1988 Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI

Just one former keeper. In storage for 20 years with the same owner 'rediscovering' it in 2015

Desirable Phase 1.5 non-cat/ non-PAS model. Many correct and original parts

Complete recommission costing £7,000 just completed in 2017 by Peugeot specialists 'French Connection'

73,000 miles. Excellent service history. Complete book-pack and key sets

The King of the hot hatches? Volkswagen may have started the GTi'movement' in 1976, but many still consider the Peugeot 205 GTI as the greatest of them all. The 205 was launched in 1983, a brilliant rival to its contemporaries with its "wheel at each corner' design and flyweight mass. No wonder it won What Cars "Car of the Year' in 1984 and was declared "Car of the Decade' by CAR Magazine in 1990.

The 205 1.6 GTi arrived in April 1984, singled out for its sublime handling and revvy 105bhp engine. The 1.9 GTi that followed in December 1986 was more of the same but with 128bhp and a bit more torque. This was in parallel with the 205 T16 winning the World Rally Championship in 1985, helping to promote the road-going 205"s inherent abilities and ultimate potential. The GTi model was produced until 1994, firmly establishing itself as a must-have future classic.

Silverstone Auctions know good 205 GTis. Last year we achieved a new world record price for the model, beating the previous highest figure, which we again attained the year before. The car presented here may not have covered a similarly tiny mileage to the two record holders, but is special in its own way and a worthy addition to our 205 back-catalogue.

This is a 1988 GTi 1.9 Phase 1.5 UK model, which renowned website 205gti.info confirms. It was built at the Mulhouse factory on the 24th May 1988 and utilises the XU9JA (non-cat) 128bhp engine and is finished in Cherry Red/Le Mans Red paintwork with "Quattro" Velour/Leather in Grey/Red.

Quite remarkably, this car has had just one previous owner in its 30-year life! In 1996 it is believed that the original owner took the car off the road due to the escalating hot hatch insurance premiums and put it into storage. It ended up being in hibernation for 20 years before the same owner eventually used it again in 2015. In the extensive history file that accompanies the car, there is an MOT Certificate dated July 1995 that shows a mileage of 64,617. After "rediscovering" the car again, the owner used it for another 3,500 miles. In 2017, a Peugeot enthusiast bought the car impressed by its originality, low ownership and verifiable mileage. Obviously, having only ever been used for 11 years, it was in very sound condition both mechanically and cosmetically. In 2017, the car was treated to a through recommission by Peugeot specialists 'French Connection" costing £7,000 benefiting from a complete and comprehensive mechanical overhaul, with all serviceable components refinished/replaced with the mandate to maintain originality wherever possible. This exacting process, which was captured in a series of photos, now means the car presents today in simply superb condition. It comes with a complete and original Peugeot book-pack containing the original service schedule, instruction manuals etc., and two keys.

This is a great opportunity to acquire, not only a revered modern-classic that is strongly tipped for price growth, but also one with a unique history and all the specialist work already carried out. Don"t miss it!