1989 RENAULT 5 GT TURBO - 17,991 MILES

This Renault 5 GT Turbo is a remarkably low-mileage example of the iconic 1980s hot hatch, which has been in storage for most of the last 29 years, and now presents in well-preserved condition having just been fully recommissioned. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.4-litre inline-four engine, sending 118bhp to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer indicates just 17,991 miles from new.

This post-facelift Renault 5 GT Turbo is understood to have been built in late 1989 but was first registered in March 1990. It has been in the current keeper’s possession for nearly two years, and there is only one previous recorded keeper. The car now presents in ‘time warp’ condition, benefitting from a thorough service and overhaul, and some cosmetic attention only where needed, in order to maintain as much originality as possible.

The bodywork of this Renault 5 appears as it should, with flush shut lines and an even appearance across all of the car’s panels. While the black paintwork now appears in excellent condition, the vendor notes the horizontal surfaces and both bumpers had to be resprayed due to bird droppings which caused paint damage during the three decades the car spent in storage, while the remaining original paint has been detailed and corrected by Polished Perfection in Plymouth. The vendor notes the rear bumper’s rubber insert has been replaced, as have the red GT Turbo decals. The car rides on the correct 13-inch Speedline alloy wheels, which present in superb condition following refurbishment.

Inside, the GT Turbo’s red-accented grey fabric interior is in near-new condition. However, the vendor has reported a number of minor blemishes, including a very small mark to the red carpet underneath the clutch pedal, while the boot trim’s foam arch liner has a minor tear on the nearside. Some interior plastics appear with some age-related blemishes and there is one small mark on the nearside black dashboard vinyl, but overall the cabin is in excellent order.

The seats have maintained their shape, and present with no scuffs or tears to the fabric. The vendor also reports that all of the interior electrics work as they should. Meanwhile, the primary driver controls present with minimal wear, showing no significant deterioration to the plastics or rubbers.

In July 2020 at 17,990 miles, this GT Turbo was treated to a thorough recommissioning service to bring it back to good running order. The engine oil and filter were renewed, and new parts fitted included an OEM radiator, front brake discs and pads, as well as a new distributor cap and rotor arm. The original turbo was re-conditioned by Midland Turbo, complete with a reconditioned oil feed pipe, including a one-way valve and oil drain, which comes with a two-year warranty. The car received a coolant and fuel system flush, before the original Solex 32DIS carburettor was ultrasonically cleaned and rebuilt with new seals. Other maintenance carried out during the vendor’s ownership includes a main vehicle dashboard loom repair, a new fuel filler cap, a replacement windscreen and new OEM Valeo fog lamps.

As you would expect from a car that has been laid up in storage, the online MOT history website (which includes data for around the last 15 years) shows no previous records before its first MOT test that took place on 18 August 2020 at 17,991 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The last Road Fund Licence also expired in October 1991, further evidencing its 29 years off the road. The vehicle rides on new Yokohama tyres in fitment 185/60/R13 on all four corners, which the vendor reports have around 6mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle is the original black Renault vinyl document holder, including the factory Renault handbooks, dealership guide, Pioneer KE-3090B stereo manual, V5C and the MOT certificate. Also included is a period Renault 5 wiring diagram booklet, which the vendor believes was supplied when the car suffered a wiring loom fault in October 1991 – now correctly repaired.

This Renault 5 GT Turbo represents a rare opportunity to own a period-perfect example of the classic hot hatch, which has benefitted from thorough recommissioning work following 29 years of safe storage. With well-preserved factory features and very low mileage, this is undoubtedly a modern classic that will appeal to collectors, but it also deserves to get out on the road to stretch its legs after a long slumber.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.