1991 RENAULT 5 GT TURBO

This 1991 Renault 5 GT Turbo is a very smart example of the French hot hatch, which benefits from a full respray and a recent engine rebuild. Under the bonnet is the turbocharged 1.4-litre inline-four, which produces around 118bhp and drives the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer shows 84,320 miles.

First registered on 30 May 1991, this right-hand drive ‘Phase II’ GT Turbo was featured in Pistonheads’ ‘Shed of The Week’ section in November 2010, when it was praised for its originality and lack of Max Power-era modifications. Today, the car is offered for sale by the trade, having been mechanically restored and repainted.

This retro hot hatch’s angular bodywork shows no evidence of any accident damage. The car has been fully resprayed in its original hue of Tungsten Grey, and the seller notes that there are around 50 photos documenting the process. Overall, the finish in in excellent condition, and has a bright, glossy appearance across the entire body.

The underbody has also been fully rust treated and undersealed, helping to prevent the occurrence of any corrosion in the future. All of the exterior trim is present and correct, including the distinctive silver and red ‘GT Turbo’ decals which grace the lower sides of the car. This GT Turbo rides on the correct 13-inch five-spoke Speedline alloy wheels, which are in great shape, with no kerb scratches or blemishes in their silver paint.

In the cabin, this peppy little hatchback is in original, unrestored condition, and while it wears some signs of its age, it presents well overall. The black and grey upholstery covering the seats is slightly worn, particularly on front seats’ bolsters, but the padding remains firm and holds its shape well. The fabric covering the door cards is also starting to lift, and the steering wheel trim has worn through on one side, but these minor issues could be rectified in due course.

Protected by a set of black mats with ‘GT Turbo’ badging, the carpets are reported to be in good condition, as is the rest of the interior trim. While the car’s radio has been removed and the cavity has been blanked off, all of the interior switches, dials and electrical items work as they should, including the original central locking remote.

Reportedly in strong mechanical condition, this spritely R5 was last serviced in September 2020 by Renault 5 GT Turbo specialist A&A Motorsport Fabrications, Tunbridge Wells. During the vendor’s time with the car, A&A’s Ashley Simmonds has also rectified a number of minor issues, including replacing the radiator fan switch, fitting new spark plugs, replacing the coolant return hose and removing and refitting the handbrake cables. Furthermore, a new offside rear brake pad carrier was fitted, along with a new nearside front steering rack gaiter, and the rubber upper radiator mount was also replaced.

Prior to this, a new turbocharger was installed in 2020, and the rear dampers and front shock absorbers were replaced by CGB Motorsport in January 2018. In 2014, the engine was rebuilt by Beckers Mechanical in Chester, fitting new pistons and rings, uprated head and manifold gaskets and a new turbocharger, while the car’s timing chain and tensioner were replaced in the same year.

While seller notes that the rear offside brake disc is slightly warped, causing slight judder under hard braking, this performance Renault is otherwise fault-free, and is almost entirely standard, save for the exhaust which was replaced with a custom system in July 2020.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 11 June 2020 at 82,364 miles, resulting in a clean pass on its second attempt, after the aim of the offside front headlamp was adjusted. All four tyres are described by the seller as being in good condition, with 5-6mm of tread remaining.

The car will be accompanied by a file of receipts and paperwork including past MOT test certificates, records kept by its previous owners and more than 150 photos detailing its engine build and respray.

Representing a rare opportunity to obtain an almost entirely standard example of what was one of the most commonly modified French performance cars of ‘90s; this Renault 5 GT Turbo will be a worthy addition to any collection of modern classics. Benefitting from a full respray and engine rebuild, it offers mechanical reliability and impressive looks in one compact package, and will be a delight to enjoy on your favourite backroads.

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. 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.