A Grand Monday: Peugeot 205

Launched in 1983, the Peugeot 205 revolutionised the French marque’s sales here in Britain, transforming the company’s image and paving the way for a whole new generation of models. The 205 is certainly one of our favourite superminis of the ’80s, with even the smaller-engined versions offering a lively driving style and class-leading handling.

The other good news is that the 205 is one of those classic superminis that still offers great value, and there’s no shortage of low-mileage examples usually available – including this 1.1 Style five-door, which has covered just 36,000 miles from new and is described by its trade vendor as ‘in fantastic condition’.

Dating from 1991, this 205 has been driven an average of just 1500 miles a year, which explains why it looks so original – even down to its Style wheel trims. It’s a little over our Grand Monday budget at £1295, but you never know what a spot of haggling might achieve.

What cars like this prove, however, is that even with limited funds it’s still possible to buy a low-mileage, well-cared-for modern classic that will turn heads and (hopefully) provide dependable daily transport. It might not be a GTi, but neither is it priced like one. We reckon any standard-spec 205 that’s unmolested and in great nick makes a heck of a lot of sense.