This identification guide / buyers guide has been drafted for those interested in the Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1, otherwise known as the “Super 5” GT Turbo. This car, much like the Golf GTI, has a somewhat cult status in the early hot hatch sector, and they are becoming increasingly sought after. Information on these cars is fairly scarce in English, even on dedicated forums, so this guide has been drafted to assist those who want to be able to easily distinguish between the GT Turbo and other models in the 5 range, as there can be a substantial price differential between the models which are based on the same body shell. For the Phase 2 GT Turbo ID guide, click here.
This guide provides identification criteria for external features, interior features, mechanical features and of course the important engine and chassis number prefixes relevant to the Renault 5 GT Turbo. If you believe additional information can be added, please don’t hesitate to contact us or login and comment at the base of this page.
Period of Manufacture: 1985 – 1987
Number produced: Approximately 160,000 worldwide (Estimate received from French “Retro02” Forum and includes Phase 1 and 2. Note, Phase 1 cars were produced in lower numbers than Phase 2).
Please note that this is only a guide, and should not be relied upon for a vehicle purchase. You should always undertake your own research and consult with professionals before purchasing a vehicle the identity of which is uncertain.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1 had the following external features, which make a good starting point for identification of a genuine vehicle.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo had the following interior features listed below. There are several unique features such as the seats, steering wheel and other small finishes which are unique to this car, however, much of the interior is obviously shared with the standard Renault 5.
There were of course options such as sun roof, and perhaps radio options. If anyone has any further information on interior features and the various optoins available we would really appreciate you getting in touch with us by emailing or commenting below, so we can update this section.
The Phase 1 Renault 5 GT Turbo was available in the following paint colours / codes as outlined below. Note, not all of the cars in the attached images are Phase 1 cars, and are for colour example purposes only.
Unlike the Phase 2 cars, the Phase 1 cars chassis plate may not list the paint code unless it is a very late phase 1 car, with the oval symbol embossed in the plate. Instead, the paint code is shown on a large sticker on top of the RHS suspension strut tower as shown in one of the attached images.
The chassis number on a Renault 5 GT Turbo should be 17 figures long and begin with the following prefix, which applies to both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 cars:
VFIC405050
This starting prefix will be followed by the car’s individual / unique seven digit code.
Chassis Number location:
The chassis number is located in 2 positions on the R5 GT Turbo.
Firstly, it is embossed in the vehicle ID plate which is riveted to the RHS firewall of the car. The location of the plate and number is shown in the images for a better description. Note, the Phase 1 car usually has a thin / portrait layout chassis plate smaller than the one shown in the close up image, (without the circled numbers on the RHS), so don't be concerned if it looks different to the plate shown in close up. The other images showing the engine bay are genuine Phase 1 cars with the smaller chassis plates.
Secondly, the chassis number is stamped into the body of the car, on top of the RHS suspension strut, under the hood. The location and style of the typeface is shown in the attached images. Note, the number is often (but may not be on all cars) stamped in twice (once with full letters punched in which curve around the strut top, and another typeface which appears to use small punch holes and is stamped in a streight line.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo used the “C-Type” engine block known as the “Cleon 1.4”. This engine was widely used over a range of Renault vehicles, however, the R5 GT Turbo used blocks with specific numbers on the engine. The numbers to look for are as follows:
Location of engine number:
As you face the engine block from the front of the car, the engine number is located on the front top left face of the engine block (behind the alternator), on an aluminium plate riveted into the engine block. The location is better described by the pictures attached.
The Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 1 had the folliwing mechanical features:
Please don't hesitate to comment on this post below or contract us if you have additional information you believe should be added to this guide.
Comments
Nissan Pulsar GTiR Register
Great!