Peugeot sold the 505 in the US and left in 1991. The 205 GTI, the car the whole European press rated as the best hot hatch of the 1980s, never crossed the Atlantic. We import 1.6 and 1.9 205 GTIs from Portugal, France and Spain, inspected and verified, landed at a US port for $24,000 to $36,000 with a US title.
Why this car
Under 900 kg, 105 hp (1.6) or 130 hp (1.9), unassisted steering, a front end that turns in like a kart and a rear end that will teach you something. It’s the car Gordon Murray and every British car magazine have called the best-handling front-wheel-drive car ever made. It’s also small, cheap to run, easy to park and still looks right. The 1.9 is the one with the torque and the half-leather interior; the 1.6 is lighter, revvier and cheaper.
Portugal and France have thousands of them, and good ones trade at €15,000–€25,000. In the US there are almost none, and the few that exist get $30,000–$45,000 at auction. A 205 GTI is a cheap way into a car that stops conversations at every Cars & Coffee.
Eligible years
| Version | Years | 25-year eligible |
|---|---|---|
| 205 GTI 1.6 (105 hp, later 115 hp) | 1984–1992 | Eligible now |
| 205 GTI 1.9 (130 hp; 122 hp catalyzed from 1990) | 1986–1994 | Eligible now |
| 205 GTI Griffe, 1FM, Gentry (limited editions) | 1990–1993 | Eligible now |
| 205 Rallye (1.3, 103 hp) | 1988–1992 | Eligible now |
Every 205 GTI is eligible. Production ended in 1994.
Typical landed price
- 1.6 GTI, good driver: $24,000 landed East Coast
- 1.9 GTI, good, original: $29,000
- 1.9 GTI, excellent, low mileage, documented: $36,000
- Limited editions (Griffe, 1FM): $40,000–$55,000, custom order
- 205 Rallye: $22,000–$30,000
Container shipping (shared) is standard on 205s; it’s included.
What we check on every 205 GTI
- Body. Rear beam mounts, sills, floor, inner wings, rear arches, battery tray, the seam under the rear bumper. Paint depth on every panel; these cars were driven hard and many have been hit.
- Rear axle. The torsion-beam rear axle wears its bearings; we check for play and listen on the drive. A rebuilt axle is a plus and is documented when present.
- Engine. XU5 or XU9 cold start on video, idle quality, Bosch injection, timing belt date, oil leaks (cam cover, rear main), head gasket on the 1.9.
- Gearbox. BE1/BE3 synchros (2nd), clutch, linkage.
- Interior. Seat fabric or half-leather, dash and door-card condition, the sunroof (it leaks; we check), electric windows, instruments.
- Originality. Engine number against the registration, original wheels (Speedline 14″ or 15″), original red carpets, no aftermarket exhaust unless declared.
- Documentation. Build month from the VIN and the Peugeot data plate; registration history; mileage plausibility.
FAQ
Is a 205 GTI safe enough for US roads?
It’s a 1980s car with no airbags or ABS on most versions. It’s also small and quick. Drive it with that in mind. It’s legal in all states except California for post-1975 imports.
1.6 or 1.9?
1.9 for torque, brakes (discs all round) and the interior. 1.6 for the revs and the lower price. Both are right.
Can I insure it?
Yes, with specialist collector insurers on an agreed value. Standard insurers vary; we can point you to brokers who know the car.
205 GTIs in stock Custom order a 205 GTI
End of site copy. Seller of record: Salvage Motors LLC, Arkansas Dealer License M-13632. All prices landed at a US port of entry; inland transport, state tax, title and registration fees extra. Customs duty at the rate in effect on the date of entry.