1984 Renault

The Renault 5 Turbo is a high-performance hatchback launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980. It was Renault’s response to the rally successes of the mid-engined Lancia Stratos, and while the car was primarily designed for rallying, a road version was also produced for homologation purposes. Renault introduced their new R5 Turbo as a pure ‘homologation special’ to compete in 'Group 4' racing and international rallies.

The 5 Turbo was based on the production Renault 5 Alpine, but Renault Sport engineers scrapped the standard front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout in favour of a mid-engine, rear-drive setup. The R5 Turbo was powered by a mid-mounted 1397cc ‘Cléon’ turbocharged engine placed behind the driver in mid-body in a modified Renault 5 chassis. The engine developed 160bhp, giving the 970kg car a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 126 mph.

In 1981, Jean Ragnotti and his co-driver Jean-Marc Andrie won the Monte Carlo Rally outright for Renault, and the following year Ragnotti won the Tour de Corse. In 1984, 'Group B' homologation was sought for the Renault Maxi 5 Turbo to enable it to contest the World Rally Championship and the following year, Ragnotti added another Tour de Corse win with the Maxi 5 turbo. After the first batch of 400 road cars had been made to satisfy 'Group 4' homologation volume requirements, a second-generation, known as the 'Turbo 2' was to follow.

Considering most Renault Turbo/Turbo 2 examples were used in rallies, it's not surprising that few survive and even fewer in this condition and with this provenance.