Recently, over at MotorMartin Towers, a debate has been raging over the cult of the early eighties hot hatch. Indeed in a recent article: Peugeot 205 GTi: Twist And Shout, the halcyon days of a youth spent growing up in the pretty Town of Chipping Ongar in Essex were viewed through the obligatory rose tinted glasses as XRis, GTEs and GTIs were discussed at length. And now, news has reached MotorMartin of three classic, eighties 205 GTIs which are among over 120 cars to be offered at auction by Classic Car Auctions (CCA) at their December Sale which took place recently on Saturday 3rd December at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre. With rising prices, the cars were expected to ‘lift off’, just like the model’s legendary oversteer.
The three French hot-hatches, CCA have explained to MotorMartin were expected to bring collectors and enthusiasts from across the country for the chance to own one of the fastest appreciating future classics on the market, which have recently been seen sailing through sale estimates at auction. In July this year, a 1989 Peugeot 205 GTI, in mint condition with just 7,000 miles on the clock, was sold by CCA’s sister company, Silverstone Auctions, for £30,938, more than £12,000 over its estimate, and a new world record.
The first of the three is a 1989 Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI which has been mechanically and cosmetically overhauled to return it to its original condition, estimated at £5,000 to £7,000.
CCA have confirmed to MotorMartin that following an engine-out inspection, the car has had a new water pump, cambelt kit, head gasket, brake lines, radiator and wheel bearings, with suspension components removed, cleaned and painted where necessary.
With a full glass-out respray in original Black gloss, followed by extensive flatting to ensure all panels are free from defect, the interior has been retrimmed where necessary, still maintaining the original 80’s cloth interior. The original 1.6 alloy wheels have also been retained and refurbished with brand new tyres. Superb.
The second is a 1988 Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI, also benefiting from a recent overhaul to replace mechanical components as necessary as well as an interior refresh.
The first owner ordered the car new from Mill Hill Peugeot in London and kept it for five years before passing it onto its second and current owner, who kept it until 2015.
The car is to be supplied with the original owner’s pack, including owner’s guide, handbook, maintenance booklet, radio guide and dealer location booklet, as well as a fresh MOT, and was offered at ‘No Reserve’.
The third car is a 1988 Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI which, rather incredibly, has just emerged from 20 years in storage. With the interior still appearing to be in good condition, the car has been fully recommissioned to be returned to the road, and is showing just 56,000 miles on the odometer.
This highly original, two owner example, was offered at auction with a sale estimate of £5,000 to £7,000.
“The 205 GTI is the holy grail of hot-hatches, possibly the ultimate modern classic, and we have not one but three up for grabs at the December Sale,” commented Guy Lees-Milne, auctions manager at CCA to MotorMartin. “Over the past year we’ve seen prices soar, and iconic hot-hatches are firmly cementing their place in the classic car market. Sooner or later the 205 GTI will achieve full, classic status.”
And in MotorMartin’s opinion, it already has.
For more information on the cars that were offered at CCA’s December Sale, MotorMartin recommends that you set aside a few hours to visit http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/cca-december-2016-sale/view_lots/pn/all.
Where will you go?