For those of you who are fans of 1980s tuner cars, the word “homologation” carries significant meaning. This is basically the process whereby manufacturers earmark a small batch of vehicles for sale to the public as a means of complying with whatever race series they intend to compete in, thus proving that it is based on an production vehicle. Right out of the gate, you have a performance vehicle that is produced in limited numbers and usually with little regard to satisfying the desires of the Camry-driving masses. It’s a wonderful thing, and has born amazing performance cars like this 1985 Renault 5 Turbo 2 listed here on craigslist for $175,000.
Absolutely staggering number, that, but not unexpected. The R5 Turbo is a darling of the enthusiast car community, made even more special for never having been sold stateside. Cars like the BMW E30 M3 and the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth are treasured by collectors, but both models were allocated for U.S. sale. Despite being rare as all get-out, those cars are practically Buicks compared to the R5 shown here. It was legally imported and prepared for U.S. road use, a headache the next owner will not have to deal with. This Renault is absolutely beautiful top to bottom, and one of the most bonkers examples of Group B rally cars built for the streets.
Group B, IMSA, DTM – so many legendary series that resulted in perhaps some of the best racing the world has ever seen. Drivers going absolutely to the limit as if they knew someday the gauntlet would come down and we’d never be allowed to take such risks again. The R5 on its own captured this insanity with a rear mid-engine setup, box flares, Recaro seats, air intake scoops, lightweight components, and much, much more, delivering staggering performance for what was previously a 1980s economy car. 0-6o was achieved in under 7 seconds in the road-going car, but of course, that was but a minor preview for what the competition-tuned version was capable of. While these cars were intended to be sold in small batches stateside, that never happened, leaving the gray market to do its work (or to wait years later when eligible for importation.)
The R5 Turbo shown here is in spectacular condition, which is what is driving the seller’s asking price. It’s obviously rare and forbidden fruit here in the U.S., but it’s also likely one of the lowest-mileage examples left in existence. As a result, it’s in pristine condition with no signs of modifications beyond what looks like a set of Gotti wheels (a very popular upgrade in the 1980s). Incredibly, it is registered for road use in California which had to have been insanely hard to do, so I don’t doubt it will be going far when it trades hands. The seller alludes to having outstanding records and documentation, which will only make this R5 Turbo even more desirable. As they say – find another one! Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
While the R5 Turbo has notched high prices in the past, this one is overpriced. A significant gap has opened between actual sales results and asking prices; sellers are stuck in yesteryear. Few R5 Turbos have lots of miles, so we can’t give much credit for that. There are a few on the market now, so finding one is not impossible. Finding a mechanic that can keep the little monster running is another thing altogether.
I know one Michelle!
Former Porsche racing driver and Porsche official repair shop in Athens owner named Christos! We became friends and one day he took me to a hidden place in the repair shop and showed me his beloved vehicle, a Renault 5 Turbo. Imagine my surprise, in an area filled with powerful modern and vintage Porsches to repair or shell and the ex Porsche racing driver being nuts with the R5 Turbo!
I always thought these were really cool looking cars. I definitely would never be able to afford one though. I can only imagine how much of a blast it would be tl drive one.
Buy if only for the visual impact. To have been a magazine writer in those days.
“Killer B’s” on saturday morning television.
What got me interested in motor sports.
Wow x 175.
I mind seeing two of these at a car dealer’s in London in the late 80s, priced at £8k and £9k.
Search yootoob for the Tour de Corse, which Jean Ragnotti won in one of these.
Jean also, more importantly, won the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally in the R5 Turbo’s first outing, beating the then brand new Audi Quattro in ITS first WRC competition. Renault was happy, to say the least.
Those shag covered seats scream it has a way to go. That asking price is up in LaLa Land and assure the owner will keep owning it.
Possibly the worst place to post this car. Even worse than FB Marketplace. I can’t think of one reason to not list this with BAT. They would fall all over themselves, with a reasonable reserve price.
Done with this site.
🎶Happy trails to you, until we meet again🎶
I’m not a European rally racing fan, so all I see here is a Renault Le Car.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in a clown suit.
Brings back a sad memory. RIP Patrick Jacquemart
I remember when these were $20k-$25k cars. Oh well, times have changed. Sun International in California brought in a bunch of these in & federalized them.
Well I enlisted my 83′ R5 Turbo 2 to take on the task of chasing my like-minded car buddies through Central and Eastern Oregon this weekend. Will put about 850 mi over 3 days (covered 300 today) and for those of you wondering where you get a car like this worked on, no need. Do it yourself. It’s not that difficult and the car was designed from the ground up for competition. Meaning, it’s easy to access what needs servicing through clever access ports on the passenger firewall, and both rear side windows hinge and open to allow you access to the engine from the side. Additionally, parts are readily available, both in Europe and here in the US. I’m never challenged to get parts. And the cars are durable on top of that. Once they’re dialed in, You can just enjoy them. 26 mpg, a 25 gallon fuel tank means a 500+ cruising range. Finding tires to fit those optional Gotti Wheels can be a bit tricky and expensive however. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to own one of these. I’m an idiot, and I own one. Is it worth $175K? No. Not at this time. But they aren’t going down in value. I remember when people scoffed at $30k, $59k, $67k.
Craigslist???
I know EVs don’t get much love on this site but Renault will be selling the E5 I think it’s called? An EV with styling similar to this. It looks cool in that eighties, squared off hot hatch way. I can just imagine power sliding through the city streets like in a spy movie in it.
Renault 5 E-Tech apparently, nice callback styling cues without trying too hard to seem “retro”.
It’s called the Renault R5 Turbo 3E… because it’s the 3rd phase of the iconic car. 1980-1982 was the Turbo (1), 1983 – 1986 Turbo 2 and now the Turbo 3 EV.
It’s called the Renault R5 Turbo 3E…
As an owner, I can tell you first-hand, maintaining one of these is not difficult at all. These run Bosch CIS fuel injection, the same as many Porsche 911’s, VW Golfs (Rabbits) etc… Parts for my 83′ R5 Turbo 2 are readily available from European suppliers like 3S Development. There is even a gentleman in New Jersey that supplies parts to us U.S. based owners… I can have parts in hand in 72 hours if need be. And parts are not generally that expensive, especially when compared to cars with Porsche and Ferrari crests on their hoods. As a precaution, I recently replaced my fuel pumps (it has 3) and fuel filters (it has 3) and total cost was like $600. Because these were designed to be competition cars, Renault even designed the car to friendly to mechanics with access doors to inspect and service the water pump, belts and alternator. Brilliant cars.
@DuckNCover post a pic of your R5T2.
I think you need to be a member to post a photo.
Yes, still have that original Radio Shack R5 Turbo… still running strong, like it’s big brother. This pic is from yesterday in far eastern Oregon…
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1og3DVtXz442M8itWlnKpu5WOw6Clo2PM/view?usp=drive_link
No problem. Nicole Johnson’s Detour YouTube channel did an episode on my car. (Ignore me in the episode… I was terrible…) Just search YouTube for “Nicole Johnson French Fury” and you’ll find it…
Blue like your Radio Shack one, do you still have that Radio Shack car? That is one sweet ride!!