LOT 131
1987 Peugeot 205 CTI 1.9 Cabriolet Body by Pininfarina VIN. VF320DDF207965093
Sold for US$20,160 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 131
1987 Peugeot 205 CTI 1.9 Cabriolet
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1987 Peugeot 205 CTI 1.9 Cabriolet
Body by Pininfarina
VIN. VF320DDF207965093
Body by Pininfarina
VIN. VF320DDF207965093
1,905cc SOHC Inline-4 Cylinder Engine
Bosch Fuel Injection
130bhp
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front McPherson Struts, Rear Trailing Arms and Torsion Bars
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
*A stylish, Pininfarina-built convertible based on the 205 GTi
*Desirable 1.9-liter, 5-speed manual spec
*One of the greatest superminis of all time
*129,277km (approximately 76,000 miles) from new
*Meticulously preserved in outstanding condition
*Recently serviced and cosmetically detailed
*Exceptionally rare in the USA
THE PEUGEOT 205 GTI
Launched in 1983, the lightweight Peugeot 205 was so influential that CAR magazine crowned it its 'Car of the Decade' in 1990. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Peugeot had a reputation for building robust, utilitarian cars with little pretense toward performance. When the subcompact 205 arrived, it was a revelation – lightweight, refreshingly stylish, and even in its most basic, shopping-car spec, remarkably fun to drive. The 205 was so significant that it is credited with saving the company. Yet, while commuters, young families, and those needing a cheap car to run to the shops snapped them up by the million, it was the hot GTi model that really captured the imagination of petrol heads the world over.
The spiced-up GTi debuted in 1984 1.6-liter form, with a beefier 1.9-liter arriving a few years after. Depending on who you ask, the 105bhp 1.6 is thought to be the sweetest of the hot Peugeot range, even if it is outgunned by the 130bhp 1.9-litre version which offers much more torque, 4-wheel disc brakes, and larger wheels. Whether in 105bhp or 130bhp spec, it is nothing to sneeze at when it's got less than 1900lbs to pull. In a 1.6 3-door, 60mph comes up in around 8.7 seconds and top speed comfortably exceeds 110mph.
The fun and punchy engine was indeed a highlight, but the mind-boggling handling is what truly cemented the 205 GTi's reputation. The 205 GTi and its convertible brethren, the CTi, was and remains so well-balanced and rewarding to drive that many still consider it the benchmark by which every other contemporary hot hatchback must be judged, even today.
THE CAR OFFERED
Combining the best the 205 GTi's lively chassis and running gear in an open-topped convertible body, this rare and delightful 1987 205 CTi 1.9 embodies the best of 80s motoring. The CTi was designed and built in partnership with Pininfarina, with body sub-assemblies shipped to Italy where they were built, soft-top fitted, and shipped back to France for final assembly alongside their three-door stablemates.
This fantastic left-drive 1.9 CTi is extremely rare on our shores, and this is surely one of the only examples of its kind available. According to the consignor, this car spent time in France and the Netherlands before being imported to the USA to join the Squadra Lupo collection, where it underwent fastidious preservation work and mechanical service while in their care. Notable recent work includes an engine service, ignition tune up, replacement dampers, minor electrical repairs, and comprehensive paint correction and detail. The car looks superb in its bright red paintwork, rolling on the distinctive 15-inch Speedline alloys that rank among the coolest wheels ever fitted to a road car.
This true survivor has clearly lived an easy life, as evidenced by the superb original interior with black/red-accented sport seats and brilliant red carpets all in outstanding order. Likewise, the dash and switchgear – simple and stylish – are excellent and harken back to a simpler time when a few buttons and levers were all we needed to have fun behind the wheel. At Squadra Lupo, preservation was prioritized over restoration, with every unique aspect of the car carefully checked to ensure it performs as close to its original capability possible. This rare gem remains completely unmodified, preserving its authentic essence with all original parts and factory finishes intact. This Peugeot is accompanied by a comprehensive Squadra Lupo folder documenting the entire preservation process, as well as a bespoke Italian-made car cover and custom tire cushions to protect the tires while parked.
As part of the impressive Squadra Lupo collection, this unmodified example was preserved with high levels of detail ensuring it is road ready and driving as close to it was when rolled off the assembly line in 1987. Expertly sorted and ready to enjoy, this unique little Peugeot is bound to provide endless miles of joy-filled, top-down motoring in a fantastically stylish little package.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 3 October 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 4 October 2024, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
