1979: when the blue prototype was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it surpassed even the wildest dreams of sporting enthusiasts. In fact, all that remained of the Renault 5 was its distinctive silhouette, pumped up with enormous wings, bumpers and spoilers that put the so-called ‘silhouettes’ of the day to shame.

1980: the production version was unveiled in January at the Brussels Motor Show. But the most incredible detail was beneath the bodywork: the engine had been moved from the front to a mid-rear position, just behind the front seats. The 1,397cc unit from the Renault 5 Alpine was fed by a Garrett turbo and developed 160hp.

autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo
autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo
autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo
autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo
autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo
autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo
autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
built at France
price $ $ 28,000
engine Inline 4
valvetrain OHV
displacement 1397 cc / 85.3 in³
bore 76.0 mm / 2.99 in
stroke 77.0 mm / 3.03 in
compression 7.0:1
power 119.3 kw / 160.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm
specific output 114.53 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 161.78 bhp per tonne
torque 210.0 nm / 154.9 ft lbs @ 3250 rpm
redline 6200
body / frame Unit Steel / Aluminum Panels
driven wheels Rear Engine / RWD
front tires 190/55HR-340
rear tires 220/55VR-365
front brakes Vented Discs w/ Vacuum Assist
front wheels F 34.0 x 13.5 cm / 13.4 x 5.3 in
rear wheels R 36.6 x 19.6 cm / 14.4 x 7.7 in
steering Rack & Pinion
curb weight 989 kg / 2180 lbs
wheelbase 2430 mm / 95.7 in
front track 1346 mm / 53.0 in
rear track 1476 mm / 58.1 in
length 3723 mm / 146.6 in
width 1778 mm / 70.0 in
height 1344 mm / 52.9 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios 3.36:1, 2.06:1, 1.38:1, 1.06:1, 0.87:1
final drive 3.89:1
top speed ~196.3 kph / 122.0 mph
0 – 60 mph ~7.7 seconds
0 – 100 mph ~22.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~16.0 seconds

Auction Sales History

1985 Renault R5 Turbo – sold for $31,590

autos, cars, renault, review, 100-200hp, 1980&039;s, classic, compact cars, inline 4, renault 5, small cars, 1981 renault 5 turbo

Showing only 36,000 miles from new, this 1986 Renault 5 Turbo 2 is a factory 185bhp version and was imported by Sun International Racing. Most importantly, it is California Certified and registered, displaying the required California BAR sticker.

Fitted with polished Gotti wheels, this R5 benefits from several sensible upgrades designed to make the car significantly more user friendly. These include a stainless steel heim joint shift linkage, remote oil filter with stainless steel lines and AN fittings, stainless steel brake lines, a second cooling fan and a Halon fire suppression system.

Complete with its original owners manual and a selection of service records, this low-mileage rally car for the road is sure to impress its next owner with its aggressive looks and legendary road manners. Sold on a Certificate of Title.

Auction Source: Bonhams 2010 Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia

Keyword: 1981 Renault 5 Turbo

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