1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 Hatchback

Description

Regarded by many pundits as the best hot hatch of the 1980s, Peugeot’s 205 GTi transformed the French carmaker’s practical super mini hatchback into one of the finest driver’s cars ever made, one that is still revered by enthusiasts more almost four decades later.  Designed by a team led by Gerard Welter, the GTi’s styling drew inspiration from the Group B Turbo 16, with larger wheelarches and distinctive wheelarch moldings, side trim and chunkier front and rear valances.  The interior was courtesy of the illustrious Paul Bracq, who had previously designed the Mercedes-Benz ‘Pagoda’ and virtually every BMW of the 1970s.  Changes under the skin included lower, stiffer suspension settings and an anti-roll bar at the rear to sharpen up handling.  The original 1.6 GTi debuted in June 1983 before going on sale the following year and quickly established a reputation as a giant killer, the high-revving engine perfectly mated to a close ratio gearbox.  In an effort to boost performance and keep up with rivals from Ford and Volkswagen, Peugeot introduced a more powerful 1.9-litre engine in 1986.  Featuring a longer stroke, other changes included an oil cooler and revised fuel injection system and the new XU9JA motor was rated at 126 horsepower, although the addition of a catalytic converter to meet emissions regulations saw this drop slightly on later models.  The 205 GTi garnered a rapturous reception from motoring journalists, including our own Peter Robinson who wrote “This is a car for driving, after all.  And as such it is exciting, thoroughly satisfying and yet practical and economical.  If only it were affordable.” Indeed the 1.9 GTi was priced at a hefty $29,500 when it finally went on sale in Australia in October 1987 and this rose to $33,730 by the time production ceased in 1994, putting the most exclusive 205 beyond the reach of many.  Australian buyers initially had to make do with a lower output version to meet local emission laws, dropping from 100 kW to 75 kW due to the lower compression ratio and different cylinder head.   Peugeot’s 205 GTi has gone on to achieve cult status with enthusiasts around the world and remains the marque’s greatest achievement in the hot hatch segment and survivors are considered modern classics today.