Enhancing an icon: Peugeot UK apprentices renovate 205 GTi with aplomb

With the car found and delivered, the apprentices were quick to suggest ideas for the restoration. Performance was a focal point for the widely-celebrated hot hatch, with some keen to make a track-ready example. However, it was decided to take the car back to its roots and create as close-to-original example of the car as possible, but with a twist to really push the skills of the team. Overall, the project took two years to complete, with every Peugeot UK apprentice during this time being involved in the project.



Initially, the apprentices systematically stripped the vehicle, labelling every component, ready for the body shop to start the body and paint repairs. Then, they overhauled the running gear during their training weeks, ready for it to be re-installed into the car.

During this process, adding more performance was debated and a more powerful Peugeot 1.9-litre petrol Mi16 engine was introduced to the project. Over the next two years, the car was meticulously rebuilt piece by piece to a condition worthy of the original specification.

This included the Peugeot Mi16 engine with factory fuel injection, an ITG intake kit, 4-2-1 stainless steel exhaust manifold and Mongoose stainless steel exhaust. Handling was improved with new brakes, with stainless steel braided flexi-hoses for better feel and performance, while Bilstein shock absorbers and springs have brought the original models legendary handling back to life. A new rear beam was also fitted at standard ride height and occupants sit in fully refurbished and reupholstered seats. The entire car is finished in its original Sorrento Green paintwork with all parts either being restored or replaced with original parts direct from Peugeot.

The project was recently completed with apprentice Dan Cook being personally involved with the build. He was a real driving force in the project, engaged with not only repairing and sourcing parts for the project but offering his own time in the evenings while on training. His passion for the car motivated not only the staff but the other apprentices to get involved.

Dan went on to win the Peugeot Apprentice of the Year competition in 2015 and recently became the youngest qualified Master Technician in the Peugeot network. However, Dan still regularly visits the Academy and speaks about his experience of the build.

This finished car has remained popular since completion, attracting the interest of new apprentices joining the programme, turning the heads of members of the public and even gaining the interest of senior managers and Dealer Principals, who all reminisce of the days when this now historic model was new.

Jason Giblett, Apprentice Programme Manager, commented; “The 205 GTi is an important car in the rich history of Peugeot. Every apprentice knew this when working on the car and although the model has fun and performance in its DNA, the apprentices had a real challenge bringing one of the best driver’s cars back to perfect condition. Having driven the car, I have to say this isn’t just one of the best 205 GTis I’ve driven, it is one of the best cars I have driven! My congratulations go to all involved, I can’t wait to see what the next apprentices will create, but they have a very tough act to follow.”