INFO GUIDE: 1986 - 1987 Peugeot 205 GTI Phase 1 (1.9l)

This guide has been written for the Phase 1 Peugeot 205 GTI (1.9l). The Phase 1 cars are the first of 3 distinct phases of the 1.9l GTI produced between 1986 and 1994. Like the Golf GTI, Renault 5 Turbo and several other competitors, the Peugeot 205 obtained cult status during the 80s and 90s and now has a strong following as a classic hot hatch.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the features unique to the Phase 1 cars, allowing a prospective purchaser to assess the originality of a vehicle. We note that the Phase 1 cars broadly fall into 2 distinct groups: (1) Main European market vehicles, and; (2) those exported to countries with high emission regulations including Australia, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland. This guide covers both groups, and for the purposes of simplicity refers to these two groups as "main European market cars" and "export market cars" respectively.

Production numbers:

Total 205 GTI production: 294,514 ¹

This figure relates to GTI production between 1984 and 1994, and includes 1.6l cars. As Phase 1 production of 1.9l cars occurred for a period less than 12 months, it is estimated that these cars account for a small portion of this total figure.

Period of Manufacture:

Phase 1 production commenced in December 1986, however, conflicting discussion exists with respect to when exactly Phase 1 production ended. Evidence (based on inspected vehicles) suggests that Phase 1 production continued until a changeover point in October 1987, after which Phase 1.5 spec vehicles have been sighted (with the chassis prefix beginning "20####", and a new serial number sequence commencing "010####").² Other than the vehicles sighted, no official factory data has been relied on to draw this conclusion, and if any readers have additional information that can be backed up by a primary source, please contact us.

Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of books, online sources and enthusiast input. You should not rely on this guide to make any purchasing decision and we make no representation that all information is accurate. You should always seek independent professional advice when looking to purchase a unique car. If you have additional information, photographs or corrections you believe could improve this guide, please contact us.