Blast from the Rally Past: The Legendary Renault 5 Turbo

I want to take you back in time to the glorious era of rallying in the 1980s. And what better way to do that than to talk about a remarkable little machine known as the Renault 5 Turbo?

Now, before we get into the details, let me clarify one thing. The Renault 5 Turbo should not be confused with its more common front-wheel-drive siblings, the Renault 5 Gordini Turbo or GT Turbo. No, no, my friends, this is an entirely different beast altogether.

The Renault 5 Turbo was a mid-engined homologation special built in limited numbers specifically for Group 4 and Group B rallying. It graced the rally stages between 1980 and 1986, leaving an indelible mark on the motorsport world. What made this car so special was Renault’s utilization of their extensive Formula 1-derived turbocharging expertise.

Under the hood of this humble little car, you’d find a 1.4-liter overhead-valve engine. But don’t let its size fool you. Thanks to Renault’s turbocharging wizardry, the power output was boosted to a remarkable 160bhp in road trim. With such power at its disposal, the Renault 5 Turbo could reach a top speed of 125mph and go from 0 to 60mph in under seven seconds. Impressive, isn’t it?

However, it’s not just the engine that sets this car apart. The Renault 5 Turbo featured a mid-mounted engine configuration, where the rear passenger seats used to be. This design choice, combined with a five-speed transaxle, ensured that power was delivered to the rear wheels. It effectively transformed the Renault 5 into a thinly disguised two-seater supercar, ready to conquer the rally stages.

The world got its first glimpse of the Renault 5 Turbo in prototype form at the 1978 Paris Salon. The car made its competition debut in 1980 during the Tour de Corse, with Jean Ragnotti behind the wheel of a 250bhp works car. Ragnotti showcased the car’s potential by leading the event until electrical issues forced him to retire.

In the following year, Ragnotti, alongside co-driver Andrié, secured a remarkable victory for Renault by winning the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally outright. A true testament to the capabilities of the Renault 5 Turbo. Ragnotti continued to impress by winning the Tour de Corse again in 1982.

As time went on, the competition in rallying grew fiercer, with many teams adopting four-wheel-drive cars. In response, Renault upped the ante by introducing more powerful variants of the 5 Turbo, such as the 5 Tour de Corse and the 5 Maxi Turbo. Ragnotti went on to claim another Tour de Corse victory in the latter in 1985.

However, despite its success, the works team decided to retire the Renault 5 Turbo from competition at the end of the 1986 season. It makes you wonder what could have been if Renault had pursued a full international program with the 5 Turbo instead of focusing primarily on French national events. The records and achievements would likely have been even more impressive.

Now, let’s shift our focus to a particular Renault 5 Turbo that holds a special place in our hearts. This example, originally delivered new in Switzerland, has been modified to pay homage to the legendary Ragnotti/Andrié, Calberson-sponsored Group 4 Renault 5 Turbo rally car. Just imagine the thrill of sitting behind the wheel of this evocative machine, channelling the spirit of the golden era of rallying.

The Renault 5 Turbo may have been a limited-production gem, but its impact on the world of rallying and automotive enthusiasts is immeasurable. Its mid-engined layout, combined with Renault’s turbocharging expertise, created a formidable force on both the road and the rally stage. And even though its competitive days are behind it, the legacy of the Renault 5 Turbo will forever be etched in the annals of motorsport history.

So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Renault 5 Turbo for the rally icon that it is. Its unique design, impressive performance, and victories on the rally stages make it a true legend in the world of motorsport.

This little bundle of rallying joy is being auctioned by Bonhams at The Bonmont Sale – Collector’s Motor Cars in Cheserex, Switzerland – Click here for more information on Bonhams website