1979 Renault 5 Gordini

Highlights

  • Rare UK supplied right-hand drive example
  • Rebodied and appearing in fantastic structural condition
  • Just six previous owners
  • Featured in Practical Classics magazine in a ‘Buying Guide’
  • Supplied with its cherished registration ‘LHA 1V’

The Appeal

Beating the Golf GTi to market by just a couple of months, the Renault 5 Gordini is rightly regarded as one of the first hot hatchbacks. Gordini pioneered Renault tuning, extracting every last iota of power from their engines and so it seemed right that this hotter version of the Renault 5 should bear the esteemed name.
Here we have an exceedingly smart UK supplied right-hand drive example. Resplendent in its gold paintwork and those fabulous Gordini machined wheels, this little Renault is sure to generate a great deal of excitement. Reshelled at some point in the past and remaining in fantastic overall condition, this is a truly wonderful machine worthy of a spot in any discerning enthusiast’s collection. You may even wish to call it a “Goldini”.

Because of the gold, you see.
We’ll get our coats.

The History and Paperwork

  • Tax and MOT exempt and the last MOT expired in May 2017
  • Supplied with its cherished registration
  • V5C present along with original handbooks
  • Just six former keepers
  • Collection of old MOT certificates
  • Reshelled at some point in its life
  • DVLA records previous colour as grey
  • The vendor believes the 60,343 miles displayed to be correct
  • We’re informed that it was a regular visitor to classic Renault meetings in the early 2000s
  • Featured in Practical Classics magazine as an example in their ‘Buying Guide’
  • We understand that it has been dry stored and not used a great deal in recent years, so we recommend everything is checked and serviced before the car is put back into regular use

The Interior

  • In remarkably good condition for its age, largely original and pleasingly patinated
  • Upholstered in beige cloth
  • Besides some slight stretching to the seat fabric, the upholstery presents exceedingly well with no big marks or any noticeable discolouration
  • All the carpeting looks great and displays minimal wear
  • The controls exhibit light patination and look to be in really good condition
  • The vendor notes some additional stitching to the rear seats which were apparently added when the carpeting was refitted
  • We’re informed that the tachometer and clock do not currently work, both otherwise all is reportedly in good working order
  • The dashboard doesn’t appear to display any UV damage
  • Equipped with a period National cassette player
  • The inside of the boot presents well and houses the spare wheel

The Exterior 

  • Previously resolved using the body from what was apparently a low mileage, garage stored example with no  corrosion
  • Attractive gold paintwork with black vinyl coachline
  • Distinctive Gordini machined wheels
  • The paintwork presents immensely well with very few blemishes of any note
  • There’s no obvious indication of body damage or corrosion
  • Underneath and under the wheel arches, all looks to be in lovely condition
  • The sills and floor pans look to be in great shape
  • There are a few imperfections to the bumpers and trims, including few small scuffs and some age-related fading
  • All the badges appear to be present and in fine order
  • The aforementioned machined wheels look to be exceedingly smart, with no obvious signs of damage
  • Shod with Prestivo 2000 tyres
  • Equipped with front fog lamps from the factory
  • Overall, an incredibly presentable little car

The Mechanics 

  • 1.4-litre inline four with a cross-flow cylinder head and hemispherical combustion chambers
  • Reportedly running very well
  • Five-speed manual gearbox which apparently has some slight play in the linkage
  • From new, the Gordini was said to produce about 93 bhp at the front wheels
  • Disc brakes up front, with drums at the rear
  • Having been used very sparingly in recent years, the vendor recommends everything is checked carefully before the car is put back into regular use
  • The vendor informs us that the engine oil and filter have been changed during their ownership

Summary

This looks a very usable example of the esteemed Renault 5 Gordini. Finding a right-hand drive Gordini in such good condition is no mean feat, so don’t miss out on this charming example.
Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1980
  • Make Renault
  • Model 5 Gordini
  • Colour Gold
  • Odometer 60,343 Miles
  • Engine size 1397
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Wantage
  • Location Oxfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
31 bids
  • du•••• £10,000 12/04/23
  • 78•••• £9,900 12/04/23
  • du•••• £9,700 12/04/23
  • du•••• £9,500 12/04/23
  • 78•••• £9,300 12/04/23
  • du•••• £9,200 12/04/23
  • ky•••• £9,000 12/04/23
  • 78•••• £9,000 12/04/23
  • du•••• £8,800 12/04/23
  • 78•••• £8,500 12/04/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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