PEUGEOT 306 PROJECT BUYER

Most projects are likely to be tired mechanically but with reasonable bodies – good news for Diy-ers as few special tools are needed and mastering the diagnostics is easy. Some mechanical bits are scarce (especially OE), most trim is hard to source, Phase 1 headlights are long obsolete (with Phase 2 lights getting rare) and brake compensators for the GTI-6 are unavailable. Exhausts and driveshafts are also hard to find but many mechanical bits are shared with other PSA cars.

Perhaps the most taxing aspect of working on a 306 is setting up the torsion bar rear suspension properly. Don’t be tempted to lower the suspension – and steer clear of buying a car that’s been changed in this way. Peugeot did a great job of setting things up to achieve an ideal ride/handling balance; messing about with the settings will spoil the 306’s poise.

There are plenty of upgrades you can make such as supercharging the GTI-6 to realise up to 400bhp, although this requires a lot of reengineering; a 250bhp kit is also available that doesn’t need so many changes.

The GTI-6’S brakes are great and make a good upgrade for lesser models; all 306s use the same front hubs which makes things easier. It is possible to swap rear drums for discs, but for the ultimate anchors fit 406 coupé Brembo calipers with Xantia V6 or 206 GTI 180 discs, although you’ll also have to fit 15mm spacers or 16/17in wheels in order to clear the sizeable brake calipers. But the effort is well worth it.

WHAT TO PAY?

Project: £0-£400 Runner: £150-£500 Good: £500-£3k