A motoring personality and former Fifth Gear presenter has helped to discover an iconic 80s hot hatchback that has spent over 20 years hidden away in a garage.
Jonny Smith runs the Late Brake Show YouTube channel and regularly posts videos in which he reviews the latest models and assists motorists in uncovering barn finds – classic models that have been left abandoned for years or even decades.
In a recent video, Jonny meets David Baisley, who bought a 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI as his first car, leaving it parked in a lockup garage rather than selling it on.
David explained: “It was my dream car. I grew up driving my mum’s Renault 5TL and a 205 1.1 XL, and my dad had a 1989 Mk2 Golf GTI, which was kind of the thing to have, but the 205 GTI was my dream.
“I bought it in 1995, just after moving here, and I kept it all those years. It has actually done 130,000 miles, and I bought it at about 72,000. It went in here in 2002 when I bought a Toyota MR2 and it’s stayed here ever since. It’s quite sad, but it’s still there.”
Built from 1983 to 1999, the Peugeot 205 remains one of the French company’s best-selling models, playing a pivotal role in helping the brand avoid bankruptcy during the 1980s.
Whilst most examples sold were economical runarounds, the 205 GTI was a fierce competitor to other hot hatchbacks, including the Ford Fiesta XR2 and Vauxhall Nova GTE.
With the 1.9-litre engine fitted, the Peugeot 205 GTI could accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds but still seat five occupants.
According to the DVLA, there are currently 1,200 Peugeot 205 GTIs left on the UK roads, with the best-kept examples able to fetch more than £15,000.
Getting the hot hatchback out of the garage for the first time in 23 years, Jonny noted that the bodywork was in good condition. However, there was an unusual issue under the bonnet.
He added: “Obviously, it’s deteriorated slightly, but looking at the wheels, they’re in really good condition.
“I think it looks a lot worse than it is because of all the dirt on the bonnet and the fact we found a rat’s nest underneath – we’ll have to see what happens with the engine bay.
“They’ve been eating bin liners, but let’s see – I’d rather they’d eat bin liners than wiring looms. So what are we dealing with? We’ll clean it up, but if you look around the fundamentals, the strut tops, wing tips, chassis rails, it’s all there.”
Whilst the pair of petrolheads were unable to get the 205 started, Jonny highlighted that David is set to continue restoring the model with a view to getting it back on the roads.
He continued: “What a great day it’s been. I love the story behind Dave’s first car and that he’s still got it. It was a shame we couldn’t even consider getting it run up in today’s video – I just didn’t want to risk it – but chatting with him about all the memories that are coming back with this car – it’s so sentimental.
“I think it’s acted as a catalyst for him to get this car running again – get it cleaned, get it recommissioned, and enjoy it, because that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?”