Lot Ended
Description
One of only 300 examples
produced for the UK market; the Gentry featured the desirable 1.9-litre engine;
showing just 97,452 miles; the luxury flagship of the range with much of
the GTI's style
Needing no introduction is the Peugeot 205 and yes
this is the rare Gentry model that offers a refreshingly different take on the
iconic supermini. Designed as the luxury flagship of the range, the Gentry
combined much of the GTI's style and road manners with a more refined and
upmarket character, creating what many regard as one of the most usable and
exclusive 205 variants ever produced.
First registered in March 1993,
this Peugeot 205 Gentry Limited Edition is finished in the model's distinctive
Aztec Gold and currently shows 97,452 miles. One of only 300 examples produced
for the UK market, the Gentry featured the desirable 1.9-litre engine in detuned
form, paired with an automatic gearbox. The package also included 1.6 GTI
suspension, giving the car much of the renowned 205 handling prowess while
offering a more relaxed driving experience.
Externally, the Gentry shares
many styling cues with the GTI, leading it often to be mistaken for its sporting
sibling. However, inside it is a rather more luxurious affair, featuring full
leather seat facings, wooden door cappings, power steering and heated mirrors.
This particular example was specified without a sunroof, a feature many
enthusiasts actively seek today.
The vendor reports that the car has been
running and driving whilst on site for photography and video purposes, although
it is noted that one of the brakes may be binding slightly. As such, and having
seen limited recent use, it should be considered a car that would benefit from a
degree of recommissioning before returning to regular road use.
Encouragingly, from what can be
seen, the car appears solid in all the right places and presents an excellent
opportunity for an enthusiast to preserve one of the rarest and most desirable
variants of the 205 range.
The accompanying history file includes the
V5C, three previous MOT certificates, locking wheel nut, Clarion radio front
panel, Haynes workshop manual and a selection of invoices.
Overshadowed
when new by the more overtly sporting GTI, the Gentry is now increasingly
recognised as a rarity in its own right. Combining rarity, luxury specification
and the superb 205 chassis, it represents a worthy alternative to a GTI and is
unquestionably far harder to find. An increasingly scarce modern classic with
considerable charm and plenty of potential.
Contact: david.tassell@brightwells.com