Peugeot 205 CTi Cabriolet

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“The definitive Eighties hatchback and the most perfect, practical design for a small car ever. Diesels economical, GTi is huge fun, no rust traps, last well” – Honest John.

Launched in 1983, the Peugeot 205 was a brilliant rival to the Renault 5 and the Ford Fiesta with its ‘wheel in each corner’ design and flyweight 750kg kerb weight. No wonder it won What Car’s ‘Car of the Year’ in 1983 and was declared ‘Car of the Decade’ by CAR Magazine in 1990. The 205 1.6 GTi was particularly singled out for praise, being blessed with brilliant handling and a revvy and eager 105bhp engine that made the 1.9 GTi seem lazy by comparison and could crack 60mph in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 116mph.

From 1986 a Pininfarina-designed cabriolet version of the 1.6 GTi was also available, the CTi, now with an improved 115bhp engine and slightly softened suspension for a better ride. A very popular model across Europe, it was to remain in production until 1992 although a 1.9 version was available until 1994.

This September 1989 CTi is a particularly good example of the breed that has had much money lavished on it over the last few years including a rebuilt engine and a full professional respray. The vendor, a retired garage proprietor, acquired the car a couple of years ago and has improved it still further including a recent cambelt service, full brake overhaul with many new parts, a new nearside drive shaft and a recent set of tyres. The hood is said to be excellent and the car also benefits from central locking and electric windows.

Said to drive as a CTi should, it is showing some 141,000 miles on the clock but looks and drives like a much fresher model thanks to all the work carried out. Due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale, this Eighties icon is guaranteed to gives the lucky new owner a lot of fun in the coming summer months.