Forbidden Fruit: 1991 Peugeot 205CTi 1.6 Cabriolet RHD – NOW $17,500

September 13, 2023 Update – The seller lowered their asking price from $18,500 to $17,500.

French automaker Peugeot officially exited the U.S. market in 1991, driven out by a recession, slumping sales, and the rising costs of U.S. regulations. Driving the company’s decision at the time was the fact they sold just 4,292 cars in 1990, nearly 80 percent below 1984 levels.  The writing was on the wall well before 1991 as Peugeot elected not to import its compact 205, a front-wheel-drive VW Golf fighter.  Virtually unknown in the U.S., the 205 in various forms received rave reviews throughout Europe. CAR Magazine even called the Peugeot 205 the “Car of the Decade” in 1990.

Peugeot offered the 205 in various body styles and powertrains, from diesel-powered sedans to the turbocharged T16 Group B Rally Homologation special. Our favorite was the two-door CTi Cabriolet, which offered a sportier alternative to Volkswagen’s roofless Golf. Unfortunately, that version was forbidden fruit. Unit now.

The seller of this red 1991 Peugeot 205 CTi 1.6 Cabriolet for sale, first spotted in September 2023 on Craigslist in Anderson Township, Ohio (Cincinnati), was imported from the United Kingdom earlier this year.  Consequently, it is a right-hand-drive example, but with only 72K original miles, it appears to be a very clean survivor-quality 205.

Currently offered for $17,500 (the original ask was $18,500), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is above this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for similar 205 GTi examples.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

The 1991 Peugeot 205 CTi 1.6 is a classic compact convertible offered by French automaker Peugeot. It was a sporty and fun-to-drive variant of the popular Peugeot 205 model and was designed to offer open-top motoring with a touch of performance.  The 205 CTi features a classic and timeless design with a convertible soft-top roof.  It retains the distinctive front-end styling of the Peugeot 205, including the iconic grille with the Peugeot lion emblem.  The convertible top is manually operated and can be folded to enjoy open-air driving.  The CTi was often available in vibrant and eye-catching colors, adding to its appeal.

The “1.6” in the model name refers to the engine’s displacement, which is 1.6 liters.  The 205 CTi is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine, which produces approximately 115 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque.It comes with a manual transmission, typically a 5-speed, allowing for greater driver involvement and control.  The lightweight nature of the Peugeot 205 chassis, combined with the peppy engine, makes for an agile and entertaining driving experience.  The suspension setup is tuned for sporty handling, making the CTi responsive in corners and fun to drive on winding roads.

The interior of the 1991 Peugeot 205 CTi is relatively basic but functional and driver-focused.  The seats are typically upholstered in cloth, providing good support for the driver and passengers.  The rear seat space is limited as a compact convertible, but it can accommodate two passengers for short journeys.  The dashboard is straightforward, with clear and simple instrumentation and controls. Standard features may include a basic sound system and manual windows.

The soft-top roof is manually operated and easily lowered or raised by unclipping and folding it behind the rear seats. The convertible top’s design preserves the car’s structural integrity and helps maintain rigidity, even with the roof down.

The Peugeot 205 CTi is remembered for its nimble handling and lively driving dynamics.  It was a popular choice among enthusiasts who wanted an affordable and engaging convertible.  While not as powerful as some high-performance sports cars, the 205 CTi offered a fun and spirited driving experience.  Today, well-maintained examples of the 1991 Peugeot 205 CTi 1.6 are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its nostalgic charm and enjoyable driving characteristics.  The 1991 Peugeot 205 CTi 1.6 represents a blend of practicality and open-top fun, making it an attractive choice for those who want an affordable and stylish classic convertible with a hint of sportiness.

The furiousdriving YouTube Channel provides a glimpse of what it’s like to drive a Peugeot 205 convertible:

With no U.S. dealer support and few, if any, independent mechanics likely willing to take on the challenge of an import, this 1991 Peugeot 205 1.6 CTi Cabriolet for sale presents a unique challenge for maintenance and upkeep.  If the next caretaker can tackle most repairs themselves, then they can likely rely on the Internet for resources and support to keep this Gray Market Peugeot in tip-top condition.  Beyond that, driving this right-hand-drive Cab to any Cars & Coffee is virtually guaranteed to generate a small crowd once parked.

If you are serious about buying this 2o5 Cabriolet, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Peugeot featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1991 Peugeot 205 1.6 CTi Cabriolet for sale? Please comment below and let us know!