1988 Peugeot 309 GTi (Phase 1)

The Background

The Peugeot 309 was a compact family car produced between 1985 and 1994 by PSA Peugeot Citroën, with assembly plants in France, England and Spain. Its story is an unusual one; the model was originally developed under the Talbot brand and intended to be launched as the Talbot Arizona. However, by the mid-1980s, PSA had decided to phase out Talbot altogether. The last Talbot-badged passenger car was the Samba of 1981 and the Arizona project was rebadged as a Peugeot before reaching showrooms.

Among the most celebrated versions of the 309 was the GTi, powered by Peugeot’s 1.9-litre XU9 engine. First launched in February 1987 as a three-door, with a five-door version arriving soon after, it quickly established itself as the flagship of the range.

The 309 GTi stood out with distinctive styling cues - a large black boot spoiler, fog and driving lights integrated into the front bumper and Speedline 1.9 GTi alloy wheel marking the first time a Peugeot wore them. The three-door version also featured remote-opening rear windows. Underneath, Peugeot equipped the car with uprated suspension, while tinted glass, a deep front airdam, a leather steering wheel and internally adjustable headlights added to its appeal.

Buyers could also choose from a range of extras, including electric windows and central locking (offered as a package), a sliding glass sunroof and a selection of metallic or black paint finishes.

The Car

This example of the 309 GTi Phase 1 rolled off the production line in 1988. Now offered with just six former keepers and having covered just over 76,000 miles.

This 309 has benefited from an impressive amount of care and attention over the years, with major mechanical work already taken care of. The car has had a full respray to bring the paint work back up to scratch and to match the condition of the interior and mechanicals. Back in 2017/18 it received a new timing belt and water pump, clutch kit, full brake overhaul (including pipes, hoses, discs, pads and rear calipers), fresh handbrake cables, a new radiator and a set of four Uniroyal Rain tyres.

More recently, around 2021/22, further investment was made to keep it driving as it should. This included a replacement steering column universal joint, new power steering supply pipe, refreshed first/second gear synchro assembly, plus ignition components such as distributor cap and HT leads. It’s also had a full service, so it’s ready for the next owner to enjoy with peace of mind.

There is little paperwork before the car’s restoration, which is part of the reason the car was comprehensively gone through mechanically and cosmetically. As a result there is no doubt the car is now up to a lovely condition.

It is worth noting that according to HPI check that the car was originally delivered in white. However, there seems to be no evidence of the car ever having a colour change, with pictures taken on the turn of the century with the car already in the far more desirable black.

The driving experience of this 309 GTi is a true joy and does vary to its sister, the 205 GTi. The 1.9-litre pulls very well, all the way up to the redline, but feels as though it produces more torque than the 205. Pushing the car through the mid-rev range exceptionally well. Gearshifts are smooth and deliberate, with a strong clutch and transferring the power through the front wheels without any untoward noises.

Driving down a British B-road, the cars handling is a joy. This example is optioned with the assisted power steering, which allows for low-speed, easy driving without interfering with the steering feel on the back roads. The car turns in on the nose and the suspension rides our roads with ease and communicates everything through the seat and the steering.

Peugeot’s 309 GTi is a wonderful alternative to the 205, with better build quality and excellent road manners. This example is the perfect usable daily classic car.

Location: Derbyshire

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional