Description
Development of the 205 began in 1977 with two designs running in parallel for the first twelve months. Both Pininfarina and the Peugeot design team headed by Gérard Welter proposed their designs, Pininfarina’s being angular and the in house design both softer and organic. The later was chosen and work started in creating a ‘large’ small car to challenge and beat France’s staple, the Renault 5.
Launched in 1983 to reinvigorate its maker’s fortunes in the supermini sector, the 205 ended up becoming France’s most popular car before being widely copied by rivals during its 15-year production run. Deceptively large, the 205 measured 3705mm in length, precisely the same dimension as the outgoing first generation Volkswagen Golf. The 5 door version was the first to launch with the 3 door following 12 months later in 1984.
By the end of the 1980’s, the 205 had largely helped Peugeot to become a 10 billion pound turnover company, a significant step forward in just six years.
One should never underestimate the impact the Peugeot 205 made on the automotive scene during its production run. Larger than the average supermini at launch in 1983, the industry grew up to meet it and, for Peugeot, the 205’s style defined the next generation of cars – paving the way for its transformation from conservative manufacturer of solidly-engineered cars to industry pacesetter.
The XE model was the entry model for the 3 door variant, powered by the 954cc engine mated to a 4 speed gearbox. Specification was utility and numbers sold were relatively low due to the small additional premium for the higher specification Junior and XL models. The Junior being introduced to the range in both 3 and 5 door versions in 1986.
This particular XE was delivered new on 2nd May 1989 by the Norwich Motor Company to its first owner. Finished in Alpine White with Grey Quartz interior trim. The optional front headrests were fitted.
The first owner kept the car for 11 years, covering a modest 3, 000 miles annually, garaging and maintaining the car correctly. It was sold to her next door neighbour who bought the car as an occasional 3rd car and continued garaging during the following 24 years. Only 3500 miles was covered during the first 4 years of ownership and after this time the car stood safely garage stored for a further 20 years.
We have conducted a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning during which the following have been attended to/ replaced:
• Full service
• Cambelt, tensioner and water pump
• Replacement radiator
• Carburettor overhaul, including new fuel lines and fuel pump
• New top mounts, coil springs and front shock absorbers
• Rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders
• Front brake callipers
• 5 new tyres and wheels repainted
• Rear exhaust silencer
Consequently, the car has passed its first MOT in 20 years completely advisory free. The bodywork and underside are exceptional for a car that’s 35 years of age, never welded and certainly never likely to be needed if taken care of.
The interior is quite special too, the pictures paint a thousand words.
This is without doubt the best base model 3 door example you could ever find and still retains the character of the original 205 with its fluted rear quarter and rear boot panel trims. Something that was lost with the later special edition models.
