This 1985 Renault R5 Turbo 2 is one of 200 “8221” homologation models produced, and it was imported to California when new and federalized by Sun International. The factory engine was removed circa 2007 and replaced with a turbocharged 1.3-liter Mazda 13B rotary, which is paired with a Renault five-speed manual transaxle via a modified bellhousing. The car was previously listed on BaT in April 2021 and was acquired by the current owner later that year. It is finished in Pearl White over tan cloth upholstery and equipped with 15″ Gotti alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, a fire-suppression system, a Turbonetics turbocharger, a Life Racing engine control system, an adjustable boost controller, an aluminum radiator, and an external oil cooler. This modified R5 Turbo is now offered in California on dealer consignment with Gotti wheels, the removed factory engine and parts, and a clean California title.
The R5 Turbo was introduced at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980 and was designed to compete in FIA Group 4 racing. The Turbo 2 was launched after the initial homologation run of 400 cars was completed. This example is finished in Nacre Pearl White with Turbo 2 graphics, and exterior equipment includes a vented hood, quarter panel intakes, and front and rear fog lights. Work under prior ownership involved repairing the seams where the fiberglass flares meet the steel side panels as well as refurbishing the bumpers and side skirts.
Staggered-width 15″ Gotti alloy wheels are mounted with Yokohama AVS tires. The car rides on an independent double-wishbone suspension with torsion bars up front and a coil spring setup out back. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors at all four corners.
The cabin features high-back bucket seats trimmed in tan cloth along with as well as beige door panels. A fire suppression system is fitted and equipped with a release handle on the left side of the center stack, a boost control knob is mounted to a carbon-fiber plate covering the factory storage cubby, and an aftermarket head unit is mounted ahead of the shifter. Cracks are noted in the windshield pillar trim and between the boost and oil pressure gauges.
The leather-wrapped Iso-Delta steering wheel fronts a Jaeger 140-mph speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer as well as auxiliary readouts. VDO gauges for oil pressure and boost pressure are fitted in the center of the dashboard. The six-digit odometer shows 21k miles, and the Carfax report notes potential odometer rollbacks in entries from November 2003 and September 2016.
The cargo shelf lifts to expose a Turbocharged 1.3-Liter Mazda 13B rotary, which was installed circa 2007. It is equipped with a Turbonetics turbocharger and a Life Racing engine control system. Additional components include a custom-fabricated aluminum oil pan, an aluminum radiator, and an external oil cooler. The battery was replaced in preparation for the sale.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle that is mated to the 13B rotary with a modified factory bellhousing.
A set of Gotti wheels, two Porsche front wheels, and spare tires are included in the sale. All removed factory parts also accompanying the car are shown in the gallery below and include:
- Original engine & turbocharger
- Header
- Mufflers
- Radiator
- Intercooler
- Intake manifold
- Turbocharger accessories
- Alternator & starters
- Various hoses, belts, filters, etc.
- Clutches
- Suspension components
- Brake components
- Fender, side skirts, & bumpers
- Exterior lighting, graphics, & grille inserts
- Miscellaneous interior handles, lights, & carpeting
- Instrument cluster circuit board & steering column stalks
- Manuals
The Carfax report shows the aforementioned potential odometer rollbacks, and the last reported mileage on the report is higher than the current mileage.
The car does not have a California BAR sticker, and it most recently passed a California emissions test in 2019.
