1989 Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI

In many people's eyes, the Peugeot 205 was the definitive Eighties hatchback and the most perfect, practical design for a small car ever. Launched in 1983, it was a brilliant rival to the Renault 5 and the Ford Fiesta with its "wheel in each corner' design and flyweight 750kg kerb weight. No wonder it won What Cars "Car of the Year' in 1983 and was declared "Car of the Decade' by CAR Magazine in 1990. The 205 1.6 GTi was particularly singled out for praise, being blessed with brilliant handling and a revvy and eager 105bhp engine. The 1.9 GTi that followed was more of the same with 20 more hp and a bit more torque.

PEUGEOT 205 1.9 GTI, Registration No. F425 MFJ was ordered in Silver Metallic paint at a price of £10,001.93 and was delivered new, to its one and only owner, on 8th May 1989 by Blacklers of Torquay.It had been purchased with the intention of it being used on a regular basis, however, shortly after purchase, his employer provided the vendor with a new vehicle every 4 years under a contract hire scheme and, as a result, the Peugeot became a car that was only used very occasionally during the summer months.In October 1993 the vehicle was fitted with a Cobra NU1 security alarm and, in May 2003, with a stainless steel exhaust to replicate the original system, thereby keeping the vehicle as original as possible.The vehicle was laid up after June 2004 until February 2012. During this storage period, it was regularly started and the engine left to run, before being moved from its garage position to the end of the drive to ensure that there would be no problem with the engine or transmission. However, there was an exception when it was not started up for a period of two years prior to February 2012. Rather than risking any damage to the engine, it was trailered to a garage to be recommissioned. This included the replacement of spark plugs, drainage of the fuel tank, and the normal precautions taken when starting a dormant engine. Having only covered a mere 7,986 miles from new, the engine still performs exactly as Peugeot intended, and the gearbox is precise and smooth.

This car really is in exceptional condition. The Silver Metallic paintwork beautifully reflects the light and perfectly complements the Red piping trim and two-tone Grey cloth seats and red carpets. The paintwork is original and is superb. The red piping of the GTI, which adorns the black bumpers and waistline moulding around the vehicle, still retains its deep colour and is free from damage, scratches or scuffs, fits exactly as it should and is in super condition. The lights remain clear and are free from any cracks or moisture.In the interior, the two-tone half leather seats are excellent, as is the leather, and the two-tone grey cloth down the centres. The red stitching is completely intact and tight as the day it was new. This amazing condition reflects the vehicle's mileage and the fact that the front seats were covered from new and the rear seats were unused. The original Philips radio/cassette is still present and in perfect working order. The cigarette lighter and ash tray are unused. The steering wheel and dashboard are unmarked and the instrument panel is free of any defects in appearance or warning lights. The red carpet has been protected from new by a set of stylish black carpet mats, with distinctive red piping, which were an official Peugeot 205 GTI accessory. The door trims are both unmarked, including the red carpeting to their lower edges. The seat belts are also in superb order, as is the boot compartment.The alloy wheels are original and in first class condition with no evidence of any kerbing to the rims and are fitted with Peugeot supplied wheel locks. The tyres are Pirelli P600, as fitted from new, and are now showing some age deterioration and will require replacing. They have been left on the vehicle as further evidence as to the authenticity of the mileage.

As you might expect from such a fastidious owner, this 205 is accompanied by a large documents file containing all its Handbooks, Service Records, Instruction Booklets, Invoices and original brochures, as well as a large number of publications and magazines featuring the 1.9GTi. It will have a fresh MoT by the time of the sale and has a Declaration of Mileage (7,986) dated June 2016.Finding an unmolested, one owner, always garaged, 205GTi is a rare thing, as the second and third owners of these cars tended to fall into the 'over enthusiastic' category without the budget to maintain them properly. It's probably best to leave the last word on F425 MFJ to our vendor.; "The vehicle looks, drives and smells as close to new as you would find. In other words, it is as close as you would ever get to being able to walk into a Peugeot dealership in 2016 and purchase a brand new model of what is generally recognised as being the best hot hatch ever built".