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.