1979: when the blue prototype was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it surpassed even the wildest dreams of sporting enthusiasts. In fact, all that remained of the Renault 5 was its distinctive silhouette, pumped up with enormous wings, bumpers and spoilers that put the so-called ‘silhouettes’ of the day to shame.

1980: the production version was unveiled in January at the Brussels Motor Show. But the most incredible detail was beneath the bodywork: the engine had been moved from the front to a mid-rear position, just behind the front seats. The 1,397cc unit from the Renault 5 Alpine was fed by a Garrett turbo and developed 160hp.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
built at	France
price $	$ 28,000
engine	Inline 4
valvetrain	OHV
displacement	1397 cc / 85.3 in³
bore	76.0 mm / 2.99 in
stroke	77.0 mm / 3.03 in
compression	7.0:1
power	119.3 kw / 160.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output	114.53 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	161.78 bhp per tonne
torque	210.0 nm / 154.9 ft lbs @ 3250 rpm
redline	6200
body / frame	Unit Steel / Aluminum Panels
driven wheels	Rear Engine / RWD
front tires	190/55HR-340
rear tires	220/55VR-365
front brakes	Vented Discs w/ Vacuum Assist
front wheels	F 34.0 x 13.5 cm / 13.4 x 5.3 in
rear wheels	R 36.6 x 19.6 cm / 14.4 x 7.7 in
steering	Rack & Pinion
curb weight	989 kg / 2180 lbs
wheelbase	2430 mm / 95.7 in
front track	1346 mm / 53.0 in
rear track	1476 mm / 58.1 in
length	3723 mm / 146.6 in
width	1778 mm / 70.0 in
height	1344 mm / 52.9 in
transmission	5-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.36:1, 2.06:1, 1.38:1, 1.06:1, 0.87:1
final drive	3.89:1
top speed	~196.3 kph / 122.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~7.7 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~22.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile	~16.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1985 Renault R5 Turbo – sold for $31,590

Showing only 36,000 miles from new, this 1986 Renault 5 Turbo 2 is a factory 185bhp version and was imported by Sun International Racing. Most importantly, it is California Certified and registered, displaying the required California BAR sticker.

Fitted with polished Gotti wheels, this R5 benefits from several sensible upgrades designed to make the car significantly more user friendly. These include a stainless steel heim joint shift linkage, remote oil filter with stainless steel lines and AN fittings, stainless steel brake lines, a second cooling fan and a Halon fire suppression system.

Complete with its original owners manual and a selection of service records, this low-mileage rally car for the road is sure to impress its next owner with its aggressive looks and legendary road manners. Sold on a Certificate of Title.