1987 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9

In many people's eyes, the Peugeot 205 was the definitive 1980s hatchback and the most perfect, practical design for a small car ever. Launched in 1983, it was a brilliant rival to the Renault 5 and the Ford Fiesta with its 'wheel at each corner' design and flyweight 750kg kerb weight. No wonder it won What Car magazine's 'Car of the Year' in 1983 and was declared 'Car of the Decade' by CAR magazine in 1990. The 1.6 GTi was particularly singled out for praise, being blessed with brilliant handling and a revvy and eager 105bhp engine and the 1.9 GTi that followed was more of the same with an extra 20bhp and a bit more torque.

Ordered new from Peugeot Piccadilly this incredibly original 1.9-litre 205 GTi spent virtually its whole life in an underground garage in Monte Carlo. It was specified in Arctic White with contrasting trim by Formula 2 driver, Colin Vandervell, son of Tony Vandervell who founded the Vanwall Grand Prix Team. His fascination had been fired by Peugeot's World Rally Championship successes and the 205 GTi was used between his residences in Nice and Monte Carlo with occasional trips back to London.

Having spent the majority of its life garaged, the interior is pin sharp and with over-mats fitted, the red carpeting and interior are still immaculate with no fading. The undamaged alloy wheels have never been refurbished and it still sports its original manufacturers stickers under the bonnet and doors. The engine bay is impressive, remaining nicely original with even the weather protection over the distributor still in place. Recent work includes a cambelt change, water pump and new fuel pump. The car is supplied with all its books and manuals, sales brochures, various Peugeot Piccadilly promotional items, and the original Monaco number plates and documents.

Patently looked after from new and pleasingly unmodified, this is a super example and the combination of originality and motorsport provenance is bound to generate interest. Possibly the hot hatch of the decade in period and only 55,274 miles.