‘Fresh-faced staff writer Danny Hopkins’

‘I'd assumed it had long since been recycled’

Just after I wrote last month’s column about one of my past cars, another popped up – one of those I’d least expected to survive. Some 22 years ago I was gifted a 205 GTI 1.6 by CAR road test editor Mike Duff. But only because John Simister’s wife wouldn’t let him have it.

The car had no MOT, no tax, no brakes, a rusty tailgate, 105,000 miles and paint largely faded to pink, but we’ve always loved a challenge here. Fresh-faced staff writer Danny Hopkins was roped in to tow it home behind his SD1, and it appeared a few times in Staff Car Sagas before departing – as I once again had too many cars – via former staffer Ben ‘Vintage Tyres’ Field and one of our ad managers. I’d assumed it long since recycled into shelving units. Until now.

I was quietly working through a batch of classic car valuations for sister title Classic Car Weekly when I came to one for a Peugeot 106 Roland Garros, with accompanying photos. There parked next to it in one of the shots was F444 MLX. Bright as a Cherry Red button and living in Scotland.

Once my jaw returned to its normal height, I banged off an email to the owner for more details. Turns out he’s had it for four years and two owners before him it lived in Cornwall. It travels well, then, though not often as the mileage had only risen by 25k since

I got it. Much work has been done along the way, but it still needs a new rear axle, the heater doesn’t currently work and the sunroof leaks. So, a typical classic.

I passed on the news to Ben, who immediately asked if it was for sale. We're such a sentimental bunch.