1983 RENAULT 5 TURBO 2

This 1983 Renault 5 Turbo 2 is an iconic 1980s hot hatch, with fantastic provenance and low mileage, and is presented in excellent condition. Its turbocharged 1.4-litre engine is mounted behind the driver, producing around 158bhp, with rear-wheel drive through the five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 46,883 km (29,131 miles) from new.

Delivered in March 1983, it is understood to have been first registered in continental Europe. However, it has been in the UK since at least February 1985, when the mileage stood at 2,333 km. For three decades, from the late 1980s through to very recent years, it was in the collection of prolific Renault and Alpine enthusiast and restorer, Alan Matthews. The car was cherished during its time with him, and appeared in a 1992 magazine feature as an exemplar of the model. The seller has owned the car for the last two years and has enjoyed around 2,000 miles on the road.

The bodywork is in good order, and the white paint finish presents very well, with only a few minor imperfections. There are some stone chips around the front, and small blemishes in the paint, including above the passenger side rear air intake. A hairline crack is visible in the offside front indicator lens, but otherwise the lights and body trims remain in great shape. The four-bolt Turbo 2 alloy wheels present superbly.

In the cabin, the seats are finished in red velour material, and were re-trimmed in 2018 by Renault 5 Turbo specialist, Melliard of London. As such, they are still in pristine condition, and new seat rails were also installed at the same time. There are red carpets throughout, which were removed, professionally deep cleaned and refitted when the seats were re-upholstered.

The steering wheel and gear knob both appear to be original, though the latter has some peeling of the trim. Fitted in the centre console is a period-correct Kenwood radio cassette deck, and there are Pioneer speakers in the rear shelf behind the engine compartment. Both door cards are in good order, and all of the switchgear works as it should. A space-saver spare wheel is housed under the bonnet.

The Renault’s last scheduled maintenance was in May 2019 at 46,416 km, carried out by the engineers at Webster and Lancaster in Hertfordshire. This consisted of a general inspection and service, along with replacement of the clutch slave cylinder, inlet manifold hoses, and alternator belt. The brake fluid was also renewed, and some wiring repairs were carried out. The engine bay is clean and tidy, and also features a sought-after Renault Sport 4-into-1 exhaust manifold.

The most recent MOT test was on 30 April 2019 at 46,365 km, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The wheels are shod in Michelin TRX tyres in size 190/55 VR340 at the front and 220/55 VR365 at the rear, which were all fitted in March 2019.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s manual, European service directory, yellow book pouch, and the original stamped guarantee and maintenance record. There is an impressive box file full of history, including old invoices and receipts, magazines and articles featuring the car, and period photographs taken during Alan Matthews’ ownership.

This Renault 5 Turbo 2 is a smart example of one of the most characterful hot hatches ever built. Its idiosyncratic design means it always draws a crowd, while it also sounds terrific and performs strongly. Many of these cars have been locked away for years in storage and would require recommissioning, but this example is in great condition having been enjoyed as intended. It is a coveted 1980s performance car that would be a fun addition to any garage.

The car is offered from the Horizon Classics collection, which has been assembled by a passionate enthusiast who has always bought cars that he will drive and enjoy. They are all kept in superb mechanical order, ready to take out at a moment’s notice, and represent some of the most popular modern classics.