1983 Renault 5 Alpine Turbo

Highlights

• One of only 500 units ever produced
• 1,397 cc turbocharged engine and weighing in at less than a tonne
• Hand-assembled at the Alpine factory in Dieppe
• Subject to a full engine and gearbox rebuild in 2018 by rally specialists John Price Rallying
• The suspension has been upgraded with Bilstein shocks and springs
• Imported into the UK in 2005 
• 204,860 km (127,294 miles) on the clock

General Description

Say “hot hatch,” and the Renault 5 Alpine Turbo is the car that sparked a revolution, setting the benchmark for all that followed – even before the VW Golf GTI hit the scene. In 1983, Renault took the already iconic Renault 5 and gave it a serious adrenaline injection with the Alpine Turbo, turning an everyday runabout into a true pocket rocket.

Under the bonnet lay a 1,397 cc OHV engine – an engineering gem derived from Renault’s ‘Sierra’ engine – now enhanced with a crossflow cylinder head and hemispherical combustion chambers. But the real star was the Garrett T3 turbocharger, boosting power to an impressive 110 bhp. In a car weighing just over 850 kg, that meant 0-60 mph in a thrilling 8.7 seconds and a top speed just shy of 112 mph. For its time, those were astonishing figures.

What truly made the Alpine Turbo a standout was how it combined raw turbocharged power with precision handling. The stiffened suspension, along with its lightweight build, made it a joy to throw into corners, all while retaining the original torsion bar setup. Add to that the flared arches, distinct alloy wheels, and unmistakable fog lights, and this was a car that screamed performance before you even turned the key.

The Renault 5 Alpine Turbo wasn’t all about the speed, though, it was about redefining what small cars could do. It inspired an entire generation of hot hatches, proving that a compact car could deliver excitement on par with much larger and more expensive sports cars. Even today, this ‘80s classic holds a special place in automotive history, a reminder of the unfiltered joy that turbocharged motoring brought to the masses.

About this specific vehicle

The Renault 5 Alpine Turbo was never about blending in, and this 1983 example is no exception. One of only 500 ever built, it’s a rare find for any car enthusiast and a true representation of everything that made 1980s hot hatches so irresistible.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1,397 cc turbocharged engine that pushes this lightweight machine to a top speed of 111 mph, hitting 0-60 in a snappy 8.7 seconds. Weighing under a tonne, this Renault is built for agility – perfect for darting along those winding B-roads where its nimble, turbocharged punch really shines. If you’ve ever driven a featherweight turbo, you’ll understand why this car is still a thrill to drive decades later.

Hand-built at Renault’s Alpine factory in Dieppe, this was no ordinary hatchback. This particular car spent much of its early life in France, where six previous owners covered 186,512 km, before it was imported to the UK in 2005, where it subsequently had three more owners. It’s had nine owners over the years, all keeping it in strong condition, making it a well-preserved example of this iconic hot hatch.

In 2013, the interior got a tasteful refresh, with the original seat fabric retained and new foam added to keep that authentic 1980s look while improving comfort. Then, in 2018, the car underwent a major mechanical overhaul by rally specialists John Price Rallying, including a full engine and gearbox rebuild and a new clutch. The suspension was upgraded with Bilstein shocks and springs, enhancing the already sharp handling.

With 204,860 km (127,294 miles) on the clock, this Renault 5 Alpine Turbo has been well-maintained by its four UK keepers and is ready to hit the road again. For anyone after a classic hot hatch with a dash of rarity and history, this Renault 5 Alpine Turbo is a superb example – fun, charismatic, and built to stand out.

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