VA12710 Peugeot 205 GTI Griffe - Laser Green

The Griffe special edition GTI was announced in late 1990 and took its name, which translates as claw, from Peugeot’s lion badge. The specification and colour were inspired by the personal GTI of Jean Todt, then managing the company’s WRC team. 

All were based on LHD 1.9 GTIs, but the red styling features, apart from the steering wheel badge, were changed to grey, and it came as standard with many of the luxury features that were normally options, including a full leather interior, ABS brakes, remote central locking and power steering. The 205 Griffe modelled is number 1279 of the 1652 made in Peugeot’s factory in Mulhouse, France, and is the only RHD Griffe produced.

This unique car was ordered by Peugeot UK to evaluate prospective importation plans, but they felt the name was too similar to grief so dropped the idea. The car was subsequently acquired by Peugeot UK’s then stereo partner, Clarion, who used it as an event demonstration vehicle. 

Peugeot Sport Club UK member Rob King first saw it in 2008 when he bought its unique, green-stitched, leather interior and door cards from a 205 specialist who was making it look like a normal 205 GTI to improve its showroom appeal! Rob noted the number, and was finally able to buy it in 2016. He has now partially restored the car, reuniting it with its original interior, and displayed it at the 2024 NEC Classic Car Show.