Description
Peugeot conceived the 205 or Project M24 in 1977 as a slightly larger version of the European Supermini typically available at that time. The final design chosen was an in house design overseen by Design Director Gérard Welter which was preferred over the design proposed by the Italian styling house Pininfarina. The Peugeot 205 was launched in February 1983 and produced until 1993 and narrowly missed out on the European Car of the Year award on launch.
A cabriolet version of the 205, known as the CJ/ CT/ CTI, was designed and partially assembled by Pininfarina of Italy. The CTI version, the cabriolet version of the iconic GTI, was available with both the 1580cc XU5JA engine producing 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) and the torquier more relaxed 1905cc XU9JA engine producing 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp), although later models with a catalytic converter produce 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp).
The cabriolet version is a particularly neat arrangement that complements the 205s good looks and operates efficiently without creating excessive wind noise. The cabriolet does lack the focused driving dynamics of the hard top GTI but is great fun to drive with the top down and is more suited to the lazier torquier nature of the 1905cc engine.
The car we have for sale here is a very late 1. 9 CTI first registered 25 October 1993 and showing just 2 former keepers on the V5C having spent a number of years in storage and being re-commissioned as a “lock down” project and returned to the road in 2022. It only shows 57700 miles. Unfortunately, the original service book and records have been lost, but a replacement owner’s pack is included.
The CTI cabriolet is very original and is still fitted with its original radio and its vehicle registration number etched into all the glass as was a common practice back in the 1990’s. It also comes wearing the correct 14" alloy (Speedline SL201) wheels as fitted to the 1. 6 GTI, although a set of 15" (Speedline SL299) alloys fitted to the 1. 9GTI are included.
As part of the re-commissioning process a new soft top was fitted along with the expected replacement of fluids and filters and the fitting of new front brake pads and discs. A fresh MOT has been passed and the 205 is ready to enjoy and runs and drives well. Plus a new more attractive price. Definitely worth viewing to see how good this 205 CTI is.
The 205 presents really well with minimal signs of wear to the interior supporting the low mileage and looks very 1990’s in its bright red paint with black trim.
