53 Peugeot 205 Gentry
ENGINE 1905cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 105bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 104lb ft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 115mph 0-60MPH 11.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-31mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed auto MoT September 2021 ODOMETER 19,602 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The de-tuned 1.9-litre 205 GTI engine has the same power output as the smaller 1.6, but more torque. The car feels brisk, the engine smooth and quiet and progress relaxed as the auto ‘box shuffles gears seamlessly. The steering and suspension are typically sharp, with great turn-in and huge grip despite a soft and comfortable ride, which is free of any knocks or clunks. The strong brakes pull the car up well with no drag in either direction and the ABS system still works.
BODYWORK CHECK
Just 300 Gentrys were built in this shade of Aztec Gold, and few can have survived in this sort of condition. The panels are pristine, there are no dings or dents and the paint is immaculate. It looks much like a GTI with its front splitter, body colour side trims/tailgate inserts and unmarked gold alloy wheels (from the 405) recently re-shod with new tyres. The front fog lights, headlamps and tail lights all have crystal clear, undamaged glass/plastic lenses, too. The car is incredibly original and unmolested, right down to its original Belfast dealer-fitted number plates. The underside is as clean as the top.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Aztec Gold Gentrys have a model-unique beige leather interior and this one is in fabulously unmarked condition. The complementary carpet is also like new under the tidy and original Gentry floor mats and the as-new door cards have wood trim inserts and controls for the electric windows. The leather steering wheel is unmarked and the original Clarion PC300 stereo still works. Amazingly, this car’s first owner also specified the only option that the Gentry didn’t get as standard – a sliding sunroof.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is spotless and the car has good service history despite the very low mileage. Stone Cold Classics has also serviced the car and changed the cam belt due to age, rather than mileage concerns. We looked in vain for any oil or fluid leaks – indeed, the car feels like new mechanically, having had little but regular and apparently gentle use throughout its life.
THE CCW VIEW
The Gentry is a little-known special edition that was apparently built for a Japanese order that fell through so 600 cars – half of them gold, half of them metallic green – came to the UK, being the only other right-hand-drive market. It was the most luxurious 205 built in 1992 with every almost option fitted, together with the biggest engine, comfort suspension and an automatic gearbox – in short, big car luxury in a compact car. It’s a wonderfully opulent car to cruise in and with such low mileage and incredible condition, this one would be ideal for a Peugeot or 1990s collector.
PROS Rarity, incredible condition, low mileage
CONS Almost too nice to use regularly