Fun fact: the bonnet release of the first series 309 was a Simca 1000 door handle.

Always felt like 309 is underrated compared to 205, 405 and other cool Peugeots of the day

PSA's styling was on point in the 80s

Omg omg omg thank you so much for doing the 309 story!! An overlooked and under-rated car in my opinion! My 1992 diesel is still chugging along, barely run-in at 218,000 miles

A video on Iranian cars would be cool! They have some interesting history

I worked for a Peugeot Dealer in the early 90s and caught the tail end of the 309 before the 306 took over. As i remember they were very light and a bit tinny to be honest but they were galvanized and did not rust, we would regularly have the diesel models coming in for routine servicing with over 200,000 miles on the clock . Another great Video thank you (: Ps Have a great Christmas and New year!

You know it's going to be a good day when there is a new Big Car story! :) Edit: Thanks for the likes! :)

india got the 309 in 1996, first with the tu3 and then the tud5. it wouldve been quite successful but a ton of management issues led them to pull the plug in ‘98. lots of people even lost their booking money. ive got one and almost nobody knows what it is. truly an underappreciated car

Excellent video! Just pulled up on my drive in my 1990 White Peugeot 309 1.6 GLX...Sitting in it's ultra comfortable drivers seat watching this video with my phone on the steering wheel. I got the notification while driving...Couldn't wait to watch it 😍 Parked in front of me is my White 1990 309 1.3 Look, to the left of me is my Red 1992 205 1.9 GTI. They are all Awesome cars! I wouldn't have a new computer on wheels if it was given to me. This video has made my day! Thank You!

Finally, a proper explanation as to how the 309 was a Peugeot but also was a Talbot and also perhaps a Simca. When the car came out in 1985, I always thought the rear lights looked like tri-colour toothpaste

We had a 309 diesel (XUD of course)... Yes the interior was cheap and rattily, and was poverty spec without power steering, but it was by far the most reliable car we ever owned, and never left us at the side of the road. The corrosion resistance was also well ahead of it's time, and still ahead of fords to this day. Not a spot of rust anywhere. This was the golden age of diesels, and for PSA.

I loved my step dad's 309, and I've always wanted a 309 GTI

I absolutely love your documentaries. The level of knowledge, the old ads, and above all, YOU, turn every video into the most comprehensible video about a certain car worldwide-ever. PLEASE continue with your videos. They are inspiring, nostalgic, and just something special for me and many, many others. Every time I come across one of your videos, I end up watching three more or revisiting old ones. :) Thank you for all your hard work. PS: My 93 year old grandmother still has a more or less fully functional Peugeot 106 in her garage. That thing sounds like a tractor and occasionally the exhaust falls off. lol

Superb video! :D I always liked the look of the 309, the front light clusters seemed to give the car a happy appearance, as well as the fact it was a nicely proportioned machine. :)

Aaaah, best company car I ever had - my metallic grey 309 GTI was nippier and more flighty than my colleague's Golf GTI of the same vintage (but did feel much more tinny!). The boss took it home one day for a service at his local garage, clearly scared himself on the drive and named it The Flying Rollerskate. It was so good, I bought myself another one after I left the job.

i am from iran hunter was such affordable and loveable vehicle we called her PAYKAN which means arrow in english and it had alots of types but the best one was javanan

Ah, memories of my old D-reg 309GL. Cracking car until its old 1.3 blew the timing belt on the M1 going past Milton Keynes Parkway one Boxing Day many years ago. Engine destroyed. Huge shame, was really proud of that car. Very comfortable, looked great, and surprisingly quick even for the shopping trolley versions.

The runner in that Simca advert had balls of stainless steel on that shoot...

Whoever designed the taillights on the 309 deserves recognition, they really stood out from all other cars. Personally i think they look cool and weird at the same time.

Very interesting as always. My dad bought a Mk.1 version, poverty spec five door model with the 1.3 engine. The ride was superb in the old French way, leaned on corners but very compliant and comfortable. Whatever happened to that? It was a really good car, I don't recall any build or quality issues and the only thing that let it down was the rather wheezy underpowered engine.

Considering the close relation to the megahit 205, it is a bit weird that PSA did not try to sell the 309 as another version of the 205...

Great video! I know Dutch leading car magazine Autovisie was always in love with the 309 GTI. And the doors-story is totally new. Can't unsee it anymore. How did I miss that?

My mom had a hot red 205 GT, later followed by a 306 XT when I was a child ... always loved them. The local gas station owner had a dark red 309 though and even as a kid I sensed it was not really a proper match for the lineup - oh memory lane! Thank you so much for your videos!

I had one of these, the diesel engine was amazing, never had one problem with it.

I used to own one for a couple of years in the late 80,s , with the 1.9 Diesel engine ,was one the best cars i ever had .

Hello from Iran! 🖐 although we had interaction before but I wanted to say thank you for your awesome videos. Iran has a weird automotive industry and a tendency to keep cars in production for decades. Although we have cars called “national car” but they are not completely designed by Iranian firms. Well, there is a long history...

I always thought that 309 was just a liftback version of the 205. Turns out its story's a bit more complicated.

I owned a 309 gr 1.6 in red and rate it as one of the best cars i have ever owned. Never let me down in 50,000 miles with loads of adventures along the way. Currently driving a Porsche and owned many cool cars too but always fond memories of the 309 going flat out down my favourite back roads to lugging fridge freezers with the seats folded down.

It was great to see the faith that Peugeot put in this car, despite it being something of a lame duck at the beginning. It really is a smart looking little 80s car, I think better looking than the Talbot Arizona proposal.

The Peugeot 309 was our family car in the 90s. Good memories.

I have fond memories of my 1988 309 GTi which I owned in 1993 ish. Fast, brash, squeaky and fast fast. It was fast and no mistake. Handled like a dream and pre-ABS and traction control. Interior trim pieces would sometimes go on strike but.... oh, and the throttle stuck once, which was scary, but fixable.

I thought the 309 was a pretty little car. I hired one once in November 1991 in Helensborough Scotland where my brother & I saw the Aurora borealis while at Loch Lomond. I really liked it.

The Simca Horizon really did save Chrysler in more ways than one. Especially, since the K Car platform was derived from it.

I had one 309 bought in 1997 or so. A light Blue one with plate SJ-43-YR, don’t think it’s among us anymore but I liked it a lot. 🙂

My first car was a Talbot Horizon. I had to kick the dashboard if I wanted heater to turn on.

My dad had a 1992 J reg GLD in Topaz Blue. Loved that car. Handled as if it was on rails, extremely comfortable ride and mechanically bomb proof. While the styling was out of line with other Peugeot cars of the era, it was a good looking car in its own right. The GTI actually has a better balanced chassis than the 205 GTI and that is saying something.

I always watch to the end, I have to see the out takes! Living in the U.S.A., we don't have many Euro cars other than the M-B, VW's and the like so it's nice to have some history on the other brands. Thanks for a job well done.

My first ever car!!!! Sold it to my sister when I joined the army and the thing fell apart when she bought it 😂😂🤦🏻‍♂️

Recently found your channel and really enjoyed many hours of videos! Keep making them as they’re all very interesting, informative and enjoyable

I had a Peugeot 309GRi which was the 1990 facelift model. I gave it a few modifications inc a K&N induction kit. I had actually wanted a 309GTi but I wanted one with rear doors as I'd just had my second child. At the time I couldn't find what I wanted so got the GRi which had the same engine as the 1.6 205GTi and the same 'pepperpot' alloys. The 309 GRi was more of an executive spec than a sporty one. I absolutely loved the car and did a ridiculous amount of miles in it. After Afterwards I owned a 205 Junior, a 405 & a 406 estate which I loved too.

Great video as always. Your knowledge and the archives you bring to the world are incredible !

Fascinating. I always thought the 309 was a bit oddball looking, now i know why.

07:15 Peak 80s. I got frosted tips just from listening to the synthesizer.

My dad had a 309 GTI 1.9 GTI 5 doors MK2. That car deleted all the 205 problems, better chassis, not as oversteering as the 205 and more stable at high speed. Amazing machine !

I hadn’t noticed how small the doors were for the rest of the car...I can’t unsee that now.

Wow! I completely forgot about this model. My neighbors had one when I was a kid. It was their Rover from "Keeping up the appearances" :)

I've got a mint cherry red phase 2 309gti, I love the way it looks, it's 80s 3 box simplicity and pinstripe details. Superb visibility and airy cabin with tiny a pillars. Like to be revved and driven hard. On modern michelin tyres the handling is sublime and suspension compliant. I love thrashing it around b roads, and at 975kg it can surprise most bloated modern cars at the lights and round the twisties

Thanks for the vid 👍 I’ve got a phase 2 Gti sat In my garage, comes out to play when the weather is nice. Great cars.

First time seeing your channel. A brilliant little video. Thanks!

I had a 205 1.6 GTi and my best mate said I had to have a 1.9 and he found a 1991 309 GTi for sale so I sold mine to get that 😎👍🏼

Brilliant video as always! Always loved the 309. So thank you so much for doing a video on it! Could you do a video on the Horizon and Alpine too please 🚘🚗🚙

Loved to know the story behind this car. I thought you would comment on the impacts on the current peugeot nomenclature. Amazing video as always!

Please make an episode for the Mercedes w124! We would really love it!

Bought a 309 GTi in Dec 95 and it was in the family for 10 years.. A great little car, handled so well...

Nice to hear the story of my beloved 309 and this explains why the Talbot logo is everywhere on the car.

Thanks mr Big Car! As a 309 owner, I could not wait for this video!

This is my absolute favourite KZfaq channel. Every video you do is so interesting and informative. As a Chrysler owner (2008 300c CRD) I would love to see a video on the history of the Chrysler 300c and its evolution. Thanks again for a great channel and keep up the good work ❤️👍👌

Can You Make Citroen Xsara story plsssss ❤️

Very well put together...... I came here for the documentary and stayed for the bloopers 😜. Keep the content coming 👍👍

Amazing inside documentary on car history your knowledge and expertise put some mainstream car shows to shame, thank you for your videos happy Christmas and New year, from Albania.

Thanks, well researched as always. This car seemed to have a long and convoluted birth. Never driven one, but my company adopted later 405 turbo diesels, and these were very good.

I always get so excited when. I see these videos of cars which I grew up with! 🤩

Always an interesting and great video ! Thank you for your time and knowledge ! Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year sir. Best wishes from the tip of Africa, Cape Town !

Fabulous ... excellent work as usual mate, well done

Used to see these all over the place; can't recall the last time I saw one 'in the wild'. Styling, while a bit of a outlier in Peugeot's range at the time for the reasons you outline, has aged rather well, I think. Another fine video, sir. :) Been a a great distraction while recovering from a pulled/torn back muscle since the 9th Dec. All the best for 2021!

I was just out of nowhere searching for this car.... Well done as usual

Drove one of the first diesels of these about a week before then went on official sale. Belonged to car leasing firm and they had to let me have it as my new Sierra was late. hated oil burners from that moment on.

I love this website. Always brilliantly researched, and fascinating for a car geek like me. 😊

I had a 1.3 "style" version of the 309 back in the day. I really liked the car. It was very comfortable with soft compliant suspension. The engine was a bit underpowered, but was good enough for the day and reliable. Peugeot 205's and 309's also tended to be more resistant to rust. I really like your you tube channel it is both informative and very interesting. Thanks.

Cheers. Where would we be without your help. I had no idea 309 linked to old Talbot Chys lers

Loved the 309, until the 306 came around it was a perfect runabout. One of my classmates had one and got our band of friends together for a road-trip to the beaches of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast at the end of the uni year in the late 90s. Great memories.

Love your channel! Keep up the good work! 😀😀

I love how in every video you upload there's always something different on the shelf behind you

As usual a great background story. I often thought the 309 looked a bit out of place in the line up, now I know why.

Ahhhh another Big Car upload, it is a good day! Also I love your pronunciation of the word Citroën, living in France I still struggle to deliver this word and follow your french based car vids as a language outil aussi 😎 Merci Monsieur Grosse Voiture!

Great video, very well researched as always 👍

Great video, my first car 1.1 L, 60 hp engine, LOOK equipment, some lenone green safty bealts. Loved that car.

I had one in the early 2000s - a 1986 5-door 1.3 GL in red, bought from the local car auction for £50. It lasted me 2 and a half years, once doing 1100 miles in 9 days on a holiday to Cornwall! It eventually died of rusty sills and some mechanical faults that weren't worth repairing. I didn't really get attached to it so I wasn't upset when I finally scrapped it, but it did the job and never broke down, even when something shot out of the side of the distributor leaving a neat rectangular hole in it.

You're brilliant, Big Car guy.

Always loved Simca/Talbot and the 309. Peugeot really was on point in the 80's and the early '90s

I owned a D reg 309 gr profile in Wedgwood Blue in 2000. It was the most fun car I've owned! Dodgy carburettor, gear cable snapped, but it was a hoot. You never knew if you'd reach your destination without issue, but thats what made it fun. Only cost £500 too! :-)

Hey it's my first car :) It was relatively nice to drive but had such weird design decisions that maintenance was bitch and man those auto choke carbs were just pain in the ass.

had this car in NZ in 1989 and sold it after 2 years (1991) when I left NZ. Good car with no issues in 50,000 miles then. I even remember the registration OB 4816.

Love the way the Talbot badge always reminds of the Dead Kennedys logo.

Great video as always, enhanced by the bloopers at the end!

Simca! I hadn't thought of that name in years. My older cousin had one in the early 60s. I don't remember much about it except that it was an unusually small car for that time here in the rural western US. Not sure how many they sold in the US but that was the only one I ever saw or heard about in our area. Thanks for another interesting and well done video.

The 309 Best Line was my first car, I really can't say something bad about this car. Thanks for this very interesting video, some memories came back. 😊

Another great video! I would love to hear a story about Simca & Talbot by the way, those great European brands are often forgotten by the newest generations of car lovers. Keep up the good work man!

Actually, the Hillman Hunter isn't even properly dead today; In Iran, much of the running gear can still be found under a local Peugeot 405 RWD variant (and the 405 Pickup), a true Frankenstein of a car.

Great video as always!

A very good video, as always! I only had the opportunity to be driven in a 1993 309 and, at the time, it looked pretty good inside about a bit dated . This was an end of line limited edition with all the bells and whistles save for air conditioning, a must in Southern Spain. Many 309s were sold here, but they all disappeared in the 1990s/early 2000s. I haven’t seen one for years

My dad had a 2nd hand mk2 1.9 diesel which he taught me to drive in (as well as getting proper lessons in my instructor’s 306). The 1.9 straight diesel was fairly slow, but had a good bit of torque. I actually enjoyed driving it and didn’t know it was so closely related to the 205. The engine on my dad’s 309 would probably have lasted forever, but things kept going wrong with the rest of car as it aged, including having a hole in the footwell that let water leak in. After I bought myself a mk2 306 1.4 petrol my dad got himself a 306 1.9 diesel. Now while I loved driving my petrol 306, which I only reluctantly disposed of when enough things consistently went wrong, my dad’s diesel 306 really didn’t have the charm of the 309.

How the Chrysler Avenger ever did badly is beyond me. Good equipment levels, good engineering, willing engines, good chassis and all contained in a good looking package and it still struggled, madness! I also really liked the Tagora despite it tanking. My mum had a '77 Chrysler Alpine though and I remember she loved it after initially despising it as she preferred her old Morris Minor Traveller. The Alpine would do the do with aplomb until some mad old bat slammed into it at high speed in a tight country lane in her brand new MG Metro, bad times. The alpine was great though, a lovely place to sit! It made for a handy cross country mile muncher. As for the 309... I wanted a 1.9 GTi for the longest time! I missed that boat and any remaining cars are now light years ahead of my meagre budget! The GTi was a good looking car in either 3 or 5 door formats. Thanks for another excellent video! P.s. digging the Jeep build of the Lego Test Car behind you!

Love your work

Amazing job with the research!Great video ! P.S. my neighbor had one of those , and it ran perfectly until he sold it in 2015

superb content as per usual!

I like these french cars from this era especially PSA cars ... nice and informative video as always I would like a vauxhall carlton/omega video

Another excellent video. Always thought the 309 didn’t fit in the range and now I know the story why :)

The only Rootes Group/Chrysler I owned was a 1966 Sunbeam Alpine, 1725 engine, overdrive, and wire wheels. It was a great car, and I think I paid a little under $2,000 for it brand new. I was looking as some online with the hopes I could pick up a cheap one, but now such luck. One needing a lot of work was going for $7,000, and fully restored models going for $25,000. So much for that idea!

I have Peugeot 309 MK2 with Simca Poissy G1A engine. I am very love this car. My grandpa bought the car in 1991.