorts and Morris Minors, we can help you find the right cover, at the right price.

Proudly arranging classic car cover for over 35 years, the team at Lancaster is passionate about all classic cars and want to keep as many as possible on the road for future generations to enjoy.

Choosing cover from Lancaster entitles you to a range of benefits including:

• Up to 25% Classic Car Club member discounts
• Static show cover
• Historic rally cover
• Choice of repairer
• 90 days free EU cover
• Laid up cover available
• Limited mileage discounts

You’ll also have 24-hour access to our claims helpline and UK-based call centre.

Get a quote for classic car insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.