Lot details
Registration No: B253CGJ
Chassis No: VF1882100F0010017
Mot Expiry: Sept 2010

Fast and raucous, the Renault 5 Turbo is the definitive homologation special: keep the basic shape and not much else. The 1397cc pushrod engine was moved to where the rear seats had been and drove the back wheels with the help of an enormous Garrett turbocharger. On its debut outing a 5 Turbo won the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally with Jean Ragnotti behind the wheel (interestingly the same driver was later responsible for the model's last great victory, the 1985 Tour de Corse). After the first batch of 400 cars had been made to satisfy Group 4 homologation, a second generation continued, known as Turbo 2. In 1985 Group B homologation was sought for the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo so it could contest the World Rally Championship. As a result 200 evolution cars were produced featuring numerous engine changes including a slight increase in capacity to 1427cc, plus different turbocharger and cylinder head to allow more scope for further modification.

The seller informs us that `B253 CGJ' has an aluminium roof and is one of those select 200 (though, total Turbo 2 production ran to 3,167 cars). Stated to be mechanically standard, it has been retrimmed at some stage and thus sports a non-standard steering wheel and aftermarket seats. The vendor describes the bodywork and paintwork as "A1" and notes that the engine - still apparently downrated to the standard 165bhp - "starts and pulls well with no smoke", while the five-speed transmission is said to "work fine with no nasty noises and a smooth shift". Accompanying MOT certificates show that the left-hand drive Renault has only covered about 6000km since 1995. Reportedly treated to a recent brake overhaul including "a new master cylinder, callipers and pads", the car is further understood to have benefited from "a fresh starter motor and battery". The Turbo 2 is currently SORNed and will need re-taxing before road use. Although wearing aftermarket alloy wheels so as to allow a wider choice of modern tyres, this glorious homologation special also comes with its original metric-sized wheels and roll cage (not fitted).

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until September 2010.