1985 Renault R5 Turbo 2

Description 1985 Renault R5 Turbo2 Type 8221 Chassis Number – VF1822100F0010052 Engine Number – C7KA7 000044 Exterior Color – Black Interior Color – Black and Tan Engine Type – 1.4L Turbocharged inline 4 cylinder Gearbox – 5-speed transaxle Current Miles –33,494 miles Owner Purchase –Purchased new by current owner Highlights of This R5 Turbo2 – #052 of 200 road going Type 8221 models for homologation – One-owner with enthusiast inspired performance upgrades – Original owner service history and records – Delivered with limited slip, Gotti wheels, 185 hp engine, comp. suspension, and power windows General History Though Largely unknown to US auto buyers in the 1970s, the Renault Le Car made its debut in North America in 1976 primarily as an entry level economy car chasing the fuel crisis. That same year the European Renault 5 was given Alpine treatment which gave the formerly sedate offering a bit of a performance boost, essentially becoming one of the first “Hot Hatches” of this era. Motivated by the success of Lancia and their dominance in rally racing with the Dino-powered mid-engine Stratos, Renault cleverly reconfigured the formerly front engine, front drive car to a rear-biased mid-engine design. Marc Deschamps and Marcello Gandini at Bertone designed the body to emphasize the mid-engine configuration with details in compliance with Group 4 homologation rules. 400 Renault 5 Turbos were built in the initial offering followed by the R5 Turbo 2, also constructed in limited numbers, with the Type 8221 introduced to comply with Group B regulations. These models feature an aluminum roof panel in addition to the boxed fender flares of the standard Turbo 2. 3,167 Turbo2 models built from 1983-1986. This is #052 of 200 produced for homologation to qualify as an R5 Maxi Turbo rally car for WRC Groupe B competition. Though not available for US import at the time, Grey Market cars did enter the US via a complex conversion process to achieve federal compliance. Today the R5 is highly sought after in both Turbo and Turbo2 configurations, appreciated for both the remarkable performance and unforgettable 1980s era design. History of this Turbo 2 This Turbo2 was purchased new by the current owner on November 15, 1984. Copies of the original purchase order placed at Export Sales, Jensen Beach, FL indicate the car was optioned with the 185hp engine, Gotti wheels with Dunlop racing tires, competition suspension, limited slip differential, and power windows. Documentation accompanying the car includes the original European delivery invoice, customs transit invoice dated March 3, 1985, temporary use permit, US DoT Compliance Sheets, as well as several pages of compliance photographs and actions taken to convert this car to US requirements including US compliant headlights, speedometer in miles (using an applique for the speedometer numbers but retaining the factory odometer which has continued recording consecutively in kilometers), safety belt and ignition warning buzzer unit installed, steel door beams installed for side impact protection, bumpers enhanced for internal structural rigidity, and a fuel safety vent valve. Inclusive of these requirements, more than 20 pages of documentation with compliance notations and approvals accompany the car. After compliance, the owner titled and registered this Turbo2 in Nevada where he enjoyed the car for many years accumulating modest miles while having general services and fluid changes performed. By 2014, the owner elected to freshen the car with carefully selected performance upgrades using the very best in turbo parts offered from specialized Turbo2 vendors. Work included the installation of a larger Garrett turbo with new actuator and plumbing (original turbo included with the car), new engine gaskets including head gasket, JE Renault R5 comp Turbo Nitro pistons, resized connecting rods with CS ARP bolts, new fuel accumulator, and machining work for the engine which included the installation of spun cast iron cylinders – an important upgrade over stock cylinders. While this work was being performed, a new Quaife differential was also installed. Although the car retains the stock turbo boost gauge, an Air/Fuel mixture gauge was added. As part of the upgrade to coil over shock absorbers, the front lower A-Arms were strengthened and the owner notes that the original torsion bars may be refitted without issue. With the mechanical work completed in 2018, the owner delivered the car in 2019 to Intrepid Motorcar Company, Reno, NV who performed a comprehensive repaint including removing the windshield and installing new windshield molding and performing correct fiberglass bonding for the steel to fiberglass body seams. The owner reports that an extension to the steering wheel and gear shift handle have been added to accommodate his longer legs, a feature future taller drivers will appreciate. Condition and Operation Today this Renault R5 presents in excellent condition featuring smooth and glossy black paint and improved panel bonding which correctly remedies the factory flawed body seams that join the fiberglass/metal components unique to the R5. The rubber and various black trim are in excellent condition throughout including the front bumper ventilation trim and intake vents. The stance is perfectly positioned, resting on the optional Gotti wheels featuring perimeter bolts and aluminum rims. A set of Avon 155/55R13 dated 2022 are mounted at the front with 245/50R13 dated late 2021 are mounted at the rear. The glass, lenses, and lighting are in excellent condition including the unique R5 roof spoiler which is smooth and correctly finished. Unlike so many of these cars, it is rare to find one that has been properly maintained under singular original ownership. The black and tan interior remains in excellent condition with materials and surfaces that are correct and preserved from excessive sun exposure. In keeping with the owner’s performance enhancements, a set of