The Peugeot 205 GTI is a true blue-collar hero – one of the stars of the 80s hot hatch scene. Renowned for its great handling, wonderful naturally aspirated power and great looks, it was CAR magazine’s “car of the decade” and is still known as one of the all-time great affordable performance cars.
As the popularity of 80s and 90s hot hatches increases, the 205 GTI’s reputation has continued to soar – and the Skip Brown Dimma conversion certainly is one of the rarest of all the 80s hot hatch special editions.
This car started life in Spain, before coming to Britain for the Dimma conversion by Skip Brown in 1986. It then went back to Spain, where it stayed for the next 8 years before coming to Britain in 1994. It spent a few years off the road, dry-stored and awaiting restoration. That’s when the current owner acquired it for restoration.
All the work has been carried out by professionals and specialists, and the list of upgrades and restored features is extensive to say the least. It features:
Much more has been done to the car, including the installation of a driver’s side racing bucket seat (the original seat comes with the car too) and harness, Mi16 pedals, strut brace, split-rim Image alloys and many more small upgrades and repairs.IMGP9402.jpg2.41 MB
THE PAPERWORK
A wealth of history and paperwork comes with the car, including the original service history from Peugeot in Spain, the receipts from Skip Brown for the Dimma conversion, the engine rebuild in 2019 by Barnes Auto Engineering and much more.
In total, there are receipts and history going all the way back to the 1984 and totalling £1000s in upgrades and servicing. Very few cars from this era have this level of history present – and it’s clear that no expense has been spared in caring for and restoring the car.QXyob1cfehmvpQErBT9cmCG2lDnJTVgtoQ2jPM3q.jpeg1.72 MB
THE INTERIOR
Internally, the 205 is in great condition – the original cloth seats are very tidy, with intact bolsters and head-rests. Obviously, as a 37 year old car, there is some natural wear and tear, but generally everything is solid and well maintained – the door cards, the carpets, the seats and the headlining are all in surprisingly good condition for a car of this age.
The driver’s seat has been replaced with a Cobra racing bucket and a harness has been installed. Should you wish to restore the complete original interior, however, the original driver’s seat comes with the car and is in great condition.
It should be noted that the heater blower is currently not functioning, but other than that and one or two minor pieces of trim, everything is in place and works well – even the period correct radio! The seller also advises that the rear windscreen heating element was never connected, and is not 100% sure if it works. The bonnet release in the passenger footwell does not sit right in its bracket, however, it does work.
Sitting in the 205 GTI is still a very special occasion – the driving position is excellent, the visibility is excellent, and the timeless styling really does shine through.IMGP9312.jpg3.45 MB
THE EXTERIOR
There’s some argument over whether Pininfarina designed the 205 or whether it was designed internally by Peugeot. Whatever the case, it’s a fantastically well-proportioned and styled car. Muscular, yet elegant. You can really tell this car has spent many years in Spain too, the hot, dry climate has helped preserve the bodywork beautifully. Where many 205s rotted away long ago, this example is not only solid, but in superb condition.
The silver paintwork is a highlight, not only is it in excellent condition but it’s a relatively unusual colour for a 205. It really highlights the muscular, wide-arch stance of the Dimma conversion. This has real road presence, aided by the glorious multi-piece Image alloys, which are in lovely condition.
All the exterior trim is in excellent condition, including the original Dimma bodykit. It really is a wonderful example of one of the best-looking cars of the 80s, in rare condition.IMGP9391.jpg2.88 MB
THE MECHANICS
While the original 205 GTI came with a 1.6 or 1.9 powerplant, this example benefits from a 1.9 Mi16 conversion, rebuilt in 2019 by Barnes Auto Engineering in Anglesey. The owner tells us that it’s still actually being run-in, so you can have real confidence that Mechanically the car is in superb condition – the owner is a mechanic and has ensured everything has been maintained and upgraded professionally.
Many aspects of the car have been upgraded well beyond the original specification, from the Wossner forged pistons to the AP brakes, Bilstein coilovers and Dellorto carbs. The head has also been ported and the valve seats recut. In fact, everywhere you look on this car, there’s been an upgrade to improve the car’s reliability, handling or power. Thousands of pounds has been spent and the result is a car with lots of motorsport-grade improvements and an engine note that is simply incredible. The car is brutally quick, according to the owner it outputs more than 200bhp from its naturally aspirated 1.9 powerplant, however, this was stated from the previous owner, and there is no proof present to back this claim up
The 205 GTI has long been one of the heroes of the hot hatch scene, and a true icon of the 80s. It was always a great looking car, but the Skip Brown Dimma conversion turns it into a proper head-turner. With the Mi16 conversion, the recently rebuilt engine and the many other upgrades this car features, we think this is one of the most interesting, and certainly one of the rarest, 80s performance cars you can buy.
Years of Spanish weather have clearly helped to keep this vehicle healthy, we’ve rarely seen a 205 in such good condition. For a car that’s nearly 40 years old, it’s simply incredible.
Whether you want an epic hot hatch to take to shows, enjoy on Britain’s B-roads or as the basis for a proper racing machine, this rare machine is perfect. With a good valet and detail, you’d soon be driving one of the most interesting, well put-together and stunningly fast 205s on the road today.
Opportunities like this really don’t come around very often. When was the last time you saw a Dimma 205 on the road? If you love 80s performance cars and hot hatches, what you’re looking at here is pretty much the pinnacle of the breed. Devastatingly pretty, achingly desirable, rare, incredibly well engineered and brutally fast – this is one of the most interesting cars we’ve seen in years. To say we love it would be a massive understatement. If you’ve always fancied a performance 205, this is one of the best examples you’ll find.
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