HOT HATCH HEAVEN: ELIOT’S PEUGEOT 205 GTI 1.9

We caught up with a Coffee & Chrome attendee named Eliot earlier this year, he told us his story, how he got into classic ownership as a 24-year-old and we learn all about his Peugeot 205 GTI.

Ask anyone to list their top five all-time hot hatch greats and its likely they’ll mention the Peugeot 205 GTI. Launched in 1984 in 1.6-litre flavour, it was the car that helped to kick off a brilliant era for the company, establishing it as a manufacturer of cars that drove as beautifully as they looked – paving the way for the further fast French fancies that followed. 

Towards the end of 1986, a new, faster 1.9-litre model with increased power and torque was released. The new 130bhp engine was enough to slice a second off the 0-60mph sprint time, earning it rave reviews from owners and the motoring press alike. 

24-year-old Eliot Hartwell is one such enthusiast. For the last five and a half years, his Graphite Grey example has been keeping a smile on his face – according to Eliot, it’s a love affair set to continue…

“I come from a family of car nuts,” begins Eliot, who’s quick to confirm his little French hot hatch is definitely a keeper. “My dad used to own a scrap yard, so cars have been a major part of my life. I have so many memories of going up there with the intention of driving cars with my brothers at around 8 or 9 years old. 

“We used to drive down a track my oldest brother had made in various old cars. Looking back at it now there were countless examples that I would have loved to have held on to… One of which was my older brother’s Mini Clubman, which met its demise when my dad decided to drop a Fiat Cinquecento on it when my brother was being annoying. 

Now employed as a mechanic working at a classic Mercedes specialist, Eliot is familiar with the technical side of retro motoring – although the 205 was already in tip top condition from the day he got the keys. 

“I’d been looking for a few months but this one appeared locally. My brother and I went to view it and it was perfect; the previous owner had just had lots of work done including a full respray, lots of engine work and a refurbished rear axle (a common problem area). I always remember the first time I drove it, experiencing the rattles, heavy steering, and the most sensitive accelerator I have ever known on a car - but I was absolutely in love.” 

“The car felt so raw and unforgiving, you had to work to use it properly, which is what I loved. Being 18 at the time, all of my friends were buying new cars and there was me buying a 28-year-old car with the intention of using it every day. I was told it would be unrealistic, that “it’s an old car it will break one day”, but in the first year I think I did around 15,000 miles and it never once let me down.” 

“The only problems I’ve had were down to user error. I left the lights on once at an interview and it flattened the battery, leaving me to ask some nice members of staff from the interview to help jump start it… The other incident was when I managed to lock the keys inside in a Morrisons car park on trip to Wales. This was the moment that I realised how easy it is to break into ‘80s cars – I’m not going to say how I did it!” 

Eliot says he has many memorable moments in the 205 including a 1,000-mile round trip to Devon with his partner, and regularly attends shows including Goodwood Festival of Speed, Retro Rides, Peugeot Fest and our very own Coffee & Chrome event. 

“It’s hard to pick an all-time favourite moment but the first thing that comes to mind is the very first drive. It was such a long-term goal of mine and it had finally happened. I vividly remember getting home and sitting there looking at my 205 on the driveway.” 

As well as being regarded as one of the all-time great hot hatches, the Peugeot also holds sentimental value to Eliot – a family connection to the brand no doubt makes the car feel even more special. 

“My dad used to work for Peugeot at the Ryton plant in Coventry and then in France, so he was a Peugeot fan long before I was born. He bought a 205 himself but it was left in one of the units at the yard as he was too busy to work on it. I always remember seeing it and thinking nothing of how the 205 would play such a massive part in my life. It wasn’t until I was around 14-15 years old when that particular car came back home and my brothers and I decided to start working on it. That one is a long-term nut and bolt rebuild that we hope to get done one day in the not-too-distant future.” 

Eliot’s day job no doubt makes running the 205 reasonably drama-free and Eliot even finds sourcing parts isn’t too much of an issue, despite the Peugeot being well over 30 years old. 

“It certainly helps if you are mechanically inclined,” says Eliot. “It’s expected that something will break at some point, but realistically they’re very easy to work on and most parts are still somewhat obtainable and don’t really cost much. Luckily there are many companies who are even re-manufacturing the parts, including the Peugeot Museum themselves.” 

“Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s not a new car. I’ve met people who drive brand new cars who are interested in owning a classic, but then complain about how they drive and how most don’t have creature comforts like power steering, ABS or air con.” 

We think Eliot’s pragmatic approach to classic ownership will serve him well. Its safe to say this beautiful example of Peugeot’s hot hatch legend won’t be going anywhere any time soon… 

“I’d say to anyone who is looking at getting one to seriously go for it. They’re great fun… and will always leave a smile on your face.” 

Would you like to be involved in a future Footman James feature? Let us know – email us at: news.views@footmanjames.co.uk. Big thank you to Eliot for his time!