The Renault 5 Turbo – a True Racing Legend
Like the Mini Cooper before it the Renault 5 achieved cult status across the globe, including in America where it was renamed Le Car. This was all thanks to the fact that it was fun to drive, affordable, reliable and of course light on fuel. But what many people here in South Africa never knew, there was also a turbo version of this much loved vehicle available between 1980 and 1986 (only 4987 were ever built). This amazing piece of French engineering was no normal car and it was in many ways ahead of its time. Take for example the fact that had a forced-induction engine located at the back of the car, much like the Clio V6 that would follow. It was also not an easy automobile to handle due to its high power output, but this did not deter many would-be rally drivers some of which would go on to win some of the most important rally races in world. One such driver was Jean “Jeannot” Ragnott, who helped the Renault 5 win its very first race at the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally.
Today unfortunately there are not many Renault 5 Turbo’s around, but one French car enthusiast in Western France is still the lucky owner of one of the last remaining running Renault 5 Turbo’s in the world. Not only does he cherish this amazing vehicle, but he even still uses it as a daily run-around. Thankfully for us the guys at Petrolicious got it all on film and we just know that all of you Renault fans out there are going to love hearing the sound of the powerful Renault turbo engine as it shakes up the roads of rural France. Enjoy!
Image Source:Wikipedia
