Not too many of these are sitting down in the southern hemisphere - this example an import from the UK (so a ery rare RHD example). The R5 is obiously a famous Renault brand, but the R5 Turbo is one of the more desirable sporting variants that has a heap more character over the original basic hatch.

Like most French cars, the approach to the design is a little different in every way Firstly, by 1984 you'd expect to have a car like this only come in front wheel drive - but the R5 was a rear driven hatch, making it a very well balanced machine. In my view, it makes these cars a bit simpler to work on, and keeps the small engine bay fairly tidy.

The feature I love most about this particular variant are the wheels - as shown, they are the standards fitted to the Turbo.. While it lacks the body kit of the later Turbo cars, there's something more pure about these earlier examples - they are slightly truer to their origins, and a bit more classic in their shape.

This one was advertised on trademe.co.nz in August 2022, asking $25,000 NZD. See the original advertisement here. In the original ad, the seller made the following comments:

"760kg and 110HP. I imported this car from the UK about 6 years ago, the engine has been completely professionally rebuilt and runs sweet it is just run in (done about 3000 miles). The body is in excellent condition, mostly original paint (touched up along lower doors) and has never had any welding/repairs (the under body is mint) and the interior is also in excellent condition (original corduroy upholstery)

This thing is an 80's rocket ship and puts a big stupid grin on your face when you put your foot down. I've had R5s for many years and this is a good one, it's just a shame to have it sitting in the garage. It pretty much drives and handles like a new car -sports suspension, heavy duty anti roll bars It Makes good Progress, it's a bit of a time machine cos you arrive a lot earlier than expected. Parts for these cars are easily available from Europe. I replaced all of the brake pads & discs as part of the pointless process they put you thru when complying imports.

Check out the other R5s on the register below, and we do have an information guide for the later R5 Turbos here.