Hot-Rod Renault 5 Turbo
by Chris Hafner
on April 30, 2010
This week has morphed into a Datsun theme week, but I just can't resist pointing out this gorgeous Renault 5 Turbo featured on Bring a Trailer today. Besides, given the Renault/Nissan relationship this car could possibly be considered a step-cousin of the Datsun 280ZXs we've been featuring.
The R5 is one of my long-time favorites, and this example is in absolutely stunning shape--with fewer than 26K miles. Good gracious, this thing's overtly aggressive Group B persona makes me want to jump in and bury the throttle just for the sheer joy of it. I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay the $48K that the seller is asking, but I sure would love to carress it reverently.
Regardless, whatever you do, don't call it a Le Car.
--Chris H.
Yankee on April 30, 2010 at 05:34 AM
I've often wondered why those had flared rear quarters when they were front wheel drive (unless the R5s were AWD..?).
And I'm sorry, the R5/LeCar is just an ugly design - period. The R5 Turbos were a little less ugly, but still ugly. Like the saying you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig (or whatever other lame analogy you can think of).
That Car Guy on April 30, 2010 at 09:02 AM
It may not be a Le Car, but it sure looks like a lot of Le Fun!
AteUpWithMotor.com on April 30, 2010 at 09:56 AM
The R5 Turbo was not FWD -- it was a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive conversion, a rally homologation special.
The story: http://ateupwithmotor.com/compact-and-economy-cars/199-renault-5-turbo.html
The Cinq, incidentally, was considered very chic in Europe for most of its life. Different strokes, etc.
Anthony Cagle on April 30, 2010 at 10:31 AM
We used to call those things "Leakers". I must admit to having a certain fondness for the dumb things: My first year in Seattle we had a huge snowstorm (we don't get snow often, but a lot of times when we do, we get dumped on) which basically paralyzed the place. I was stuck downtown, the busses were pretty much parked and I had no idea how to get home. A coworker offered a couple of us a ride up northward in his Le Car and that sucker performed admirably in several inches of snow.
john bono on April 30, 2010 at 12:23 PM
I've always liked these cars. The regular R5, not so much. I would love to see someone try something similar with a modern pocket rocket, like making a mid-engined mazda speed 3.
Mochi Mochi on April 30, 2010 at 03:01 PM
The R5 Turbo has nothing to do with "la voiture". It's devastatingly gorgeous. It's a masterpiece of automotive wonderment. It's a smileyface with fangs and claws that can bite your face off. Genius.
More than once I've looked at my 91 Civic Si, overlayed the R5 Turbo, and wondered what the Civic would have been like with a turbo engine mounted mid-ships. I'm not into conversions of that sort since they involve more structural work that I'd ever want to consider. But a mid-engine hatch?! Holy Lancia - i'd take a bite out of that.
There was an R5 Turbo selling here in LA for about $25K a year ago. I was tempted. But... where the hell would I get parts?
AteUpWithMotor.com on April 30, 2010 at 03:03 PM
John -- Renault did something similar with the Clio a few years ago, installing the PSA 3.0-liter V6 amidships. It was obviously never sold in the States, and it didn't sell all that well in Europe, either.
tigerstrypes on April 30, 2010 at 05:56 PM
One of my favorite French cars EVER!! Excuse me while I drool...
Race Bannon on April 30, 2010 at 06:39 PM
I absolutly HATE this car. In the late 80's I was an Army Cobra pilot stationed in Germany driving a new 16V GTI. This was the only small car that could take me on the autobahn. 3 and 5 series BMW no way; Camaro or SHO Mustang, don't make me laugh! The Renault could take me and maintain its lead out at 220+ KMH. Like I said, I hate this car! I have never seen one stateside.
Alan Schwarz on May 01, 2010 at 01:44 AM
I remember this car in a Moore era Bond movie. There's one in Newport Beach I've seen but other than that as rare as hen's teeth.
A sorta modern day equivalent is the VW beetle RSI
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Volkswagen_New_Beetle_RSi.jpg
David Drucker on May 01, 2010 at 06:37 AM
So, did the Turbo version have the same wheelbase on both sides?
Steaming Pile on May 03, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Le poquet raquette?
Mark Nicotera on May 25, 2010 at 06:25 PM
I own one folks, had it about 8 years now. Just drove it 600 miles round trip from Connecticut to Carlisle, PA for the Import and Kit Car show. I take it to car shows all summer long, Lime Rock Park and other places too. It's great fun and parts are readily available from Europe.
Angel on August 03, 2010 at 10:44 AM
I love these little cars. I had an opportunity to buy one twenty years ago for $13K but didn't have the funds. Today we are building one at the shop out of a stock LeCar but using a Honda S2000 engine and Quafle transaxle. Our plan is to market a kit that will allow you to build your own mid-engine rally car from just about any little hatchback. Who knows a Super Yugo may be next!