205 GTi: Peugeot’s high-performance 205 GTi helped coin the term ‘hot hatch’ during the 1980s. Production began in 1984 and offered a 1.6 and 1.9 version, the latter including all-round disc brakes. Production ended for the 1.6 in 1992 due to emission regulation though the 1.9 continued for a short while after, albeit with reduced power output due to a catalytic converter. This 1993 model is one such though it is still in impeccable condition.

Mercedes W123 Series: Although the W123 series is not the rarest of Mercedes’ classic cars, this version is a pillarless coupe model.  You will notice that there is no pillar separating the front window from the rear. This is a 280CE version if I recall correctly.” (I asked the owner if he minded me taking the snaps and he was more than happy to allow them)

Golf GTi: The 205 (top)’s German rival from Volkswagen: the Golf GTi. It was marketed at the VW Rabbit in the US and this left-hand drive version seems to have been labelled as such, though it has European plates. This example has been lowered in classic VW fashion and boasts some nice alloys.

Pics and text: Patrick ‘Carspotter’ Cummins.