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TURBO HERO

Iconic throwback 80s rally car with fully carpeted floor & tinted-glass windows hits auction for five-figure sum

The motor built as a challenger at the World Rally Championship

PETROLHEADS are thrilled to spot this legendary 80s rally car on the market for a five-figure sum.

With iconic tinted windows and carpeted interior, it has sparked nostalgia among motorists who have a soft spot for rally cars.

White Renault 5 Turbo 2 hatchback.
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The Renault 5 Turbo is up for sale for £85,000Credit: mediadrumimages
White Renault 5 Turbo 2 hatchback.
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It's packed with retro rally car style inside and outCredit: mediadrumimages
Front view of a white Renault 5 Turbo.
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The iconic motor can deliver 160 horsepower to the rear wheelsCredit: mediadrumimages

The Renault 5 Turbo 2 is up for £85,000 and will be auctioned off on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 in Paris by RM Sotheby.

Pictures show the rally-inspired hatchback finished in White Pearl with effortlessly cool tinted-glass electric windows.

With a a grey-black dashboard, two beige cushioned seats and a fully carpeted floor it wouldn't look out of place in a classic 80s film.

The listing reads: "This Turbo 2 spent most of its life in Japan, having moved to the central region of Gunma in October 1988."

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Coming from the 1980s, the model was born in the golden era for homologation specials - these are rare, high-performance cars made to meet motorsport rules.

"The car remained in the country through to July 2021 before being exported to the United Kingdom, with it now consigned to auction by its current German owner," the description continues.

"The car was built to be a challenger to Lancia’s Stratos and the Audi Quattro on the stages of the World Rally Championship."

Revered for being the affordable alternative to the original turbo it was still able to retain the performance and excitement.

The Renault 5 Turbo 2 has such a striking design it looks like no other on the road.

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With a flared wheel arch and and angry stance it was unapologetically retro and screams 1980s from the bonnet to the boot.

It packs a punch for a classic car as it has a rear-drive setup - a feature in vehicles where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels to propel the car forward. 

This means the motor has better handling, improved acceleration, and durability.

It proves the rally style isn't just for show as the engine has the capability of delivering 160 horsepower to the rear wheels.

This is done using a five-speed manual transmission.

It has a mid-mounted, turbocharged 1.4-litre engine fitted at the back place of the rear seats.

The old-school hatchback has just celebrated its 41st birthday, having left the production factory in 1984.

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