Following the successful launch of the Peugeot 208, which has already achieved over 30,000 UK sales to date, along with the subsequent release of the 208 GTi, Peugeot is celebrating the historical success of this series with the story of a very reliable 205.
Showing its durability, this particular metallic blue 205 has clocked up an astonishing 338,000 miles since it was originally bought in 1990 by Southampton resident, John Clive.
Sadly, John passed away in December 2012 and this month the motor is set to start its final road trip, helping to train the next generation of mechanics.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Fly’, the car was serviced regularly and continued to pass its MOT without issue throughout its entire motoring life.
Speaking about the car, John’s wife, Penny, said: “John loved his Peugeot 205 and he continued to be impressed by its reliability despite having driven nearly 340,000 miles in it. The car played an important role in our family life and we spent many happy hours driving to France for holidays as well as the more day-to-day trips likes grocery shopping or doctor’s appointments.”
Andrew Didlick, Peugeot Director of Communications, said: “The 205 was an extremely important car for the brand and played a key role in Peugeot’s recovery after the global automotive slump in the 80s. It was and still is held in great affection by customers and the motor industry alike.”
“Fun, responsive and cheap to run the 205 quickly became popular following its launch, winning numerous industry awards including ‘Car of the Decade’ by CAR Magazine in 1990.”
John loved his Peugeot 205 so much that he even bought rosettes for the car to mark its mileage milestones and anniversaries.
Rather than send the car to be scrapped, Penny has decided to donate the Peugeot to Eastleigh College for use by students studying motor mechanics.
Penny continued: “John didn’t believe in throwing things away, so I’d like to think he’d be pleased with my decision to donate the car to a good cause to help others study mechanics, I can’t think of a better car for the students to learn with.”
Andrew added: “John’s lifetime love for his Peugeot is truly heart-warming. By donating this car to Eastleigh College Penny is leaving a fantastic legacy for students in the area.
“As the next generation of students learn from the 205, so does the next generation of car – the Peugeot 208, which has taken inspiration from the best elements of its predecessors. Since its launch in June 2012, it has not only performed well in terms of sales in the UK but additionally over 230,000 models have hit the roads across Europe.”
A sporty descendent of the 205 has also recently been launched; the new Peugeot 208 GTi has already wooed the UK media and is set to become another Peugeot icon, living up to the principles of its ancestors in terms of handling and performance while still being economical to run.
