1985 Renault R5 Turbo – Black Mid-Engine Rally Icon

The 1985 Renault R5 Turbo combines dramatic boxed bodywork, mid-engine engineering, and turbocharged performance in one of France’s most distinctive enthusiast cars. Finished in black with Turbo 2 graphics, this privately offered example presents a purposeful appearance complemented by multi-piece HRE wheels. Its 1,397cc inline-four, five-speed manual transaxle, independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes create a focused mechanical foundation. Tan cloth upholstery, rally-inspired cabin equipment, documented chassis upgrades, and accompanying manufacturer’s literature further strengthen its evocative competition-bred character.

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1985 Renault R5 Turbo for sale

Engine and Performance

The turbocharged 1,397cc inline-four delivers compact power, distinctive forced-induction response, and the energetic character central to the R5 Turbo experience. A five-speed manual transaxle gives the driver direct control over the engine and keeps its performance accessible across changing road conditions. Positioning the powertrain behind the cabin concentrates the mechanical hardware within the wheelbase and separates this model from the conventional front-engine Renault 5. This unusual configuration creates an immersive combination of turbocharged acceleration, rear-driven performance, and purposeful rally-inspired engineering.

Engineering and Specifications

Independent double-wishbone suspension uses front torsion bars and rear coil springs, providing specialized chassis control suited to the compact mid-engine layout. Bilstein shocks were reportedly installed in September 2012, while chromoly rear lower control arms were fitted during August 2016. Four-wheel disc brakes use braided hoses installed in April 2022, when the brake and hydraulic systems also received fluid services.

Design and Heritage

Black paint emphasizes the abbreviated nose, upright cabin, enormous boxed fender flares, and broad rear stance that define the R5 Turbo silhouette. Turbo 2 graphics celebrate the model’s identity, while front and rear fog lights strengthen its functional European rally appearance. Staggered 15-inch HRE multi-piece wheels introduce a purposeful modification while maintaining appropriately compact proportions beneath the expanded bodywork.

Driving Experience

Turbocharged response, manual shifting, mid-engine balance, and compact dimensions should make every journey intense, distinctive, and highly interactive. An Iso-Delta steering wheel and Jaeger instruments place rally-inspired controls directly before the driver, while a roll bar reinforces the purposeful cabin atmosphere. Yokohama front tires and Michelin classic-rally rear rubber create a mixed fitment that prospective buyers should assess for age, condition, and compatibility.

Why This Car is Special

• Turbocharged mid-mounted 1,397cc inline-four
• Five-speed manual transaxle and rear-wheel drive
• Black exterior with Turbo 2 graphics
• Boxed fender flares and multi-piece HRE wheels
• Bilstein shocks, chromoly control arms, and braided brake hoses

Specifications

• Engine: turbocharged 1,397cc gasoline inline-four
• Transmission: five-speed manual transaxle
• Layout: mid-engine with rear-wheel drive
• Wheels: staggered 15-inch multi-piece HRE wheels
• Brakes: four-wheel discs with braided hoses

Collector and Enthusiast Appeal

The R5 Turbo remains celebrated for its radical transformation of a familiar hatchback shape into a specialized mid-engine performance machine. This example’s black presentation, Turbo 2 graphics, upgraded wheels, rally-oriented cabin, documented suspension work, and manufacturer’s literature create a compelling specification. For collectors seeking unusual engineering, unmistakable design, and genuine European competition atmosphere, this distinctive Renault offers an ownership experience unlike conventional sports cars.

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The 1985 Renault R5 Turbo combines menacing black presentation, energetic turbocharged performance, tactile five-speed control, and radical mid-engine architecture in one unforgettable French rally icon. It represents a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts who value unconventional engineering, competition-inspired design, documented chassis enhancements, and the enduring excitement of Renault’s celebrated performance experiment.