Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 Dimma

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The Hot Hatch Hero of the ‘80s and arguably of the ‘90’s too, the Peugeot 205 GTi has firmly cemented its place in the motoring hall of fame.

This smart 1987 example boasts the fizzing 1.9-litre four-pot so deserving of the GTi moniker and has covered a very modest 70,000 miles to date.

As you can see though, it is not a stock GTi 1.9, but has been upgraded with a styling kit from Dimma, a popular and period Peugeot approved operation that has recently come full circle, Dimma UK having just re-started production of a new ‘Dimma 205 Signature Series’ using late ‘80s and early ‘90s 205s….yours for a cool £20,000 plus - making this genuine article look something of a bargain.

Not a great deal is known of its early life, or when the Dimma additions were applied, but we have noted that it was the subject of an unspecified insurance claim in 1994 which may be a clue. We also know that it spent many years in storage with its first and only other owner, which explains the low mileage, our vendor acquiring the car last year somewhat by accident, helping his son to buy it and then being left holding the baby so to speak.

Being a thorough sort of a chap, he commissioned a deep and comprehensive recommissioning, you know, not the sort with a new battery and some fresh petrol, but a proper, considered overhaul. The work included a sump-off check and a new oil pump, a new cambelt (before they even attempted to start it) and it was also fitted with a new alternator, water pump and auxiliary belt, plus new hoses and pipe kit as well as the usual service items.

The brakes were renewed – and they were gone right through, with new discs, pads, calipers and pipes. New shock absorbers were fitted along with new BBS wheels and quality tyres. As you can see, no expense was spared.

The end result is there to see, looking very smart in its ‘80s red livery. Having gone to all this trouble though, the owner prefers cars with proper running boards and so has decided his smart and well sorted Dimma is now for sale.

MOTd until October this year, our two owner, low-mileage Dimma 205 certainly lives up to its hot hatch credentials.