1981 Renault R5 Turbo for Sale – Red Mid-Engine Five-Speed Rally Icon

The 1981 Renault R5 Turbo transforms Renault’s familiar compact hatchback shape into one of the most dramatic road cars of the early 1980s through mid-engine architecture, turbocharged power, and competition-inspired bodywork. Finished in red with Turbo graphics over red and blue upholstery, this privately offered example presents the vivid color, broad stance, and unmistakable visual attitude associated with the model. Its turbocharged 1,397cc inline-four, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual transaxle, independent suspension, Bilstein dampers, ventilated disc brakes, staggered metric wheels, and heavily bolstered seats create a highly focused specification. For collectors seeking French rally heritage, analog turbo performance, and one of the era’s most recognizable homologation-inspired designs, this Renault offers substantial appeal.

View the official listing below.
1981 Renault R5 Turbo for sale

Engine and Performance

The turbocharged 1,397cc gasoline inline-four gives the 1981 Renault R5 Turbo a responsive and increasingly urgent power delivery that reflects the character of early forced-induction performance engineering. Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection meters fuel to the compact engine, while turbocharging provides the strong mid-range surge that helped define the model’s distinctive road personality. A five-speed manual transaxle keeps the driver closely involved through deliberate gear selection and direct management of the engine’s boost and rev range. Combined with rear-wheel drive and a centrally positioned powertrain, the drivetrain creates an energetic experience built around balance, throttle discipline, and preserving momentum.

Engineering and Specifications

The independent suspension uses double wishbones and torsion bars at the front, while coil springs support the rear, giving the chassis a sophisticated layout suited to its unusual weight distribution. Bilstein shock absorbers are reportedly fitted and contribute to controlling body movement during quick direction changes, braking, and acceleration. Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes provide the stopping hardware required by the turbocharged layout, while the seller notes that the existing tires should be replaced because of age.

Design and Heritage

The body combines the upright glasshouse of the Renault 5 with boxed fender flares, deeply extended rear quarters, a compact nose, broad side intakes, and a purposeful stance shaped by rally competition. Red paint and period Turbo graphics emphasize the aggressive proportions, while orange-accented wheel recesses, front and rear fog lights, and the wide rear track reinforce its motorsport identity. Inside, red and blue upholstery, heavily bolstered bucket seats, straightforward instrumentation, a Pioneer CD stereo, and compact dimensions create a vivid cabin that remains focused on the driver.

Driving Experience

From behind the wheel, the 1981 Renault R5 Turbo should feel compact, responsive, and highly mechanical, with the five-speed gearbox encouraging deliberate shifts as the turbocharger builds pressure. The mid-engine balance, rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, Bilstein dampers, wide rear tires, and ventilated brakes support rapid responses while rewarding smooth inputs and careful weight transfer. On a mountain route, historic rally, collector tour, or carefully selected weekend road, the Renault promises vivid turbocharged acceleration, direct steering feedback, and a memorable sense of competition-bred purpose.

Why This Car is Special

• Turbocharged 1,397cc inline-four with Bosch K-Jetronic injection
• Five-speed manual transaxle and mid-engine rear-wheel-drive layout
• Boxed fender flares with distinctive red Turbo graphics
• Bilstein dampers and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes
• Staggered metric wheels, bolstered seats, tool kit, and front-trunk spare

Specifications

• Year: 1981
• Model: Renault R5 Turbo
• Engine: Turbocharged 1,397cc gasoline inline-four
• Transmission: Five-speed manual transaxle
• Condition: Good condition, privately offered performance hatchback

Collector and Enthusiast Appeal

The 1981 Renault R5 Turbo appeals to enthusiasts because it combines unmistakable French design, mid-engine packaging, turbocharged performance, manual control, and competition-inspired chassis engineering within one highly charismatic platform. Its red finish, Turbo graphics, red and blue cabin, Bosch injection, five-speed transaxle, independent suspension, Bilstein shocks, ventilated brakes, staggered wheels, Michelin TRX tires, orange wheel accents, fog lights, bucket seats, Pioneer stereo, tool kit, and front-mounted spare provide exceptional specification depth. As early turbocharged homologation-style road cars remain highly distinctive, this example offers mechanical theater, historical importance, and striking visual presence.

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The 1981 Renault R5 Turbo combines extraordinary rally-inspired styling, urgent turbocharged performance, tactile five-speed control, and sophisticated mid-engine engineering in one unforgettable compact car. It represents a compelling opportunity for collectors who value analog involvement, French motorsport heritage, and unmistakable early-1980s character.