1983 Renault R5 Turbo 2
HIGHLIGHTS
Recent Cosmetic Updating - Paint and Interior
Rebuilt And Uprated Engine From John Price Rallying UK
115,000 KM (71,500 miles) Showing
US Import and Duties Are Paid
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - VF1822000D0001040
Engine – 1.4L, 4 cylinder, turbocharged
Gearbox – 5 speed manual
Drivetrain - Mid engine, RWD
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
Renault attacked the world rallying scene with the launch of the R5 Turbo in 1980 at the Brussels Motor Show. With styling by Bertone, Renault managed to shove a turbocharged power plant in the back of the standard R5 chassis – although once complete there was very little left “standard.”
Originally developed under the FIA Group 4 rules (which specified a minimum of 400 examples built), the Renault R5 Turbo would see its first notable success with Jean Ragnotti winning the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally. Other notable Group 4 cars in the period included the Lancia Stratos and the Ford Escort RS 1800.
Group 4 regulations would later evolve the Renault R5 Turbo to become classified under Group B, where the R5 Maxi Turbo continued to see successes on the tight tarmac events such as Tour de Corse, where the Renault continued to see outright victory as late as 1985 against stiff AWD completion in Group B at that time.
With just 3,576 R5 Turbos produced over the total production run, these are rare street legal homologation specials. Weighing just 2,100 lbs, The Renault R5 Turbo is a very quick and lively drive in standard format.
Our example here benefits from both cosmetic and mechanical restoration. The exterior black paint was completed to a high standard, and recently treated to a full ceramic coating treatment. The interior has been re-trimmed in black, featuring Recaro seats and all new carpeting and trim panels.
Mechanically this particular example is a beast - it features an uprated and rebuilt engine from John Price Rallying in the UK within the last 5,000km. The engine is a claimed 220hp example, featuring (among other components) a Renault Sport camshaft, competition head gasket, larger intercooler, uprated radiator/fans, and Devil exhaust. John Price serviced the car for 10 years while it was in the UK, including all MOT tests.
The car is a blast to drive, with intoxicating power in the upper rev range, yet still tractable enough around town. The transmission shifts smoothly in all forward gears, and has strong stable brakes. Suspension is handled by a full set of Bilstein coilovers, and the car sits on a new set of Minilite wheels and Yokohama R spec rubber. Fresh off a major service - including complete fuel hose replacement (engine side and fuel tank hoses).
Offered with service records from the current ownership, a small selection of Renault literature items, and a custom fit car cover, this Renault R5 Turbo is the one to buy if you are looking for a weekend canyon carver. Car has been fully imported to the USA with all documentation and duties paid, ready for USA title and sale, or export to any country.
Please contact Jason at 206-355-7727 for more information on this Renault R5 Turbo 2 for sale.
Gallery
“We live in a golden age of hot hatches, but even the new Focus RS and Civic Type R can’t match the R5 Turbo 2 for sheer absurdity. It’s the mid-engined, rear-drive French oddball of your wildest dreams.”