205 GTi 1FM

Thanks to the help of Peugeot 205 GTi enthusiasts along with past and present owners the following information has been provided on the special edition Peugeot 205 GTi 1FM. 

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the launch of BBC Radio 1FM, Peugeot linked up with the BBC station to produce a limited run of 25 individually numbered cars boasting a range of additional features on top of the already high specification. Only 25 of these models were made to commemorate BBC Radio 1FM’s 25th Birthday in 1992, making the 205 1FM one of the rarest 205 variants. Each car was individually numbered with a range of additional 1FM features providing a higher specification. More to follow on the 1FM 

The 205 GTi 1FM cars were promoted on the radio station in the run up to their release. The 205 1FM was featured at Radio 1 Road Shows. Promotional flyers were printed to help promote the car as well as official press releases and other memorabilia. With a price of £17,000 the car was far more expensive than the standard 1.9 205 GTi, however the price included a £5,000 donation to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre.  

The car was fitted with full black leather seats with green stitching, grey carpets, air conditioning and a set of Radio 1FM 25th anniversary mats. A scissor jack was bolted under the passenger seat to make room for part of the Air Con system mounted in the normal jack position under the bonnet.

 

1FM mats were included with coloured front and rear mats were used, the front mats had the 1FM badge design and GTi logo screen printed on them. These are often missing from the cars as they faded easily. Some owners have since had reproductions of the originals made.

The most distinguishing feature on the 1FM is the brass badge mounted on the driver’s door beneath door catch. This badge had 205 GTi 1FM along with the individual number of the car and VIN number. These badges tarnish easily and previous owners of the cars never realised the badges were there. The badge is missing from a few of the cars, presumably when doors have been changed after damage without the owner realising they were losing the badge.

The Radio 1FM 25th Birthday badge design was used as a domed sticker on the front wings of the car. It was also used on the tailgate along with 205 GTi badges. The tailgate was smoothed, missing the slated plastic grill normally seen on the 205 GTi. Red vinyl 205 GTi badges were used in both doors along with 1FM vinyl decals.

All 25 cars were produced in black and had the sliding Peugeot sunroof. Speedline 1.9 alloys were used but with an anthracite lacquer coating and silver rims, the same alloys that were used on the 309 GTi Goodwood and the 205 GTi Griffe. The engine was the standard 122bhp catalysed 1.9 GTi engine. The 1FM’s all came with air conditioning, power assisted steering and ABS.

The car featured a smooth rear tailgate with 205 GTi decals. A special domed plastic Radio 1FM anniversary star decal was used on the tailgate and front wings. Red vinyl 205 GTi stickers with vinyl star decals were positioned on either side door below the plastic trim. 

The 205 GTi 1FM came with a distinctive brass badge on the driver’s door beneath the door catch. The badge had ‘205 GTi 1FM’ embossed onto it along with the individual number from 1 to 25 and included the VIN number.

Peugeot started to work on the 1FM project whilst Clarion was asked to provide a top of the range stereo system. A single CD head unit, the CDC6700R, with RCB0134 remote control was fitted. This unit was linked through a Clarion 402A amplifier to SE3500 60W 3-way front speakers and SE4900 200W 4-way rear speakers. These rear speakers were mounted in a specially made MDF rear parcel shelf with an amplifier fitted under the centre console.. The system included a 6 disk CD changer, the CDC9250, mounted on the rear wheel arch in the boot.

The intention was to sell the cars to celebrities to help promote the charitable cause. One of the cars was offered as a prize on Radio 1. A Radio 1 DJ also had one of the cars registered in his name. One appeared at the Motor Show although we believe this car was shown before the other cars were finished as the alloy wheels on this Motor Show car were black all over and the plastic 1FM star decals were missing from the tailgate and wings.

Peugeot had problems selling the cars as intended as many of the 205 GTi 1FM’s had leasing companies as their first registered owners. Several of the cars were on an ‘L’ plate rather than 'K' so must have stood around for 12 months before being registered.

The search for the remaining cars and parts continues.  With the popularity of the 205 GTi increasing along with its iconic status and reputation for being one of the best hot hatches of its day, there will no doubt be enthusiasts keen to obtain original parts and restore them to their former glory! 

To see a more details on the Peugeot 205 GTi visit www.205gti1fm.com