This identification / buyers guide has been drafted for those interested in the Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 2, otherwise known as the “Super 5” GT Turbo. This car, much like the MK1 Golf GTI, has a somewhat cult status in the early hot hatch sector, and 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 Renault 5 range, as there can be a substantial price differene between models which are based on the same body shell. For the Phase 1 GT Turbo, another ID guide has been drafted and can be found by clicking 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 Phase 2. If you believe additional information can be added, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or login to comment at the base of this page.

Period of Manufacture: 1988 – 1991

Number produced: Approximately 160,000 worldwide (Estimate includes both Phase 1 and 2 cars. Note, Phase 2 cars are more numerous than Phase 1). There were 2000 Oreille / Raider Editions produced in 1989/1990.

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.


1. External Features - Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase 2)

The Phase II Renault 5 GT Turbo had the following external features:

  • 2 door hatchback body.
  • Fog lamps integrated in lower front bumper (slightly smaller than Phase 1).
  • Body kit was painted the same as the body colour.
  • Revised front grille. Phase 2 lost the “GT Turbo” badge on the front grille, with the Renault badge moving to the front left. The revised grille only had horizontal vents, losing the vertical vents of the Phase 1.
  • Phase 2 also lost the fake vent on the side skirt / rear wheel arch, instead replaced with a cleaner / smoother arch finish.
  • Side length decals between the wheel arches, and just before the rear wheel arch, “GT Turbo” text.
  • Body height was slightly lower than the Phase 1 at 1367mm.
  • Phase 2 bumpers were slightly revised including the removal of the thin pin stripe, being replaced by a thicker black plastic bump strip. The pin stripe was also removed from the side of the cars where it was previously integrated in the Phase 1 decals.
  • Small rear spoiler / visor over the top of the rear screen became standard.
  • 5.5" X 13” wheels unique to the Phase 2 as shown. (Wheels were painted the body colour on the Raider edition).
  • Revised flat plastic flarings at each corner of the rear mudguard (where rear flares join bumper), as opposed to the Phase 1 ribbed rear flares.
  • Top front centre mounted antenna.
2. Interior Features - Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase 2)

The Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 2 had the following interior features listed below. There are several unique features such as the seats, steering wheel and other small finishes, however, much of the interior is obviously shared with the standard Renault 5.

  • For the standard GT Turbo, two tone dark grey / light grey cloth seats with red triangle pattern running through the centre trim. For the Raider editoin, the same style of seat trim with blue triangles (See images).
  • Red pin stripe through the lower door card trims (door bins). Note, this was not present on the Raider edition.
  • Red or grey carpet option.
  • Standard grey interior plastics used on the dashboard and other trims.
  • 3 spoke Renault sports steering wheel with Renault centre boss.
  • 5 pod dash combining a turbo pressure guage within the rev counter.
  • Carpeted trunk cover / lid connected to tailgate.
  • Sports gear shifter with red H pattern and red stitching on the leather gate cover.
  • Extended centre console which surrounds the gear shift (as opposed to the shorter console in Phase 1).

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.

 

3. Paint Colours / Codes - Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase 2)

The Phase 2 Renault 5 GT Turbo was available in the following paint colours / codes as outlined below:

  • Bleu Lumière (Blue Light) = 495 
  • Blanc Nacré (Pearl White) = 168 
  • Blanc Panda (White Panda) = 348 
  • Blanc Glacier (Glacier White) = 389
  • Gris Tungstène (Tungsten Grey) = 608 (left hand drive cars only)
  • Gris Argent (Silver Grey) = 620 
  • Noir (Black) = 694 
  • Rouge (Red) = 705
  • Rouge Flash (Red Flash) = 719
  • Bleu Sport / Raider Blue (Sport Blue) = 449 (used on the Oreille / Raider Edition only)

 

The original paint code on a Phase 2 car is confirmed by checking the chassis plate on the RHS firewall. On the right side of the plate, you will see a group of circled numbers. The 3 digit code at the bottom relates to the paint code, as shown in the attached images.

4. Chassis Number - Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase 2)

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.

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 again shown in the attached images.

 

5. Engine Number - Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase 2)

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 engine blocks with unique numbers. The numbers to look for on the Phase 2 are as follows:

  • C1J 784 
  • C1J 788

 

Location of engine number:

As you face the engine 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.

Unfortunately, there is no way of confirming the engine fitted to the car was the one installed in the factory, unless you have very early paperwork for the vehicle. Confirming the above prefixes are present is the closest you will get to confirming the engine is correct, as it is our understanding that the number is not stated elsewhere on the car.

6. Mechanical Features - Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase 2)

The Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase 2 had the following mechanical features, several of which differ from the Phase 1 (where noted):

  • 4 cylinder C-Type engine block, 1397cc.
  • Front and rear mag wheels 5.5" x 13" aluminium alloy.
  • Front and rear tyres 175/60 ​​HR 13.
  • Single Solex carburetor 32 DIS.
  • Single Garret T2 turbocharger (0.65 +/- 0.25 bar) and air / air exchanger.
  • RE209 ignition module, replacing the RE208 (Gave 500 more rpm), repositioned on the bulkhead, to avoid the excessive heat that came from near the turbo.
  • New cooling system arrangement including inlet manifold cooling and de-gassing unit, to prevent overheating.
  • Four wheel disc brakes: Front brakes 238mm ventilated discs / Rear brakes non-ventilated 238mm discs.
  • Front suspension: MacPherson struts, coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar.
  • Rear suspension: Trailing arms, torsion bars, dampers, anti-roll bar.
  • Modified front suspension struts with an inclined top mounting to reduce the steering inclination and reduce unevem wear on wide tyres.
  • 5 speed manual trasmission.

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.