1983 Renault Stock No. 2524

R5 Turbo 2

-Metallic Black/Beige

-Recent mechanical work

-~29,400km indicated

-Buyer must do their due diligence if considering purchase for California usage


"For Sale: 38-Year-Old French Hatchback"


Those words might strike fear into less-hearty folks, but your ears perk up. Could that French hatchback have a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine mounted midships driving the rear wheels through a five-speed transaxle? Is it twelve feet long? Is it... an R5 Turbo 2?!?


Yes, it is, and a low-kilometer example. Not only is it low-kilometer, but it was also owned previously by racing driver and team owner Willi Kauhsen.


This car is in exceptional original shape. The exterior presents well and is tidy, if not unblemished. While not a concours-winner, it would contend for the preservation class. Seals and lenses are in exceptional shape for the year. The glasses are in exceptional shape and the windshield does not exhibit pitting or wiper wear. The exterior trim has not suffered any damage from sun exposure or weathering and the rear exhaust skirt is present and accounted for. The wheels have minor corrosion blemishes.


For the 1982 model year, Renault toned back the rather extreme interior of the Turbo and replaced it with the interior from the standard 5. This was not just 70s enthusiasm waning, it was a calculated decision to reduce the cost of the car. This car's beige interior is in exceptional shape. The seats exhibit no tears and are in excellent physical and mechanical condition, with minor upholstery sag. The carpet is not pristine but is also in great shape for its age. The steering wheel and dash are unmarked and pleasantly laid-out. The gauges are bright and functional. The front trunk is clean, and this car has its hard-to-find spare wheel and tire. The optional power windows are fully functional.


The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder starts quickly and runs strong. It shifts into all five forward gears and reverse quickly and without clashing. The clutch action is strong, the braking immediate, and the suspension superb. The ride is a bit brittle around town (the location of the engine necessitated a switch to coilovers in the rear) but smooths out on the road and the steering is light, feelsome, and eager.


This R5 Turbo 2 is an exceptional example of an iconic French performance car.


Over the past eleven years, the car has had many parts replaced. Here is a year-by-year break-down of the replaced parts:



2010

Fuel filter

Fuel line, filter to accumulator

Fuel line, accumulator to pump

Fuel lines, injectors, complete, Aeroquip

Spark plugs

Injection boot o-ring

Fuel distributor diaphragm

Fuel pump seals

Fuel distributor kit

Fuel level sender x2

Suction hoses

Fuel tank connection hose kit

Air filter

Oil filter

Tachometer relay


2011

Fuel injector x4

Reinforced valve cover gasket

Valve cover sealing washers

Accessory belt

Water pump

Water pump gasket

Tachometer relay

SPI seal gearbox outlet x2


2012

Fuel accumulator

Hot air extraction fan

Tailgate damper


2013

Brackets for front anti-roll bar

Front anti-roll bar bushings

Rear anti-roll bar bushings


2015

Wheel nuts x4

Wheel center caps x2

Washer pump

Brake fluid reservoir cap

Front tires


2017

User's manual

Brake master cylinder

Renault emblem

Turbo 2 emblem


2020

Fuel hose kit with strainer

Accessory belt

Fuel tank connection hose kit

Viton hose between buffer tank and Y to fuel filler