BaT NO RESERVE auction preview: Imported in 1985 and under single ownership since new. Titled and registered in Nevada, exceedingly rare on US soil.1985 Renault R5 Turbo2
Chassis Number – VF1822100F0010052Engine Number - C7KA7 000044Exterior Color – BlackInterior Color – Black and TanEngine Type – 1.4L Turbocharged inline 4 cylinderGearbox – 5-speed transaxleCurrent Miles –33,494 milesOwner Purchase –Purchased new by current ownerHighlights of This R5 Turbo2- One-owner with enthusiast inspired performance upgrades - Original owner service history and records- Delivered with limited slip, Gotti wheels, 185hp engine, comp. suspension, and power windows General HistoryThough Largely unknown to US auto buyers in the 1970s, the Renault Le Car made its debut in North America in 1976 primarily as an entry level economy car chasing the fuel crisis. That same year the European Renault 5 was given Alpine treatment which gave the formerly sedate offering a bit of a performance boost, essentially becoming one of the first “Hot Hatches” of this era.Motivated by the success of Lancia and their dominance in rally racing with the Dino-powered mid-engine Stratos, Renault cleverly reconfigured the formerly front engine, front drive car to a rear-biased mid-engine design. Marc Deschamps and Marcello Gandini at Bertone designed the body to emphasize the mid-engine configuration with details in compliance with Group 4 homologation rules. 400 Renault 5 Turbos were built in the initial offering followed by the R5 Turbo 2, also constructed in limited numbers with just 3,167 Turbo2 models built from 1983-1986. For 1985, just 182 units were produced, few of which were finished in black. Though not available for US import at the time, Grey Market cars did enter the US via a complex conversion process to achieve federal compliance. Today the R5 is highly sought after in both Turbo and Turbo2 configurations, appreciated for both the remarkable performance and unforgettable 1980s era design. History of this Turbo2This Turbo2 was purchased new by the current owner on November 15, 1984. Copies of the original purchase order placed at Export Sales, Jensen Beach, FL indicate the car was optioned with the 185hp engine, Gotti wheels with Dunlop racing tires, competition suspension, limited slip differential, and power windows. Documentation accompanying the car includes the original European delivery invoice, customs transit invoice dated March 3, 1985, temporary use permit, US DoT Compliance Sheets, as well as several pages of compliance photographs and actions taken to convert this car to US requirements including US compliant headlights, speedometer in miles, safety belt and ignition warning buzzer unit installed, steel door beams installed for side impact protection, bumpers enhanced for internal structural rigidity, and a fuel safety vent valve. Inclusive of these requirements, more than 20 pages of documentation with compliance notations and approvals accompany the car. After compliance, the owner titled and registered this Turbo2 in Nevada where he enjoyed the car for many years accumulating modest miles while having general services and fluid changes performed. By 2014, the owner elected to freshen the car with carefully selected performance upgrades using the very best in turbo parts offered from specialized Turbo2 vendors. Work included the installation of a larger Garrett turbo with new actuator and plumbing (original turbo included with the car), new engine gaskets including head gasket, JE Renault R5 comp Turbo Nitro pistons, resized connecting rods with CS ARP bolts, new fuel accumulator, and machining work for the engine. While this work was being performed, a new Quaife differential was also installed. With the mechanical work completed in 2018, the owner delivered the car in 2019 to Intrepid Motorcar Company, Reno, NV who performed a comprehensive repaint including removing the windshield and installing new windshield molding and performing correct fiberglass bonding for the steel to fiberglass body seams. Condition and OperationToday this Renault R5 presents in excellent condition featuring smooth and glossy black paint and improved panel bonding which correctly remedies the factory flawed body seams that join the fiberglass/metal components unique to the R5. The rubber and various black trim are in excellent condition throughout including the front bumper ventilation trim and intake vents. The stance is perfectly positioned, resting on the optional Gotti wheels featuring perimeter bolts and aluminum rims. A set of Avon 155/55R13 dated 2022 are mounted at the front with 245/50R13 dated late 2021 are mounted at the rear. The glass, lenses, and lighting are in excellent condition including the unique R5 roof spoiler which is smooth and correctly finished. Unlike so many of these cars, it is rare to find one that has been properly maintained under singular original ownership.The black and tan interior remains in excellent condition with materials and surfaces that are correct and preserved from excessive sun exposure. In keeping with the owner’s performance enhancements, a set of Sparco racing seats are installed including red belt Sparco competition harnesses for both driver and passenger. The carpeting, interior door panels, headliner, and rear engine cover are remarkably well-preserved. The black molded dashboard displays excellent contours as does the center console and instrumentation, working overhead digital clock, Alpine stereo unit, and desirable 5-speed manual shifter fitted with a black shifter boot and black trim. The dashboard, switches, black-dial gauges with orange nomenclature are in excellent condition, consistent with the documented low miles. Even the top of the dashboard, often faded or cracked from excessive sun exposure, reflects beautifully preserved correct contours fronted by an Iso-Delta leather wrapped steering wheel. A satin black roll bar was installed by Intrepid Motorcar Co. and is anchored to the rear of the cabin over the carpeted engine bay covers. The engine compartment is representative of factory features and details consistent with this series Turbo2 featuring upgraded performance parts prepared with stock appearance and configured without body or interior modifications. The engine is numbered consistent with factory notations for this series, having never been changed by the sole owner. The front storage compartment remains stock with correct finishes and spare tire. Underneath the car, the chassis displays evidence of use consistent with the indicated miles. A performance exhaust system and aftermarket coil-over shock absorbers have been installed. The chassis has benefited from dry Nevada weather, indoor storage, and there is no indication of structural damage or compromise to the floor or major suspension anchor points.The car starts easily, idles well, and drives like a slot car. The chassis, steering, and suspension are glued to the ground, consuming curved roadways with epic grip. The brakes and tires comply in ways average track cars can only aspire to achieve, while highway speeds are rapidly consumed as sonic boost action brings ear to ear grins to the faces of even the most hardened performance enthusiasts. The gearbox shifts as it should, the clutch takes up properly with smooth operation, and the car tracks with competition-themed feedback at the wheel.This Turbo2 is accompanied by several mechanical original components retained by the original singular owner including shock absorbers, original differential cluster, engine pistons, hoses and lines, and various additional new components including an engine gasket set, two spare clutches, a used distributor cap and rotor, and a spare intercooler. Also included are copies of the import, purchase, and US compliance paperwork for this car, a scale model kit of the Turbo2, and a service manual. Due to California emission requirements, this car is offered to licensed California dealers or out of state residents. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a low-mileage, rare, and thoughtfully upgraded R5 Turbo2. Having appreciated rapidly in recent years, the ease of use, slingshot performance, and distinctive R5 design make these fast, agile, and distinctive cars highly desirable to those who enjoy superlative competition-themed road cars.