Although also produced in France when launched in 1985, the 309 was the first Peugeot badged car to be built in Coventry at Ryton-on-Dunsmore, the former Rootes’ Group plant originally built under the wartime shadow factory scheme.
It replaced the Talbot Horizon, Solara and Alpine on the British production lines, and 837,520 examples were produced world-wide before production ceased in 1993. Based on the 205 floorpan, but stretched by 330mm, the 309GTI is famed for its brilliant ride and handling balance. Many felt that the minor 70kg weight penalty of the bigger car was a price worth paying for its improved stability.