Ever since I was made aware of this interesting 1984 Renault 5 Gordini Turbo on our shores, it had always remained at the priority of my spotting to-do list. It just so happened that someone in a group chat posted a picture of it at one of the workshops; this caught me by surprise as the last pictures of this car were taken at some other workshop far away. Naturally, I made a beeline to see it after work and finally got to see this elusive unit in the flesh!
First introduced in 1972, the Renault 5 was designed by Michel Boué in his spare time. When Renault executives learned of Boué's work, they were so impressed by his concept that they immediately pushed to make his concept into a reality. The car featured a steeply-sloping rear hatchback, and the tail lights were originally intended to be on the C-pillar. The 5 was marketed to the cost-conscious and as such, the first engine available was only 800 cc before it was upgraded to 845 cc.
In 1976, the Alpine/Gordini was launched, featuring a larger engine and stiffer suspension. It was one of the first hot hatches before the well-known VW Golf GTI. Renault could not use the Alpine name in the UK due to a copyright, and thus they named the car after Amédée Gordini, a French car tuner with links with Renault and previous sporting models. Subsequently, the Alpine/Gordini Turbo appeared in 1982 as an evolution of the naturally aspirated Renault 5 Gordini.
The Gordini Turbo was relatively agile, with responsive steering and lively handling that encouraged spirited driving. However, it was usually outshone by the legendary Renault 5 Turbo; the main difference was in the engine's location behind the driver (instead of being in front as with the Gordini Turbo), along with fender flares and a more aggressive look. The Gordini Turbo benefited from some of the racing pedigree that was established by the more powerful 5 Turbo/Turbo 2: it was a popular choice for amateur racers and club-level motorsport, providing an affordable entry point into competitive driving. The Gordini Turbo was powered by a 1397 cc C6J turbo inline-4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 186 km/h with an acceleration of 9.1 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was only 870 kg and 3558 mm long, with a fuel consumption of 12.6 litres/km.
Production of the Gordini Turbo ended in 1985, though the whole model officially stopped in 1996. This particular unit is noted to have Turbo 2 fenders and badging, and more impressively its engine has been converted to the mid-engine layout. Turbo 2s were never made in RHD, but I would never have guessed that the engine had also been moved to pass off this Gordini Turbo as the actual Turbo 2 - makes you wonder about its history doesn't it? Interestingly, another Renault 5 unit surfaced a few years back which was never registered: RHD conversions of Turbo 2s are possible, but it could very well be a Gordini Turbo converted to a Turbo 2.
Gordini Turbos were sold here in 1982 by then-Renault dealer Exklusiv Auto Pte Ltd, where it retailed for $36,125. A conversion kit to the 5 Turbo 2 could be had for an additional $20,000. While the Gordini Turbo may not be the most famous hot hatch of its era, it played an important role in Renault’s performance car history. With its engaging driving dynamics, turbocharged punch, and motorsport roots, it remains a hidden gem for those who appreciate classic hot hatches. It is also more amazing that we still have 1 here that had remained hidden for so long...hopefully the work done to the car will allow it to tear up the roads like before!
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