Renault 5 Gordini Turbo 1983
General description :
A rare and desirable Gordini Turbo, with just 53k miles from new.
MODEL HISTORY
Priced new at £5,750, compared with the £5,325 of the normally aspirated Gordini that it replaced, the Gordini Turbo was by far the most expensive front engined R5 variant. It was over £400 cheaper than the Golf GTi but was identically priced with the Ford XR-3, and was £250 more expensive than the Fiat Strada 105TC.
Externally, it differed from its predecessor only in the discreet "turbo" badges front and rear, the not so discreet "TURBO" decal across the rear screen, and the attractive polished turbine-style wheels. The engine was essentially the same 1,397cc unit as in the Gordini, but equipped with lower compression pistons to suit the Garret turbocharger installation. The static compression ratio was 8.6:1, compared with 10:1 in normally aspirated guise, and electronic ignition was used. The overall effect was to increase power output from 93hp at 6,000rpm to 110hp at the same engine speed, while improving the torque curve considerably, as well as raising the maximum value from 85 lb-ft 109 lb-ft at 4,000rpm.
The turbocharger itself was nestled low down at the front nearside of the car and sucked a petrol/air mixture through a Weber 32DIR75 carburetter, and the air/fuel mixture was taken by a long cast alloy duct across the top of the engine to the off-side inlet manifold. No intercooler was fitted, and the air was heated over the exhaust manifold in cold weather before being ducted across to the air cleaner on the offside, thence back to the carburetter.
The suspension was by torsion bars and was independent all round. The diameter of the front longitudinal bars were increased by one millimeter, as were the diameters of the front and rear anti-roll bars, making for a much stiffer and tauter handling car. Steering was by rack-and-pinion with 3.7 turns from lock to lock. To cope with the added performance provided by the turbocharged unit, the braking system was completely revamped, the Gordini Turbo being equipped with disc-brakes all round. The system had tandem circuits and was servo-assisted. A pressure-limiting valve was fitted to the rear circuit, and this was load sensitive.
Equipment
5-Speed manual gearbox, Electric windows, Three-spoke leather steering wheel, Reclining wrap-around front seats with head restraints, Flat-folding rear split seats, Heated rear window, Pivoting rear quarter windows, Rear wash/wipe, Front fog lamps, Oil pressure gauge, Boost pressure gauge, Radio blanking plate, Cigar lighter, Ashtray, Digital clock, Alloy sports wheels, Laminated windscreen, Rear load cover, Turbo decals, Spare wheel.
EXTERIOR
This low mileage Gordini Turbo looks smashing under our studio lights, with the jet black paint boasting a glossy finish to each of the panels. The car presents well throughout having been treated to a full re-paint in recent years. Despite this it has never needed restoration, with only minimal metal work to the underside having ever been required. Finished with a fresh set of red turbo decals along both sides, this iconic hot hatch makes an excellent first impression.
INTERIOR
The classic French interior remains in superb original condition. The comfortable front sports seats and split-folding rear seats are still upholstered in their factory corduroy cloth which is free from any rips or significant marking. The original carpets are still in place too and are free from any notable discolouration; even the driver's heel pad remains undamaged.
Lifting the tailgate you'll find an unmarked boot area, still present with the corduroy load liner and carpeted floor panels. Spec'd new without a radio the car has never had any unsightly speakers fitted, which is particularly rare for a hot hatch of this vintage; even the correct Renault blanking plate is retained in the centre console. A pristine spare wheel is also present beneath the boot floor.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The engine bay is in sound condition with no signs of accident damage or poor repair. Having never needed restoration the under-bonnet area retains an original finish without looking overly dressed. Recent mechanical work includes the cleaning and rebuilding of both the carburetter and turbo. The clutch has also been replaced and a service has just been carried out to include new spark plugs.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The attractive 13-inch turbine-style wheels have just been refurbished to a perfect standard by Lepsons. The striking diamond cut finish looks amazing against the car's black paintwork, and all four wheels are shod in brand new tyres. New brake pads have also been fitted ensuring the car stops well on test. Four-wheel alignment was recently carried out.
HISTORY FILE
The Gordini Turbo was first registered in February 1983. It has seen just four keepers since that time, remaining under the current ownership since 2010. It resided in dry storage for a number of years and so a light re-commissioning has been undertaken in the months prior to sale. With just 53k miles under its belt the car now presents a rare opportunity to purchase one of the original hot hatch icons.
http://www.4starclassics.com/renault-5-gordini-turbo-for-sale/
1983 Renault 5 Gordini Turbo is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £17995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Renault Model : 5 Model Version : Gordini Turbo Engine size : 1.4 Model Year : 1983 Sub type : Pick up Location : Hampshire
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About Renault
Ah, Renault, a name that's as French as a croissant and as ingrained in automotive history as a baguette in a Parisian café. Let's take a leisurely drive through the annals of this storied manufacturer, shall we?Our story begins in the late 19th century when the Renault brothers, Louis, Marcel, and Fernand, decided to put their inventive minds to work. In 1898, they introduced their very first car, the Renault Voiturette. It was a petite, rear-engined contraption that looked like something Jules Verne might have designed. This pint-sized pioneer laid the foundation for Renault's automotive legacy.
Now, if we're talking about influential Renault models, we mustn't overlook the Renault 4. Launched in 1961, it was the French answer to the Volkswagen Beetle. The Renault 4 was practical, versatile, and designed to handle the rough and tumble of rural France. It was as much at home in the city as it was on a farm, a true embodiment of French pragmatism.
But let's not forget the Renault 5, or "Le Supercinq" as it was known in France. Introduced in the mid-'70s, this little hatchback was a design sensation. Its quirky, angular lines and cheeky personality made it an instant hit. It was economical, fun to drive, and became an icon of French urban life.
Then came the Renault Espace in 1984. It was one of the pioneers of the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment. The Espace was designed for families who wanted the practicality of a van without sacrificing the comfort of a car. It was the beginning of a new era in family transport.
And let's not forget the Renault Twingo, introduced in 1992. It was a small city car that broke the mold with its innovative design and rear-engine layout. The Twingo was proof that small cars could be stylish and practical, and it was a hit with urban dwellers across Europe.
Now, if you want to talk about a true game-changer, it's the Renault Clio. First introduced in 1990, the Clio became a European favorite. It combined style, performance, and affordability in a way that few cars could match. It's the kind of car that's as comfortable on the Champs-Élysées as it is navigating the narrow streets of a French village.
But, of course, we can't forget the Renault Megane. It's been a stalwart of the compact car segment since its debut in 1995. With its distinctive rear-end design and a range of engines to suit every taste, the Megane has remained a strong contender in a competitive market.
So there you have it, a leisurely tour through the history of Renault, a company that has always managed to infuse a touch of French flair into the automotive world. Renault has given us cars that are as diverse as the French countryside itself, from practical workhorses to stylish city slickers. It's a brand that's as much a part of France's cultural tapestry as a bottle of Bordeaux or a game of pétanque. Vive la Renault!