Forgotten 80s classic resurfaces after 20 years in storage—and it’s worth big money
- The Peugeot 205 GTI was one of the best hot hatchbacks of the 1980s
- Now, one has been rediscovered after more than 20 years in a garage in Essex.
- The 205 GTI is a highly valued car, with most selling for north of $18,500 today.
Published on Feb 12, 2025 at 8:09 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Feb 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
A Peugeot 205 GTI which was lost to the dust of time has been rediscovered – after over 20 years in a garage.
Television presenter Jonny Smith stumbled across the gem from the 1990s in fellow car enthusiast David Baisley’s locked and forgotten storage area.
The car that Jonny discovered was – unbelievably – a 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI – a car considered to be one of the best hot hatchbacks of the 1980s.
Given it’s now cult status, these cars are now worth a small fortune, with most being worth around £15,000 ($18,650) today.
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Peugeot 205 GTI: An 80s icon
Like almost every other car, the Peugeot 205 GTI originally started life as the standard 205, a simple hatchback released in February 1983.
The following year, in 1984, Peugeot released the GTI variant of the hatchback.
The 205 GTI came with a 1.6 liter engine, which quickly received acclaim for being revvy and eager for acceleration, as well as for its power delivery.
The GTI variation also became much beloved for its excellent handling ability (due to being front-wheel drive), as well as for being an extremely stylish car – it was a big reason that hot hatchbacks became cool.
Peugeot would later release another variation of the 205 GTI, this time with a 1.9 liter engine; however, it was never as popular as the 1.6 liter engine, with the bigger engine thought to be lazier and too torquey.
TV presenter uncovers rare gem 205 GTI in garage
And that brings us to present day.
Smith, who used to present Fifth Gear in the UK, runs a YouTube channel called Jonny’s Late Brake Show.
On it, the presenter had a rummage around in David Baisley’s locked garage to see if there was anything he could find.
And boy, did he stumble upon a treasure piece.
In the video, Smith travels to Romford, Essex, to check out a reported 205 GTI that happened to be the owner’s first car.
After helping David move a broken down Toyota from in front of the garage, the pair investigated the garage.
Among other things (including an old bicycle), the pair laid their eyes on the white 205 GTI. In spite of some dirt and dust, the car was in very good condition, and only required a wash.
David explained to Jonny that he bought the car in 1995, when it had 72,000 miles on the clock; he racked up over 60,000 miles in just seven years.
However, he purchased a Toyota MR2 in 2002, and his 1990 Peugeot 205 GTI was left in the garage ever since.
Despite not being able to get it started, David said the experience had inspired him to get his car restarted and enjoy it again.
Jonny ended the video by summing it up best: “What a great day it’s been. I love the story behind Dave’s first car and that he’s still got it.”
“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?”
We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
