3 days ago
UK's rarest cars: 1985 Peugeot 305 Estate, one of only two left
Ryszard Dąbrowski often finds that his 1985 Peugeot 305 GTX Estate either fascinates or nonplusses members of the public. The 305, despite being quite a favourite of the motoring press, never enjoyed the success that should have been its due in the UK. Today, only 34 of any type are in use including only two roadworthy GTX models.
Project D4 commenced in the wake of Peugeot acquiring a share in Citroën in 1974. The financial costs involved meant the cancellations of its plans for an all-new medium-sized car, so the 305 used the floorpan of its 304 predecessor. Peugeot launched the 305 on 17 November 1977, with a choice of transversely-mounted 1.3- and 1.5-litre engines.
UK sales began the following year, when Peugeot had 2 per cent of the new car market. The 305 would, hopefully, lure motorists away from their rear-driven Ford Cortinas and Vauxhall Cavaliers to brave the new world of front-wheel-drive Peugeot motoring. One brochure promised 'a subtle blend of modern appeal and classic individuality'.
Motor Sport complained that the 305 looked 'horribly ordinary, rather like an early Viva or Kadett' from the rear, but this newspaper found the styling 'pleasant and modern in the Peugeot idiom'. The Thames Drive In programme thought the 305 set new standards for roominess and refinement.
An even more impressed Car positively raved about the 305: 'Apart from its disturbing wind noise and noisy mechanicals, there's very little wrong with it and a great deal that's right.' The Sunday Telegraph believed 'Women drivers parking in confined spaces will applaud the small turning circle', while in 1979 What Car? voted the 305 their Car of the Year.
The 305 Estate joined the range for the 1980 model year, while Peugeot facelifted the line-up in 1982. By 1984, the GTX had a 1,905cc engine with a close-ratio five-speed gearbox from the Citroën BX 19 GT, with a 114mph top speed and 0-60mph in 9.5sec.
The GTX also had modified suspension, low-profile tyres, alloy wheels and remote-control central locking. At a time when home telephones were not universal, the last-named fitting might turn heads when used in a car park. Meanwhile, the 'six dial instrument cluster (including oil temperature and pressure gauges)' appealed to the driver's inner Nigel Mansell.
In 1985, a GTX Estate was £7,995 – cheaper than a Cavalier Mk2 1.6 GL Estate at £8,219 or an Austin Montego 1.6 HL Estate at £8,062. Other options were the Renault 18 GTX at £8,350, the Volkswagen Passat CL for £7,955 and, for those who preferred increasingly old-fashioned rear-wheel-drive, the Ford Sierra 1.6 GL Estate at £8,159.
Autocar was 'very impressed' with the GTX and found the transmission 'one of the best we have tried'. The Telegraph praised the excellent low-speed torque, while Motor hailed its gearchange and handling: 'That these assets can be combined with a fine ride and reasonable refinement is quite surprising for a car of this age.'
Motor added: 'A shame, then, the GTX will probably be ignored by the Cavalier, Sierra and Montego-driving hordes.' In 1979, the 305 was France's third best-selling car behind the Renault 18 and the Renault 5, but it never achieved its potential in the UK. The 405 of 1987, which supplanted and eventually replaced the 305, was more successful because Peugeot made the British market versions in the West Midlands.
Production of the 305 Saloon ended in 1988 and the Estate the following year. Peugeot sold 1.7 million units worldwide. This Cherry Red GTX joined the Dąbrowski fleet in February 2024. 'The seats are very comfortable and it has power steering, so it is easy to drive,' he says. 'As the GTX was top of the range, it has the same engine as the Peugeot 205 1.9 GTi, central locking, electric front windows and rear seatbelts.'
When on the road, Dąbrowski says: 'People are shocked to see the car. I also find the 305 is not often talked about and I have not seen another one in years.' And if the hordes did overlook the GTX, it really was their loss.
