the worst french car

Episode.76
You didn't think I would stop and be beaten? Also, you didn't think I would accept all that negative sentiment towards something that is objectively great?
This is the final episode of the 205 GTI restoration.
INSTAGRAM // / onlyaroadtripaway
00:00 onboard
01:08 what was wrong with it?
03:45 french cars are the worst?
07:06 tasty restoration montage
08:45 the 205 is done now
09:40 I am very sorry...
--
Sony A7S3 /Tamron 28-75
Sony RX100
Gopro Hero 10
some audio stuff
stills on Sony A7M3 / Sony 55

[@rvltrstudio1484]

Love everything about your videos, the story, the narration, the photography and the editing. I know you've had misgivings about doing your thing and the algorithm not favouring your videos as a result, because you're not an overexcited shouty teenager, but rest assured that some of us like that. Keep doing you, forget about the rest. As a wanna-be filmmaker and pro photographer, your work is truly inspiring to me.

[@rvltrstudio1484]

Further to this, I've stopped watching Donut media for that very reason. They went from being a little quirky, entertaining and informative to being a bunch of bros yelling at each other for no reason. Them and many other channels (looking at your Rich Rebuilds) have become crappy because they play to the algorithm. Another reason to stay true to oneself.

[@DasFranklin]

Just so bloody happy that someone with such a clear concept about what car cinematography and storytelling is giving it all out in every video. Mondays has been such a blessing these last months

[@dailydriven991]

Like others have said I love this channel specifically because it’s not what everyone else is doing. The quiet reverence to the work and the cars, along with fantastic sound editing making all of the mechanical bits stand out, all speaks to why we have such passion for cars and travel and bringing mechanical things back to life. Its the kind of personal enthusiast storytelling I prefer to watch on my phone close up with my headphones on rather than on a tv or monitor. It really inspires me to go out to the shop, turn on a lamp, and pay attention to the small things on my project and take pleasure in the process. Then go find an adventure with it somewhere and break down and have a good story to tell. Brilliant stuff. Truly, don’t change a thing.

[@sebastienfly5412]

One of the best "ode à la 205 GTI" I've ever seen! Thanks a lot for this video. I have pretty much the same car, a 205 1,6 GTI 105cv from june 86, same color.... I wanted to keep it "stock" but you're right, these two additional lights give her a terrific look!

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Well I didn‘t stop at those two lights, but she is a beauty.

[@philippvonsaurma-jeltsch7560]

Your storytelling keeps getting better and better! And the "C'était un rendez-vous" homage in the intro is perfect if by accident or on purpose.

[@seantreen4317]

I agree with what you saying about country of origin. Everyone mocks Alfa Romeo and expects them to breakdown. My 916 Spider has been great and only let me down once with a radiator fail. The twin spark engine is still tight and loves to rev, no electrical faults and no rust!

[@JakeGoober]

That was one tasty montage my guy. That shot with the camera mounted to the inside of the door, closing the door, framing the dash as it starts up. Beautiful work as always.

[@nieuwschoonebeekxD]

Yes! 205 road trip it is! I've always wanted to do one in my old 205 before I sold it. Great cars, great build. Can't wait!

[@ALEXANDARRR42]

Like others have said, I'm glad to have found your channel. The story telling and cinematography is top notch. Keep doing what you're doing! Greetings from Canada.

[@qnaap]

Wow, the quality of this video is amazing. The filmography, color grading and pace makes it a bit nostalgic or something, I don't know exactly but it's great! Subscribed!

[@chuarobert]

Stunning creative direction and editing in these. Clearly massive effort on your end. Such an underrated channel. Can't wait for what you have in store.

[@Grawedx]

What a journey! So glad that you stuck up with the project till this point. Thanks for sharing it

[@JasperV70-205CT-BX]

What a climax, thank you for taking us along.

[@fila1445]

if you want wider track and camber you'll need just 309 driveshafts and 309 rear beam or you can use 306 rear trailing arms on 205 beam to get simmilar effect

[@retrotrawler]

Great vid. I love your style of presentation and no nonsense approach. Thank you for sharing your passion with us 👍👍

[@1510wingl]

Da machst was mit :D aber immerhin hatten die franzosen damals gute designs im vergleich zu heute

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Ist halt 36 Jahre alt, und ich erwarte dass das funktioniert wie ein Jahreswagen. 😂

[@NSUGS]

You have articulated exactly why I loved my base model 2008 Impreza 2.5i Hatch, automatic. I don't agree with a lot of hate Subaru gets, I however am not a fan of the turbo variants. I don't adore the EJ253, but it is fantastic engine for what it needs to be. And maintained it needs to be! Keep up the fantastic work, here's hoping I can graduate my channel from crappy Android cell phone and Walmart lav mic to my Nikon D3200 and a proper mic + editing computer.

[@pete5534]

When I first visited Europe back in the ‘90’s these little Peugeot’s were what caught my eye - terrific design.

[@pieterb2712]

Beautiful! Glad you could sort it out! 🤩

[@impossibletruffle]

God, this video makes me so happy to own our first gen pre-facelift renault Megane. It's so French and just like all my old peugeots (205 GT, two 206s), it just keeps on going and going and going regardless of what's broken on it. The entire car can be falling apart but the engine will start every time and never leave me stranded. That's true french engineering. Do I need the heater to work? Do I need my mirrors to stay in position? Do I need my power steering to not leak at full lock? Nope. I need a car that can take a beating over and over and over and keep fucking ticking over! Italian and British cars are the opposite of this.

[@samuelrivard]

Was für ein Auftritt! Legendär.

[@jamalecha2492]

Peace be upon you. I would like to thank you for providing us with interesting and interesting information and wonderful videos. I love this car very much, because I own one of them, diesel fuel, and I dream of renewing everything in it, but in my country, Morocco, I think it is impossible.

[@TiborSzarvas]

I'm glad you figured it out! I sorted out my "vibrance/rattle under acceleration" problem on the ZX too: it was the right side drive shaft. Swapped it for a brand new SKF one and it's smooth and silky. Driving it even got better while only cruising, feels like everything is in it's right place and firmly that. Speaking of driving: I decided to buy this car after driving it for just a few minutes too. It was SO much better than anything i've driven the past years. It felt planted and sporty and had great feedback of the road. The seats hold me better than in a lot of cars, yet comfortable. Ah I could go on, look at me babbling. The car still pulls to the left a bit, now it's being checked by another suspension alignment shop. I'm afraid the subframe is bent, as the front of the subframe is not supported by much from the factory. The front bushing of the control arm just hangs in the air and I've heard it's a common problem with 306-es and the like. Another amazing video btw!

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Surprise excitement is how I‘d describe the 205, and I‘ve had that reaction from a couple people now. Slight pulling is something I’ve come to accept - but with no PAS it’s hardly surpising. ✌🏼🤭

[@TiborSzarvas]

@@OnlyARoadtripAway PAS as in power assisted steering right? It should not pull to any side even without power steering, IMO. I have an old (mexican though) beetle and it could be aligned to go straight even with a lowered suspension. It's pleasant to drive. But back to french cars: ZX just came back from alignment; they said nothing is bent, but the right front tyre has a torn metal thread (i don't know if it's the right name, but you know what i mean), thus the pulling. It's weird because it doesnt shake the car or anything..just the pull. I'll change tyres and we'll see.

[@mrmosch1704]

Hi! ich bin gerade auf deinen Kanal gestoßen da ich mich gerade immer mehr für die transaxle Porsche begeistere und definitiv ein Traum ist einen in den nächsten Jahren zu kaufen. Neben meiner Freude an Autos, bin ich großer Fotografie Fan und war einfach nur geflasht, wie geil die ganzen Fotos und shots generell von dir (oder euch?) sind. Die ganzen Fotos sind einfach nur Wow und ich wünschte ich könnte auch so Fotos bearbeiten... Ich bin noch nicht so lange selber aktiv und habe gerade erst angefangen mich mit dem Thema Fotobearbeitung auseinanderzusetzen(also her mit den tipps :p). Mein Traum war mir irgendwann einen 944 zuzulegen und da dann ein Dachzelt drauf. Die Kombination Outdoor/adventure lifestyle, Fotographie und das alles gekoppelt mit der Interesse an Autos(auch aus Mechaniker Sicht, mache selber gerade eine Ausbildung zu Zweiradmechatroniker aber schwanke immer mehr zum auto...) ist einfach Mega!! Wenn du jetzt noch Mountainbike fährst, dann haben eins zu eins die selben Interessen! Vielleicht kann man das herauslesen, aber ich bin gerade sehr glücklich deinen Kanal gefunden zuhaben, da er wirklich genau meine Leidenschaften vereint. Könnte mir nichts cooleres vorstellen als mit dir zusammen einen 944 herzurichten und dann durch Europa zu Cruise :) PS: bin gerade von einem Island Camping Roadtrip zurück und das kann ich wirklich sehr empfehlen!! Dort aber dann wohl eher mit dem Hilux oder Landrover :)

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Vielen Dank! Island war ich schon mehrfach, das ist hier aber bisher noch nie wirklich Thema gewesen. MTB fahre ich (noch) nicht, aber BMX. ✌🏼

[@kevinallen6643]

Such a talent, both in film making and mechanically. I have stripped down my 205 gti, I was inspired

[@philipbechtle2828]

What??? No post credit scene???? :-) apart from that: great work and cinematography, as usual! :-)

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

For once, the story was truly done at the end. Gotta keep some secrets. 😂

[@woutvo367]

I love these videos! Quick question, do you use any filters on your camera? The light seems so soft and it just looks soo aesthetic 👌

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

I used a 1/8 Black Promist on the shots in the new space. Not sure I really like it, but it worked in this case.

[@javier_canada]

What a beauteaus way of loving a car, of loving cars in general. What a love declaration.

[@Uberhood]

Great camera work too! Loved to watch it.

[@StephenDMullins]

Epic stuff. Keep up the amazing work.

[@kevinclark5086]

I had a nightmare of a 1.6 205 gti as well. I love French cars having owned 106 gti upto clio 182's. I think once the problems start they just arnt as forgiving as some so become tiresome and people cut corners. Looked after from new I imagine the 205 would be as reliable as most things.

[@karl2846]

Can't wait to see what's next!

[@mogelost]

Really enjoyed this, good job!

[@FDomi73]

Congratulation on the job done! So, will you take this car for the next road trip abroad?

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Roadtrip? What roadtrip? 😁

[@FrederikLeth]

As always such a pleasure to watch

[@UtopiaRestorations]

Completely agree with what you mean about cars and origins! Being a big fan of LR the ones I've had that have been looked after throughout their lifetime I've never had an issue the ones I have had issues with are ones with questionable pasts.

[@professorshermanpeabody1237]

I am wondering about the shop space you use. Is it possible in Germany to rent shop space of the sort depicted in your presentations? I ask as one who has restored cars in home garages with minimal space. Cheers on the GTI! You have me on the lookout for a 924 these days.

[@DasFranklin]

And that that onboard/low front footage, my god that was thrilling!!

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Took me a little figuring out on how to do it exactly and get the sound right. Camera is easy. Might be tempted to stick a big camera there sometime, just to see. 🤔

[@JakeGoober]

Those sun rays. Perfecto 🤌

[@macoveicristian8165]

I saw the "I am very sorry" at the end and was hoping to dear god it wasn't about quitting the channel

[@RallyThoughTheValley]

I can’t wait for that roof rack

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Roof rack? What roof rack?! 😁

[@fossilfish786]

Amazing work

[@cestusfr]

I hope one day you dabble into the Lancia Delta. Somehow i think you would have fun with this car and you have the patience required! ^__-

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Searches and calculations have been made. So far, money is the problem. It is so perfectly matched to my style…! 🎃

[@Rich_Lambert]

It turned out nice.

[@bentzedaniel]

👏👏👏

[@JasperV70-205CT-BX]

How about the heater core and petrol gauge btw? Also fixed?

[@fila1445]

Those are triggering questions for people with old French cars :P

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Those have been fixed off camera.

[@IsraelSocial]

Keep with Porsches ❤

[@PAPERSCHOOL]

Brilliant.

[@Deadguy1988]

I've had three, Pov Spec tu 1.1 first car put bigger 15 inch steelies on from a 406 with directional tyres, man that thing gripped when you got the momentum up. Then I got a 1.6 gti I can't describe how good it was I've never felt a car with more connection to the road why I sold it I'll never know it was perfect spec for an anorak like me 1.6 Sorrento green, No PAS, No sunroof and black dash. In later years after a few other makes and models a mint 1 owner 1.1 injection came up I got it for a steal drove it for a year and half but sold on due to family commitments now. Will I own one again? Maybe or maybe not tbh there are others i'd like to try like a dturbo and the 1.6 auto's Or the holy Grail a 1.3 EURO spec rallye if my numbers came up that would be the first purchase ;) great video man really high quality production keep it up.

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Not sure I could commit to a 1.3 Rallye, had to be a fun car only. Would love to try a really sorted 1.9 GTI just to see the difference. I also think mine is low on power…

[@felixkramer7473]

Yes! It deserves a Roadtrip!

[@luschtigadrei1475]

Deliverance.

[@mf_glitch]

it may be more pleasurable experience for you, since you have space and tools to deal with issues that may come up but we have a 20 years old renault that visits repair shop every month (not exaggerating). probably most who wrote bad things about french cars had similar experiences. also some of your viewers likes you. so when you come back from not uploading for a long time, with a project that you want to make your daily and it seems to be long and frustrating process in your videos, it's normal they would hate on the car. they just want better for you. also, congratulations. it looks lovely

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Well my first 924 was exactly that. Nothing but trouble, all the time. If I didn‘t have the shop and the skills I would drive a boring af mk5 Golf. 😓

[@kalesyk_5615]

What wheel is he sitting on?

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

924 turbo spare. ✌🏼

[@mixalisstathis274]

Over here we call it "spirited driving"...

[@laapulsford]

First, the quality of this video is breathtaking - bravo. Second, I have owned a 1.9 205 GTI (2 years old and 18,000 miles). From an engineering point of view, the car was Scheisse. Various parts would routinely fall off or break. The body of the resembled a tin can. These car are built with a different mentality compared to German cars. Quality and durability is irrelevant. In comparison, I found MK1 Golf GTI's to be a joy to own and reliability and build was delightful. However, if you have found some joy with this particular model of car, I wish you well. Thirdly, I would like to ask if English is your native language? I suspect there might be a slight chance German might be you native language. If this is the case, your command of the `English language is insane.

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

The 205 doesn‘t compare to a VW, that‘s true. However it sacrifices refinement for rawness and to me that is very appealing - even though it took me a while to get to this point (and even now is has a weird idle issue sometimes). After all, I chose this particular car by chance, not calculation or consideration. And as the next season is already being filmed right now - it‘ll be a main character. On the language, native German, English second through school and business. ✌🏼

[@laapulsford]

@@OnlyARoadtripAway Thank you for replying. I think. like you, I own cars that I have an emotional connection with. The standout cars in my life that fulfil this criteria are two cars - Mk1 Golf GTi and 911 SC. Once owned, the 911 stays with you for ever - it invades your soul. Clearly, today they are not cheap, so you just need to figure out how to get one of these icons into your life. Thank you for creating the fabulous content, it's magnificent.

[@danielalopes2644]

Sou titular de um 205 turbo 16 e É o melhor do mundo, porque é meu!!

[@teevee2145]

More fun than a 944??

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

Without a doubt more childish excitement. Fun isn't apparent on a spreadsheet.

[@davidhunternyc1]

4:46 Well of course your Range Rover isn't going to work. It's British.

[@OnlyARoadtripAway]

The Range Rover, unlike any of the other cars in the shop, has always worked.

[@althejazzman]

If "because it's French" meant anything, then all of these cars would be broken. Manufacturers are perfectly capable of making suspension and drivetrain components, you were just mis-sold.