Peugeot 205GTI Dimma barnfind uncovered

A Peugeot 205 GTi with several desirable period extras has been unearthed after 20 years of storage. The car, which is fitted with a Dimma body kit and a Turbo Technics upgrade, has been entered into the classic car sale at Anglia Car Auctions on 13 June with no reserve.

Sold by Sandal Motors when new, the first owner requested the Dimma body upgrades from collection. Following careful running-in, the Turbo Technics kit was fitted by Rally Equip. At six years old, the car had a respray from blue to its present shade. A year later, the car was put into storage.

After 20 years, a certain amount of recommissioning will be needed, along with attention to the paint finish, which has suffered through storage. The GTI has covered just 65,000 miles on the clock, with service stamps to account for 58,000 of those. Originally registerd E123 LJX, it will be sold with the existing personal plate.

Dimma UK was founded in 1986 by Terry Pankhurst, as the sole UK importer of the Dimma 205 body kit. Dimma became revered in modified car circles for their project cars, including a Renault Clio with Ford Escort Cosworth running gear. Turbo Technics marketed turbocharger kits for several 1980s cars, including the Rover SD1 and Ford Capri 2.8i.

Proprietor Lyn George said: "This car is a real find; and given growing passions for 1980s hot hatchbacks and the Peugeot 205GTi in particular, we're excited to have this great find in the auction. Several of our staff are in their mid-forties and lusted after similar cars when they were young - but sadly insurance would have cost more than the car!’

Anglia Car Auctions’ next classic car sale takes place on Saturday, 13 June, with entries still being accepted. The full catalogue can be viewed at www.angliacarauctions.co.uk