Registration: IOM-Reg
Chassis: VF320DB6201287523
Odometer: 70,524
Transmission: Manual

• Smartly presented example
• Matching Avon tyres
• Recent new mohair roof
• Fully operational roof
• Desirable manual model
• Driven to the saleroom
• Believed to be only 23 currently registered on UK roads, with a further 133 SORN

Prior to Peugeot's acquisition of Chrysler's European car divisions in 1978, the company was best known as the maker of bland but competent big Saloons. The little Gerrard Welter-penned 205 changed all that, becoming an instant hit and ultimately one of the most successful small European models of all time. The halo version was the GTi that is the standard by which many compare other hot hatches to this day, while the similarly specified, Pininfarina-styled CTi Convertible is the cake-and-eat-it version, which combines sparkling performance with the option of wind-in-the-hair motoring.

Finished in Alpine White paintwork with complementary Black and Red interior upholstery, and a Black hood, the Peugeot is fitted with the 1580cc straight-four SOHC engine allied to the five-speed manual transmission. Pleasingly unmodified, it has covered a modest 70,500 miles from new. It is believed to have first been registered in England, has shipped over to the Isle of Man three years later in 1991.

A smart 205 CTi that drives superbly well, the 1.6 engine feels spritely and loves to rev, the steering is well-weighted and direct and the brakes are sharp. The fabulous exhaust note sounds even better with the roof down, this truly is the perfect car for flicking through the gears on our twisty ‘B’ roads.

There are a few imperfections in the paint here and there, as to be expected from a car that is 36 years old. The interior has held up superbly well, it has evidently been well cherished and deserves to be cherished for another 36 years.