AUCTION TRACKER PEUGEOT 205 GTI

DEMAND FOR younger classics continues to drive the market, and the 205 GTI is a prime example of this.

Peugeot’s iconic hatch launched in 1984, initially as a 1.6 with 105bhp (later 115bhp), with a range-topping 130bhp 1.9 joining in 1986.

Distinguished by larger 15-inch alloy wheels and part-leather interior, original unmolested 1.9s command the highest prices at auction, with limited-edition specials at the top of the pile. ACA first highlighted the potential for well-presented 1.9s, selling a 1991 example that had been the subject of a £20,000 restoration for an above-estimate £25,200 in April 2016. Silverstone Auctions raised the bar at the Silverstone Classic three months later, achieving £30,938 for a one-owner car with 7986 miles, subsequently setting a new auction record at the same event in 2017 when a 5726-miler fetched £38,480 (pictured). Artcurial marked the next auction high at its Paris sale the following year, where a limited-edition (one of 3000) 28,700km 205 GTI Griffe changed hands for €48,872 (£41,000)

After a brief lull, the best 205 GTIs appear to have continued on an upward trajectory, with Aguttes’ most recent €82,960 (£70,000) sale setting the upper benchmark. More generally though, as shown by the graph, It’s far more routine to see very good 205s selling for £20-30k at auction.

Richard Wrightson at Classic Motor Hub bought his in 2016. ‘The best examples continue to go up in value, but buyers are much more savvy and educated and won’t settle for an inferior car simply because it is cheaper. This trend seems to be neatly splitting the market into two areas: collectors and enthusiasts. In my opinion, this is a good thing as it allows the best examples to be recognised and for values to be robust and sustainable. All the while the enthusiast can keep a hand in the game and not be priced out.

‘The argument of 1.6 vs 1.9 has raged since the cars were new. The 1.9 seems to be commanding the top money at the moment and will probably continue to do so. Either way, I predict that values will continue to strengthen, leading to more restored examples coming to market.’

Glenmarch is the largest free-to-access online resource for classic and collector car auction markets. Visit www.glenmarch.com to keep up to date.