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1986 Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase I)

Sold Price

£13,833

  • Mileage186,638 KMs, 115,971 miles
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.4L
  • LocationNorthampton

SOLD

1986 Renault 5 GT Turbo (Phase I)

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Introduction

Glyn Parry
Professional Consigner

What started as a small, cheap to run city car, was transformed into one of the greatest hot hatches of the 80s.

Designed by Michael Boue who was a car designer in his spare time, Renault were so impressed with Boue’s work that they immediately authorized a development program and work began on the Renault 5. It was designed to be one of the first modern supermini’s which would feature Reanult’s patented hatchback design, as used on the Renault 16 in 1965. To keep up with the modern day traffic, after a few years the engine size was increased to 1108cc and 1289cc, and then finally the 1397cc, which eventually had the Garrett T2 turbocharger bolted to it, along with a newly fitted body kit. This would create one of the most popular hot hatches of the 80s and 90s, up there with the likes of the Golf GTI and Peugeot 205 GTI, but running a much smaller turbocharged engine.

Originally, this Phase I was used as a demo car in France, before it was purchased at 6 months old and taken to Portugal where it resided until it came to the UK in 1990. This car is coming to market from 7 years ownership where it has been been through a restoration back to an as near as possible, factory condition, Renault 5 GT Turbo.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Lee the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Having previously owned a modified Phase 2 GT turbo, I wanted a standard Phase 1 - they are rarer and, in my opinion, the better looking car.

Lee is the owner of this 1986 Phase I Renault 5 GT Turbo. He has been a huge Renault fan for some years, previously owning later model GT Turbos, which were usually modified in some way, shape or form. The urge to get a Phase 1 in original condition got the better of him and this was spotted for sale.

Not shy of any work, Lee has taken a great deal of time and care to get the car into the fantastic condition you see here today. With the car completed before lockdowns started, it was taken and enjoyed at a few shows, until as you know everything came to a halt, and the car was put in storage. Now with a house move pending, the sale of the rare Ash Grey GT Turbo is going to fund some of the renovations on the new family home. Lee will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding his much-loved GT Turbo in the comments below.

Lee
Vehicle Owner

Lee saved £2,340* when they
sold their Renault with us.

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Exterior

The Renault 5 in normal guise is somewhat of a simple car - but fitted with the GT Turbo body kit, it presents it in a whole new light.

Wheels and Tyres

The original wheels have been refurbished to as new factory specification colour, and are in good condition. They look great, but it is worth noting on just one wheel, the rear offside, there is some slight lifting of the paint.

A full set of matching Yokohama A539 tyres have been chosen for the 5 GT Turbo, which are in excellent condition. View the picture gallery to see the wheels up close.

Bodywork

The Renault 5 has had some bodywork carried out in the way of new sills being fitted. As you can see, the car is extremely well presented. Looking down the sides of the car, it is as Renault intended, with no dings or dents. The doors look to align as they should and the phase 1 body kit is fitted to an excellent standard.

Please take the time to look through the hi-resolution images we have taken for a more detailed look at the exterior.

Paint

The colour of the car is something quite special, Renault only made them in this colour for the European market. It's called "Ash Grey" and it was only available in the Phase I model.

The paint finish looks to be excellent with a deep luxurious shine, the Ash Grey pops in the sunshine as can be seen in our selection of high-quality images taken. The 5 has been repainted inside and out to an excellent standard. Please take the time to fully assess the condition of the exterior. The images taken are from various angles and reflections to show off this stunning 1986 Renault 5 GT Turbo at its absolute best, as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks to be in good condition with a new windscreen fitted, and this is free from any marks. The trims and seals are also in excellent order, and anything needing to be replaced has been. The body kit, as mentioned, fits like a glove and there are no scuffs to be concerned about.

Lee has fitted new headlights, indicators, taillights and number plate lights, so these are all in excellent condition as you would expect. Please see our detailed gallery showing the full exterior.

Interior

The period correct interior has been renovated with factory material for a factory finish.

Seats and Carpets

The seats in the Renault have had some restoration work carried out, but this has been done with matching original material, an excellent job leaving it difficult to tell where has been restored. The bolsters to both front seats are in excellent condition, with no signs of any wear, and the rear seat is also in excellent condition. The door cards are in good order with just a couple of marks, which can be seen in our gallery.

The carpets look to be the originals and are fitted with rubber Reanult mats to protect them. Lifting the mat, there is some light wear to the driver’s side, but nothing too excessive and definitely less than you would expect for the age and mileage of the car. There is a small hole under the driver's seat, but this can not be seen when the seat is in its normal position, only when tilted to gain access to the rear.

Please see the interior gallery section for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in nice condition, with no splits or cracks to mention, full of 80s charm. The instrument binnacle is in good order with no scratches to the cluster face. Lee has had the dial faces restored to their original condition. The vibrant red numerals and markings look fantastic now, and are a lovely contrasting detail in the interior. They are all working as they should and the odometer is displaying 186,638 kilometres (115,971 miles).

Please see the interior gallery for more hi-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in good condition, with no excessive wear to be seen, as is the gear knob. The top of the knob is again finished with a gate pattern in red to match the instruments, a very nice design touch.

Mechanics

1.4 litre with a Garrett T2 Turbocharger in a car weighing in at 850kg - it’s understandable why the GT Turbo was a popular hot hatch.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine in the Renault 5 is a turbocharged 1400 cc producing 113BHP, capable of pushing the car from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds - very impressive for a 1400cc in the early 80s don’t you think?

The car has recently received a full service to ensure it is kept in tip-top condition, new water pump has been fitted and also the carburettor has been rebuilt during the restoration, and finishing it off is a new centre and rear exhaust system. The car fires up straight away, with no untoward noises coming from the engine bay, just what you'd expect from a restored example.

The gearbox is a 5-speed manual that changes gear nice and smooth as the hot hatch powers through the gears, and this can be seen in our "On The Road" section of the video.

Suspension and Brakes

Originally, being a European model GT Turbo, it came with slightly higher springs. Lee has fitted some lowering springs along with new dampers, which has brought the car down to an even level. This is the look Lee prefers, but importantly should you wish to revert back to the standard springs, they are included with the car.

Whilst work on the suspension was carried out it made sense to do the rest, so Lee has fitted new lower arms, track rod ends and wheel bearings. The brakes have also been given the once over with new discs, pads and front calipers.

The Drive

Just coming in at the beginning of the hot hatch era, the Renault 5 GT Turbo is enormous fun to drive. It’s quick, nimble and precise, and will pretty much make you feel 20 years younger blasting around in your little pocket rocket!

The drive is nice and smooth. The boost gauge could get a little addictive when you feel how well the car pulls coming onto boost.

Electrics and Other

All the switchgear in the Renault is working as it should and is also in good order with no wear to the switches. There is a Kenwood CD head-unit fitted that has replaced the original.

History and Paperwork

An excellent restoration over ~5 years with a focus on originality, this rare Ash Grey Renault 5 GT Turbo Phase I is complete and searching for a new home.

There is a nice history file with the Renault 5 GT Turbo. This has mostly come from Lee owning and restoring the car, and unfortunately any paperwork before this has been lost by a previous keeper when the car was in Portugal. The car is reported to be one of 3 left in existence in the particular colour and trim spec, making it quite a special French modern classic.

Lee has spent an enormous amount of time restoring this beautiful GT Turbo to its original condition. Anyone who has done this will know how much time and effort goes into searching and sourcing parts for any vehicle of this age.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
05.03.2022 MOT 186,692 km
06.02.2021 MOT 186,585 km
10.06.2019 MOT 186,530 km
31.05.2018 MOT 185,171 km
03.06.2017 MOT 184,852 km
29.12.2015 MOT 184,658 km
26.11.2009 MOT 90,930
12.09.2008 MOT 88,550
09.03.2007 MOT 88,539
Key Details
  • Model5 GT Turbo (Phase I)
  • Transmission5-Speed manual
  • Reg. Date1986
  • CC1,397
  • Mileage186,638 Kilometres, 115,971 miles
  • HistoryPart
  • ColourAsh Grey
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #VF1C4050560514786
  • Engine #G1JC7/82J020385
  • RestoredYes
  • Former Keepers4 previous UK keepers
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~7 Years
  • Key FeatureExcellent restoration
  • Auction ID950







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Ask Questions
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7 Comments
Maxsumrob1
Maxsumrob1
1 year ago

Hello, have tried searching for internal measurements online but cant find any, sorry to ask, but as I am 6’3″, will I fit into the car? Thks Lee

PrivatePike
PrivatePike
1 year ago

Hello Lee

Where has he car originated from ?

Regards

Markytf40
Markytf40
1 year ago

Hi Lee, do you know the history of the car between 2009 & 2015 to explain how it covered 95k kms with no MOT history ? Also were there any advisories at last MOT and do you intend to MOT the vehicle before sale ? Thanks

Markytf40
Markytf40
  LeeMcd
1 year ago

Thanks for confirming all that

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Vehicle Location

Northampton

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