Record price for Peugeot 205 GTI

A Peugeot 205 GTI sold for £31k at the weekend – a new auction record for the model. The car, a 1989 1.9-litre, fetched £30,938 - £12,000 over its lower estimate – when it went under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions sale on 28-31 July.

Prices for the iconic hot hatch have been rising steadily, but this low-mileage example caught the eye of bidders during the Silverstone Classic event. Described as a ‘beautiful example’ it had had just 7986 miles on the clock and one owner from new.

The original paintwork was in excellent condition, with the black plastic bodywork free from damage, scratches, and scuffs. Inside, the two-tone half-leather seats were like new – thanks to the fact they’d spent their whole life under cover while the rear seats had never even been sat on. And the car came complete with its original Philips radio cassette player (in full working order).

Needless to say, its owner was a fastidious enthusiast and the GTI came with plenty of history. We reckon you would’ve struggled to find an example as well looked after and unmolested as F425 MFJ.

Speaking before the sale, the seller said, ‘The vehicle looks, drives and smells as close to new as you would find.  In other words, it is as close as you would ever get to being able to walk into a Peugeot dealership in 2016 and purchase a brand new model of what is generally recognised as being the best hot hatch ever built.’

• Read our Peugeot 205 GTI review and buyer's guide
• How many Peugeot 205 GTIs survived? Find out
• Find a Peugeot 205 GTI for sale