Peugeot 205 CTI 1988 – 327 500 KM

In 1976, the PSA Group was created to rescue Citroën, which was in a bad way at the time. Peugeot's determination was great, with the purchase of Chrysler Europe's subsidiaries in 1978. The integration of the Simca, Rootes and Barreiros brands was part of Peugeot's plan to become the GM of Europe. Unfortunately, structural and cyclical problems, as well as the 1979 oil crisis, put a strain on the automotive sector, which had already been weakened in 1973. The acquired brands had no plans, and the Peugeot range was aging. By 1981, the Group was at its lowest point, with losses of over FRF 2 billion. The Peugeot 104 was the only model left, but it was far inferior to the Renault R5. It was decided to replace the 104, and the M24 project was launched. With a wider body, 5- and 3-door versions and a weight of less than 800 kg, the newcomer played for big bucks. Instead of being called the 105, as logic would have it, it would belong to the 200 series, known for its innovative models. Jean Boillot, then Managing Director, presented the 205 to dealers in Monaco on January 20, 1983.  

The car is unanimously acclaimed. The 5-door version, presented in 7 different versions, 5 finishes and three engines, conquered the market with disconcerting ease. A diesel version was quickly introduced in 1983, cementing the model's success. For some years now, Peugeot has been taming the world of motor sports, with a timid foray in the form of the 104 ZS. The lion-faced marque repeated this with its 205, unveiling the 205 GTI on February 16, 1984. Equipped with the XU range's 1580 cm3, 105 hp engine and a top speed of 190 km/h, the GTI accounted for no less than 12% of sales in 1985. The 14-inch alloy wheels, long-range headlights, fender flares, new counters, special upholstery and red carpets were a hit with customers. The 205 GTI further enhanced the 205's success, making it the best-selling car in France in 1984, 1985 and 1990.  

A few limited versions were produced, such as the 205 Lacoste and the XE, XL, XR and XT finishes. But Peugeot continued to bank on its starlet and developed a new model in its own right, a convertible designed by Pininfarina in 1986. Based on the 3-door version, Peugeot unveils the CT cabriolet with 80 hp and the CTI with 115 hp. Featuring a torsionally stiff roll bar, a GTI body kit, excellent construction and good roadholding despite the 40 kg weight gain, the 205 CTI was a great success, especially with young people. Of course, we mustn't forget the key role played by the rally version of the 205, the 205 T16, which, thanks to its 365 hp engine, scored three victories in its rally debut. The rest is history.  

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