RENAULT

Absolute rarity: 1981 Renault 5 goes up for auction

The fever for the Renault 5 has not stopped growing in recent years, especially when it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The most demanded versions are always the Turbo and Turbo 2 models, which even sell for more than 100,000 euros. On this occasion we have an interesting copy that is currently being auctioned. It is a 1981 Renault 5 Turbo 1 that could be tested by Chris Harris, the presenter of Top Gear.

This Renault icon from the 1980s was imported to the UK in 2002, which is why it retains the left-hand drive and the speedometer in km/h. Since then, the R5 Turbo 1 has been in the possession of the same owner, who has kept it in storage since the year 2006 and who has only come out on two occasions to compete in the Classic Rally of Lombardy in 2019 and 2020.

It is equipped with a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that develops 160 hp. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and sends all power to the rear axle. Currently, this Turbo 1 accumulates 66,181 kilometers traveled in the last four decades, as well as a series of important modifications that, according to the auction announcement, were carried out to “improve performance and reliability”.

Among these modifications are 15-inch alloy wheels with Toyo Proxes tires, a tuned cylinder head, a Cevennes exhaust manifold, a new intercooler, an Accy Paul exhaust system and a rebuilt turbocharger. It also received suspension and brake changes, an Iso-Delta leather steering wheel, Matter safety cage and a period Blaupunkt sound system.

Despite its overall good condition, this 1981 Renault 5 Turbo 1 is over 40 years old and there are several visible details and signs of wear. The bodywork is finished in Olympic Blue paintwork over an original brown fabric and leather interior alongside gray floor mats. For driving impressions, see the Chris Harris test video.

The car is being auctioned through Collecting Cars. It will be on sale until next Monday, May 9, and so far it has received 44 bids. The highest bid reaches £57,500

Autonews