Basic information and history

The Peugeot 205 GTI hardly needs an introduction among enthusiasts. The lightweight body penned by Gérard Welter, the short wheelbase and the lively four-cylinder engine made the model the benchmark among the hot hatches of the eighties. Two World Rally Championship titles in Group B with the 205 T16 gave Peugeot the courage to build a GTI with the legendary rear end that can make the car break out into proper power slides if you lift off the throttle in a corner. It is equally rewarding when you have the right technique; dancing along narrow stretches of tarmac with the widest smile on your lips.

Ahead of the final model year of the 205 GTI, the Swedish general agent for Peugeot wanted to highlight the brand's successes with the 205 GTI and launched three special editions. All three had a Luisi wooden steering wheel, a wooden gear knob, and electric window lifts:

• Le Mans – Miami Blue with a Le Mans badge on the C-pillar and on the boot lid. 84 examples were sold.
• Monte Carlo – Sorrento Green with a Monte Carlo badge on the C-pillar and on the boot lid. 96 examples were sold.
• Classique Sport – Black with full leather upholstery, a numbered Classic Sport plaque on the steering wheel, Classique Sport decals on the sides and on the boot lid. 200 examples were sold.

This 205 GTI was sold new in Sweden and has had a total of 12 owners. The odometer reads 244,000 kilometres and can, according to the seller, be guaranteed. The trip meter works. The car is stated to be in original condition.

The seller bought the car in 2018, drove it home and put it into storage. It has since stood still and been fully restored according to the description below.

Equipment and options

• Electric window lifts
• Luisi wooden steering wheel
• Wooden gear knob – newly repainted

The car has recently undergone extensive work. It has been repainted, and prior to painting the car was disassembled. During the work, new inner sills and a new boot floor were fitted, with sheet metal ordered newly pressed from England. Furthermore, the car has received new floor insulation, new rubber seals, a new rear axle and a new stainless steel silencer.

The wheels have been refurbished and repainted, and the car is fitted with new tyres. A new antenna has been fitted. The brakes have received new brake discs and brake pads. Inside, the seats have been re-upholstered, and the front seat cushions have received new foam padding. The gear knob has been repainted.

The engine is stated to have been rebuilt by the previous owner in 2018 and has since covered approximately 400 kilometres. The seller points out that the engine rebuild cannot be verified with documentation. The car comes with the original spare wheel and jack.

Condition

Both the paint and the body are described as being in excellent condition following the recently completed paintwork and sheet metal work. The windows are said to be in good condition.

The interior is, according to the seller, in very good condition, as are the dashboard and headliner. The seats have been re-upholstered and the front seat cushions have new padding. All electronics function, the dashboard is free of warning lights, and all seatbelts work.

Tyres and wheels are described as being in excellent condition, with refurbished and newly painted wheels and new tyres.

The engine and gearbox are stated to be in good condition. The engine starts and runs, according to the seller, without fault, the clutch works, and the gearbox shifts without issue. The brakes are described as being in excellent condition following the replacement of discs and pads. The car is drivable as it stands.

The car is not currently passed for inspection. The most recent inspection was carried out in 2018, and a new inspection has not yet been performed following the work.

Service history

There are no receipts or other documentation confirming the service history. The same applies to the engine rebuild that the previous owner is said to have carried out in 2018. The work described in the listing has been carried out recently and is reported by the seller himself.

Summary

Here is one of 84 examples of the 1991 Peugeot 205 GTI Le Mans in stated original condition, sold new in Sweden and with a guaranteed odometer reading of 244,000 kilometres. The car has recently undergone repainting with the body disassembled, new inner sills and a new boot floor in newly pressed sheet metal from England, as well as a new rear axle, new stainless steel silencer, new floor insulation, new brake discs and pads, refurbished and repainted wheels, and new tyres. The interior has re-upholstered seats and new padding in the front seat cushions.

The engine is stated to have been rebuilt in 2018 and has since covered around 400 kilometres, though without documentation to confirm this. The car is drivable as it stands but needs to pass inspection. An interesting object for anyone looking for a 205 GTI where the bodywork has already been done.