Rowan Atkinson’s Peugeot 205 GTI heads to auction

A 1989 Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI, currently owned by Rowan Atkinson CBE, is due to be auctioned later this month.

Bought by the star of Blackadder and Mr Bean in 2021, this phase 1.5 example of the iconic 1980s hot hatchback will be sold without reserve.

The Alpine White 205 GTI is crossing the block at the Classic Car Auctions sale at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, which takes place on Saturday 28 September 2024.

A classic French hot hatch

In need of no introduction, the Peugeot 205 GTI is perhaps the archetypal hot hatchback of its era. 

The GTI was first launched in 1984 with a 105hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, but this phase 1.5 car uses the more powerful 115hp motor – fitted from 1987 onwards. This allowed for a 0-60mph time of 8.9 seconds, plus a top-speed of 121mph. 

The same year, Peugeot added the more powerful 1.9-litre version of the GTI to its range, but the smaller-capacity 1.6 model occupies a sweet-spot for many enthusiasts. 

With an enviable car collection that has spanned everything from a McLaren F1, to a Lexus LFA, to a Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II, Rowan Atkinson clearly has good taste when it comes to filling his garage.

Owned by a real enthusiast

With such an array of vehicles, it should perhaps come as no surprise that the TV star added just 300 miles to the odometer of this 205 GTI since he bought it.

With around 71,000 miles in total, the Peugeot’s interior still looks fresh, with cloth-clad sports seats and bright red velour carpets. 

Atkinson has not skimped on recent maintenance, with more than £1,500 spent in November 2023 to address jobs caused by the 205 GTI being static for a long period of time.

Just last month, an further outlay of £2,000 was spent on post-MOT work, along with detailing. It means the Peugeot should be ready for use by a new owner.

Bean and gone

Demand for classic hot hatchbacks of the 1980s like the 205 GTI remains buoyant, and the Peugeot should receive plenty of attention when it crosses the block.

Add the ownership of a legendary actor – and renowned car enthusiast – to the mix, and this will only up the level of interest.

Ahead of the sale, a guide price of £15,000 to £20,000 has been given for the Peugeot 205 GTI.

We wonder if one of the auction attendees has a cunning plan to grab a classic French hatchback? All will be revealed later this month.

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