Few cars spark the imagination like a phase 1 Renault 5 Turbo. An unabashed folly of a car designed by enthusiasts from one of the quirkiest automaking nations, this 1981 model is currently being sold by Collecting Cars.
That means, not only that the car is changing hands but that Chris Harris has been given the keys in order to give us his opinion of it. And it sounds like he may be talking himself into buying it.
The car is powered by a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that was installed in the back and sends its power to the rear wheels. The engine is, however, of its era.
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“Engine? Well, of course, these old snotters are never as quick as we’d hope,” says Harris. “160 hp [119 kW/162 PS], it does feel like it’s got all of them. Very, very laggy. You hear the boost start to spool before you see anything registered on the boost gauge there.”
Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. Despite having previously called the Renault 5 Turbo one of the best-looking but worst driving cars ever, this example has changed Harris’ mind. Though slightly slower than cars today, its chassis is excellent, its handling is superb, and the gearbox is excellent.
“What a fun car!” he says. “I think in this era, at the end of the internal combustion engine, we’re looking for quirky, characterful stuff, aren’t we? And this is just dripping with it.”
The word characterful, though, could also be used to describe this example’s history. Used throughout its life, the Renault 5 Turbo 1 is certainly not in Concours condition and it bears signs of its age. It is also anything but all-original, though the modifications do nothing to dilute the experience of driving, apparently. Those interested in bidding on this car can do so on Collecting Cars until Monday, May 9.
