On a sunny February day in 2012, I accidentally stumbled upon this 1993 Miami Blue 205 GTI 1.9 for sale. It was no stranger to me, as I'd known the car and its history since it was imported more than 10 years ago.

I've always lusted for a late Miami Blue 205 GTI, so a deal was struck for the car without its wheels. It was in a really bad condition but rather cheap and perfect for what I initially wanted it for - a Ph2 parts donor for my old Ph1.5 Silver 205 GTI.

Sadly, the original late DKZ 122 bhp CAT engine had been replaced by a DFZ 102 bhp unit in the past. Also, the head was clapping and it was overfueling due to still using the original (now incorrect) engine management. Not that it had mattered much to me as I was not interested in its engine anyway.

It had also been fitted by a crude BRC LPG system that I've had no interest in whatsoever and just wanted it off of the car.

As this late model 205 GTI was assembled in Spain, it's got some odd parts, such as Ph2 cloth seats (hiding under those seat covers) - pretty knackered of course.

Here's the worst condition steering wheel I've ever seen!

The horror doesn't stop there - the ventilation knobs are all broken, as is the center console, while the main dash part was molested too :-(.

And for a complete experience - how about a third of a gear knob? Interior door handles and some other parts have been deformed too.

As the car's registration had been running out that day, I put my wheels on it, given it a quick wash and took it for a technical test, to see what else is wrong with it, while I still could. Needless to say - wishbones, engine mounts and track rod ends were all dead.

Brakes were all worn out, but surprisingly completely functional and well balanced, while the rear beam seemed fine, save for dead shock absorbers. It may look much better now than before the wash, but make no mistake - the bodywork is in the same bad condition as the interior and mechanics.

An ugly-looking ripple, caused by a recent bump, starting to rust where the paintwork had peeled off.

Also, some weird unexpected rust on the nearby passenger door.

Problems with lacquer, as on many late model 205 GTI's. However, holes in the tailgate, where an aftermarket spoiler used to sit many years ago, posed a much bigger problem.

Water was going through the holes in the tailgate and soaking the boot liner underlay, trapped under this gigantic gas bottle, which lead to boot floor being infected by rot.

Other than that and the usual rusty patches under the rear seats, the floor and sills seemed fine. At least on first sight.

But if you thought this was all, then I'll have to disappoint you! Driver's side front end of the car is completely rotten, as a result of a front end impact that the car suffered many years ago. I was aware of it though, so I was prepared to find something like this.