Anti-corrosion protection was much better from 1978 onwards. This does not make late 70s/early 80s models rust-free, but it certainly stopped them from melting under their owner's eyes, like Series 1 model could! Anyway, these cars being between 27 and 30years, a totally rust-free example is quite a rare thing. Most will have had some form of restauration at some point (mine needs it since its return to humid Britanny as it now displays a few bubble spots here and there).
Interior improved over the years and from 1978 models, it got much much better, from quite basic on 69/70 models to rather refined on 83/83 models. I invite you to have a browse at
www.504cc.com for documentation, however note that the forum died a few months ago and has not recovered since...
I can also send you a rather nice electronic gathering of all the brochures that sums up everything about the cars throughout the 14year production. Send me your email address by PM if you want it.
Models from 1980 model year (summer 79) benefit from real wood veneered instrument panel + central console and final 1982-1983 have that beautiful large dials intrument panel + additional roof-mounted digital clock + reading light. From 1980 model year, all Coupé have a special grey/brown velour seats + door panels (called pied-de-poule).
5sp gearbox was introduced on the V6Ti 1978 6cylinders models (summer 1977) but only in 1980 for the 4cylinders.
All the other 80s improvements are small mechanical enhancements that are not really defects on previous models. V6Ti models were fitted with great looking alloy wheels from 1981 and many owners fitted these on their cars afterwards. The trouble is that they are TRX (a new millimeter-based standard that Michelin tried to impose for wheels + tyres) and tyres are now a rather expensive classic item at Michelin only (~£200 a piece). There are however standard 15" alloy wheels of 505 and 604 close cousins with an identical design and these are now a much better alternative. In addition modern standard tyres will be much better on the wet than those old TRX which don't really do much to avoid rear-end slippage under the rain.
It is possible to fit chrome bumpers to the 80s models but you will need to cut the front wings to fit the indicators. This makes the operation non-reversible and the integrist that I am would not recommend this, but that is just my personal opinion (I just really like to keep cars original and completely dislike mixing elements of different Series). Then the front grille would have to be changed as it is different between chrome bumpered models and plastic bumpered models. Trust me, it really looks odd otherwise...
I have a Belgium acquaintance of the (now-deceased) 504cc.com forum who has a 1980 or 1981 Coupé for sale and the car has got chrome bumpers. I can forward his details if you wish. If you look for a car on the Continent, avoid Kurt Orbie like the plague, you'll only get done.
I will agree that the 80s plastic bumpers are less attractive (well the rear one really, the front one is Ok) but it nevertheless renders the cars a bit mode modern. If you really want the chrome bumpers, I would suggest you look for a 78 or 79 model which are the best and last of the Series 2 and only lack the 5sp gearbox + wood interior.
A 1979 V6Ti will give you nearly everything: the chrome bumpers, the most powerful engine (144bhp), the 5sp gearbox, the rear seatbelts, the full velour interior (seats + door panels), full tinted screen + windows. The only thing it does not have is the wood veneer, but with time & money you could acquire that to fit in as a totally reversible operation.
Oh, of course, it's only available as a Coupé, so a 78 or 79 Cabriolet would do then.
