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BASIC DETAILS

Dashboard

Mark Sold

Take Deposit

Model History

Featured Item

The 205 1.9 GTi needs no introduction to anybody who was a car enthusiast in the 1980s & '90s in Europe. Back then, magazines all held this little Peugeot in the highest regard for its immensely entertaining handling abilities whilst being able to provide fast progress from A to B. Never a dull journey. Despite being a small car, its design meant it was practical to use, whilst being attractive to look at. In hot hatch terms, this was the truest legend which has never since been bettered by Peugeot, despite subsequent attempts that cannot be counted on just the digits of one hand... After the 205's iconic greatness, it has always been easy to forget nostalgic interests in its younger siblings by comparison. Weighing only 880kg & being of small design with a well-designed chassis meant the 205 1.9 GTi was and still remains one of the best-handling hot hatches ever built.

Having been keen enthusiasts for hot hatches ourselves back in the 80's & 90's, we've always taken a keen interest during the few occasions when top condition examples of iconic European hot hatches have come up in Japan; which is always a rare occasion since so few of such cars were actually supplied new in Japan. Until recently, these cars had always been too expensive to import from Japan back to Europe, but as we see well-kept original examples sharply increasing in value & desirability in the U.K. & beyond now, we have begun to look at these cars more seriously when they do come up for sale, being prepared to invest what it takes to secure the very best examples we are able to obtain from Japan. In truth, we've been searching for good 205 GTi 1.9's here for over 5 years and this is only the 3rd example that inspired us to make sure we obtained it for Newera's stock when we came across it. We are well aware of how rare these truly rust-free JDM examples are...

Equipment

Exterior

Interior

Engine & Transmission

Wheels, Brakes & Suspension

Condition Report

To explain this original 205's total rust-free condition it's important to understand that in Japan, all roads are drained of water through the use of efficient concrete storm ditches (there are heavy rains at times from typhoons and Japan is 70% mountain terrain with forest, so safety is absolutely paramount). This means there is no mud & debris washed onto roads during storms, unlike what is commonly seen in Europe. Roads in Japan are also probably the best maintained worldwide, without potholes, mostly smooth surfaces with good grip, etc. Japan is also the country with the largest network of roads in the world for a given area.

No salt, grit or sand is laid on surfaces during cols winter weather in the most populated areas, as urban towns & cities are invariably built on lower plains, due to the risk of earthquakes and consequential landslides that would be problematic if building on mountain areas. Because roads are well designed and maintained in Japan, this means undersides of Japan’s cars don't get covered in electrolytic dirt and so when the underside gets wet in rain corrosion is much less likely to develop. Essentially the cars are washed by clean rain in Japan if they get wet and explains why cars used in Japan are typically completely rust-free, including their clean undersides and all components inclusive of exhausts! By contrast, if you feel the inner arch of a car that's been on British roads for a decade or more, it will have corrugated dirt built up inside, which is electrolytic when wet and therefore corrosive. Corrosion to the undersides of these Peugeots was common in much of Europe, which is why JDM examples are something special indeed.

Comparing this to a 205 GTi 1.9 that's been on European roads all of its life would be a beginner's mistake (See underside pictures). 
In stark contrast, almost all of the higher valued 205 GTi's in Europe will have likely already have had restoration work (aside from possibly the lowest mileage unicorns), with rust repairs that may no longer be visible, but likely to return, given time.

The only body faults to report are a small paint chip to the rear quarter panel and a small scratch on the bumper corner, both shown in pictures. Inside, there's some wear to the foam on the underside of the horizontal bolster, but as mentioned this is to be professionally replaced and repaired during final preparation in the U.K. so it's properly presentable. Finally, we noted one of the rear shelf speakers is faulty and not being possible to obtain a matching replacement, we have obtained a good quality pair of Kenwood speakers to replace these, which are also more aesthetically pleasing.

Test Drive

History

Most 205 1.9 GTi's supplied in Japan were LHD. This is because since WW2 (Until the late '70s Japan wasn't known for manufacturing high-quality prestige or Sportscars) LHD cars in Japan have been considered status symbols. This also explains why virtually all the imported sports & prestige cars in Japan remain LHD today.

As such this 205 GTi 1.9 represents a unique opportunity for a discerning collector who isn't phased by the car being LHD if intending to use it in the UK.

A lot of service history is also included with paperwork. This particular example has had just two owners since new. There is further proof of original mileage from the shaken certificate, we will supply a scan of the original with the car on completion, so that paperwork can continue to tie in with onward ownership & care with this car's new owner in the U.K.

Currently safely stored at our facilities in Japan, this car would be shipped to Leicestershire (With our partners JT Auto classics) for completion once it's reserved. by its new owner. The U.K. (on the road ) package includes all costs such as full inspection and service, professional quality detailing & protection to paintwork and new MOT (required for registration) with UK comprehensive warranty.

For the discerning collector who can truly understand the difference between the average examples for sale in the UK & on the continent & the rare truly first class, such as this example - the future owner for this limited edition 2.5 GTi 1.9 will realise this is something absolutely unique and not to be missed, whilst prices are still affordable. We expect these to continue to appreciate at least 20% p.a. going forward.

Note: We are able to arrange safe & fully insured professional delivery to Europe & worldwide.