205 GTI - Little & Large
Jonathan Poolman reviews new releases for the 205 GTI enthusiast
A sunny day with a blue sky and a crisp chill in the air is a great time to own a cherry red 205 GTI. The real thing is, of course, the best, but there is now a rival. Corgi have just launched a limited-edition 1:43 scale model in their Vanguards series, aimed at the adult collector (or the GTI owner).
The model (in both senses) represents a first for Corgi, being the first created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and joins four versions of the 309 GTI and a 205 Look in the range, costing £18.99 from the website http://www.corgi.co.uk/shop (reference VA12700). It comes packed in a sturdy presentation box with a collector card giving brief details of the model and the limited-edition number. Just the door mirrors need to be fitted and the model is ready for display.
The immediate impression is of the detail - the A-pillars look almost too fine, until compared with the real thing, when you realise just how narrow the pillars really are - and even the holes in the wiper blades are modelled. The paint finish is even, but not too deep to obscure the body detail, such as the door and tailgate shut lines, or the sill lines. As a UK-specification version, the car has a sunroof, which is excellently reproduced; it almost feels ready to open, but is fixed closed. The lines in the main and lower radiator grilles have crisp edges and depth, as does the tailgate trim panel. The lights are all representative of a phase 1 car, down to the small reversing elements in the tail clusters. The wheels accurately represent the GTI 1.9, with appropriate tread on the tyres. Underneath, the detail is more limited, but correct, with the sump, front sub-frame, exhaust, floor-pan, rear suspension, spare wheel and carrier picked out. The interior has also been the subject of considerable attention to detail. A torch and magnifying glass are necessary to see just how well this represents the real thing, down to the dashboard layout, 3-spoke steering wheel and seat cushion detail. The interior is a single piece, so dark grey throughout, rather than having the red carpeting and pale grey seat cushion of the real car, but this is a minor quibble.
There are a couple of minor inaccuracies, which only the real 205 GTI anorak will spot, but these may simply reflect the car used as the source for the model. Although it is an F-plated car, the trim is picked out in black and red, whereas phase 1 (pre-1991 model year) cars featured grey and red trim. The rear wiper is also unusual, lacking the angled arm to park the wiper parallel to the base of the window. The roof-mounted radio aerial appears much sturdier than the real thing, but the original is very whip-like and would be virtually impossible to reproduce in plastic.
The move to CAD is borne out by comparing photographs on the website of the 205 and 309, which seems less fine, though it must be said that the photograph on the website does not do justice to the 205 model and may represent a pre-production car. Corgi have produced a high-quality, instant classic model, which will surely fly off the website, so order yours early - there are just 3000.
Now, if a 1:43 scale model costs £18.99, what should the full-size version cost? If your answer is £816.57, then you have either been exceptionally lucky or you have a very serious restoration project ahead of you. The second part of this review should help you decide whether the 205 GTI you have seen is worth the money or a quick trip to bankruptcy. John Blackburns book in The Essential Buyers Guide series from Veloce Publishing (ISBN 978-1-845842-83-3, £9.99, available from Veloce, 01305-260068 or www.veloce.co.uk, plus p+p) does exactly what it says for the 205 GTI and CTI. Clearly very knowledgeable about the model, John guides the prospective buyer (or interested enthusiast) through the models history, the multiplicity of variants, good features, pitfalls for the unwary and likely costs.
The book is a handy pocket companion when going to view a car, the viewer having established by judicious questioning whether the journey will be worthwhile. With good and original 205 GTIs becoming scarce and more sought-after than ever, this will avoid a costly mistake. The book is written in a very readable style, but is well laid out as a reference source, with plenty of photographs to illustrate the points made.
When you have taken the plunge and bought a good car or a box of bits to restore (either at the right price), the book helps to guide you through ownership (or renovation) to ensure that you get the most out of your new pride and joy. Finally, there is a good list of clubs (CPUK included, naturally) and specialist parts suppliers, as well as further reading and a brief but remarkably comprehensive list of vital statistics. The book is therefore just as good for existing owners as prospective buyers. If ever there was a Christmas-stocking filler for the middle-aged boy racer, this is it.
Jonathan Poolman
