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Peugeot GTi book celebrates every GTi from the 604 to E-208

The Saga of Peugeot GTi book tells the story of every car to wear the badge.

Peugeot GTi book celebrates every GTi from the 604 to E-208 View gallery

Read any good books lately? Been haunting your local library? Got a Waterstones loyalty card? No? Well, we can help you fix all that because there’s a new book out that’s pretty well guaranteed to be of interest to CompleteCar’s readers.

Hang on, are you saying we should read something other than CompleteCar?

Er, no, no, of course not. Definitely not. Please, stay here and read stuff. My kids need new shoes. However, if you’re all caught up on CompleteCar’s news, reviews, videos, and features, then we have something else for your eyeballs to enjoy: The Saga of Peugeot GTi: From the 205 GTi to the E-208 GTi.

What is the new Peugeot GTi book about?

It’s a new book, telling the history of not just the famous 205 GTi, but all of Peugeot’s GTi models. Yes, right the way back to the first, the large and comfortable 604 GTi (more about which here…).

The book has been made in part to celebrate the launch of the first all-electric Peugeot GTi, the new E-208 GTi (which we’ve tested, here). It also marks the 40th anniversary of the 1.9-litre version of the Peugeot 205 GTi. (The ultimate version? Discuss…) You can read all about our Le Mans road trip in an original 205 GTi here.

What’s in the Peugeot GTi book?

A wealth of material, from glorious original photos of all the major Peugeot GTi models (mine’s a 505 GTi if anyone’s offering…) to biographies of the cars, behind-the-scenes tales and anecdotes all about this astonishing lineage of sporty, yet family-friendly, cars.

The preface to the book is written by Julien Fébreau, Formula 1 commentator for French TV channel Canal+, who said: "If the GTi continues to make the hearts of so many enthusiasts race, it is because it is about more than just technical specifications or raw performance. For many of us, it evokes unique memories, intense emotions and, in deep, a certain vision of what the automobile is all about.”

Are more Peugeot GTi models on the way?

We hope so, as Peugeot has been making a lot of GTi-related noise lately. Not only is the GTi badge back on the road with the E-208 GTi, but Peugeot is dropping big hints about potential future GTi models, not least the fabulous E-T16 concept, which was revealed at the recent Paris motor show (more on that here).

Alain Favey, CEO of Peugeot, said of both the book and Peugeot’s GTi heritage: “Today, this Peugeot GTi legacy commits us, compels us... and excites us! What a pleasure it is to launch the Peugeot E-208 GTi! And what a powerful symbol it is to reinvent the GTi legend with the E-208, the latest iteration of a Peugeot 2-series that, ever since the 205, has remained the beating heart of our brand.”

How much is the Peugeot GTi book, and where can I buy it?

The Saga of Peugeot GTi costs €35, and you can buy it in English or French from the Peugeot Lifestyle online shop. It runs to 132 pages, with 132 pictures, so it could make a handy Christmas present for the car lover in your life.

If there is anything about this story we have not covered, you can avail of our expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.