Auto RARA is proud to announce that its concours-level restoration of a 1990 Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI has been honoured with the Restoration Showcase Award at the Concours of Elegance 2025, held on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace.
A Landmark Win for a “People’s Car”
Traditionally, concours lawns have been dominated by ultra-rare and ultra-expensive cars with illustrious provenance. This year’s win by a 205 GTI represents a significant shift in the classic-car world’s perception of elegance and restoration. Auto RARA’s entry was judged on authenticity, craftsmanship, storytelling, and transparency—values that now stand alongside rarity in modern concours criteria. You can see the full build dairy by Auto RARA here – https://www.autorara.com/build-diary-summary/peugeot-205-gti-restoration.
At the awards listing, the concours organisers confirmed the 205 GTI as winner of the Restoration Showcase category.
The Restoration Journey, Laid Bare
One of the standout features of Auto RARA’s approach was the openness of the restoration process. Rather than presenting only the finished vehicle, the team showcased a “behind the curtain” experience—featuring multiple cars in various stages of restoration during the event.
Central to this approach is the Build Book, a living technical narrative documenting each step: factory-correct spot weld patterns, the precise NOVOL paint system stages, even the painter’s 23-hour shift to meet concours standards—all in full transparency.
Auto RARA’s founder, David Stubbs, voiced the philosophy behind the work:
“Just because a car was once a ‘people’s car’ doesn’t mean it can’t be show-ready.”
This kind of honesty—making the restoration process part of the exhibition—resonated with judges and enthusiasts alike.
Context & Reception
The Concours of Elegance 2025 is recognised as one of Europe’s premier concours events. In addition to the Restoration Showcase category, it features multiple classes such as Levitt Concours, Best Car Club Awards, and Best of Show.
Media coverage from automotive outlets praised the breadth and depth of the show, and noted how Auto RARA’s 205 GTI stood out by virtue of narrative and execution, not marquee badge.
On social media, Auto RARA celebrated the victory with energy and gratitude. Their Facebook post read:
“Winners of Restoration Showcase Award at Concours of Elegance! Amazing news, well done to the Team for this outstanding achievement!”
Instagram also documented the wider showcase presence: Auto RARA brought three cars to the event, including the 205 GTI, a Ford Escort (in epoxy), and the painted shell of a Lamborghini 400 GT, emphasising breadth of skill across project scales.
What This Win Means for Auto RARA & the Industry
- Validation of ethos
This award cements the idea that transparency, narrative, and craftsmanship matter just as much as exclusivity in the evolving classic car world.
- Broader accessibility
By demonstrating that a “common” model, when restored with imagination and fidelity, can triumph, Auto RARA opens the door for more enthusiasts to aspire to concours‐level presentation.
- Marketing leverage & client confidence
The Restoration Showcase trophy strengthens our brand’s credibility and will feature prominently in our communications, client proposals, and future restorations.
Looking Ahead
As Auto RARA moves into future concours seasons, we will continue refining our Classic Car Restoration Journey model, telling each car’s story in real time, and pushing the boundaries of what people expect from classic car restoration.
For more information on AutoRARA – https://www.autorara.com.
