1983 Renault

MODEL HISTORY

The Renault 5 Turbo was a high-performance hatchback launched by the French manufacturer at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980. Primarily designed as a rally car, there were a total of 3,576 street-going R5 Turbos manufactured during a four-year production run.

 

Seven years after winning the World Rally Championship in 1973, Renault introduced the new R5 Turbo as a pure homologation special to compete in Group 3 and 4 racing and international rally competition. In response to Lancia's rallying success with the mid-engined Stratos, Renault's Jean Terramorsi, vice-president of production, asked Bertone's Marc Deschamps to design a new sports version of the Renault 5 Alpine supermini. The distinctive new rear bodywork was styled by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. Although the standard Renault 5 had a front-mounted engine, the 5 Turbo featured a mid-mounted 1397cc Cléon-Fonte turbocharged engine placed behind the driver mid-body, in a modified Renault 5 chassis. In standard form, the engine developed 158hp and 163 lb ft of torque.

 

Though it used a modified body from a standard Renault 5 and was badged a Renault 5, the mechanicals were radically different, the most obvious difference being rear-wheel drive and the mid-engine placement. At the time of its launch it was the most powerful production French car. Renault's initial plan was to produce just 400 road-going examples, the minimum needed for homologation purposes. When the car was revealed to the public at the 1980 Brussels Motor Show, however, Renault was surprised to see the level of customer interest in its narrowly-focused race car for the street. In the car's first three production years, the Dieppe, France, Alpine factory produced 1,820 R5 Turbos, though it isn't clear how many examples wound up wearing registration plates instead of competition numbers.

 

To further exploit the popularity of the R5 Turbo, the automaker introduced a revised, lower-cost version called the R5 Turbo 2 for the 1983 model year. While original Turbo models generally used lighter aluminium components for the roof, doors and hatch, as well as a unique dashboard and instrumentation, the Turbo 2 relied on the Renault 5's steel roof, doors and hatch, as well as most of its interior components. The drivetrains in both versions were identical, although the fuel tank in Turbo 2 models was reportedly lower in capacity. The changes lowered the car's cost and simplified production, but had no significant impact on performance despite the Turbo 2's added weight. As a result, sales increased dramatically from 445 units of the R5 Turbo in 1982 to 1,345 units of the R5 Turbo 2 in 1983.
Equipment

Sony cassette player, Electric front windows, Turbo decals, Cigarette lighter, Ash tray, Pop-out rear windows, Front fog lamps, Battery cut-off, Spare wheel.

EXTERIOR

The bright red Turbo 2 looks incredible with its outlandish Bertone styling and complementary grey details. The vibrant coachwork presents extremely well with a glass-like finish and very few blemishes to note. With zero signs of any fading to the paint, both the body and underside also remain corrosion-free.

 

The contrasting bumpers and rubber trim maintain a great original finish, displaying only a few discreet signs of wear. All glass and lenses are clear and crack-free, with the yellow front fog lamps completing the period French aesthetic. The car is finished with the correct Turbo 2 decals each side.


INTERIOR

Unlike like the first generation R5 Turbos, the interior in the Turbo 2 is more in keeping with that of the standard Renault 5, utilising many stock components. The hugely comfortable high-back seats are upholstered in beige cloth and show almost no signs of wear. They are free from any stains with zero sagging or damage to the bolsters.

 

The upholstery is complemented by matching beige carpets, which are protected in the footwells by the original set of mats. The headlining too remains in unmarked condition and again shows no signs of sagging. In the rear luggage area the parcel shelf is still present, and under the bonnet everything is very clean and tidy indeed.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The centrally mounted 1397cc unit in the Turbo was derived from the Renault 5 Alpine hot hatch, known as the Gordini in the UK. Using a modified Lancia Stratos as a testbed, Renault began work on increasing the engine's output from a normally aspirated 93hp to a turbocharged 160hp; the result is what you see here.

 

Neatly enclosed behind the front seats the engine is hidden away by carpeted panels, which are easily removable using a special Allen key. Once exposed the engine is very presentable and remains in excellent fettle. Packing a near-supercar punch, the Renault is without doubt a real pleasure to drive.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The Turbo sits on the original set of turbine-style alloy wheels, colour-matched in grey to the external trim. While they show only minimal curb marking they do display a level of age-related patina; a perfectionist may choose to refurbish.

 

The alloys are shod in a matching set of Michelin TRX tyres, as per the original specification. Presenting with a good level of tread remaining the tyres are in decent order.
HISTORY FILE

This example was first registered on 22nd August 1983. Throughout its life the car remained in Europe, leaving Italy for a private Belgian collection in late 2014. The car has now been imported into the UK by 4 Star.

 

Present in the history file is the Turbo 2 driver's handbook as well as the Italian historic vehicle identity card. There is also documentation from the car's Belgian ownership, during which time it benefitted from a light mechanical overhaul. Since arriving at 4 Star the vehicle has received our usual full inspection and has been given a near perfect bill of health.