Description
We are looking at an object of quite exceptional charm and history, a car born from the genius and uncompromising experimentation pursued by Renault in the early 1980s.
The car was indeed created out of the need to homologate a prototype with never-before-seen technical solutions for competition: Renault recognised the immense potential that a small, lightweight and dynamic city car such as the Renault 5 could have if specifically equipped with solutions designed to achieve the best track performance. Thus was born the Renault 5 Turbo Maxi, fitted with a mid-mounted engine, widened track and rear-wheel drive—a little track monster that quickly delivered impressive results in rallies and circuit racing.
In this regard, in the mid-1980s Renault organised a single-marque championship dedicated specifically to the Renault 5 Turbo Maxi, which was contested on Europe's most famous circuits in conjunction with Formula 1 races; for this reason the championship attracted stars from the international motorsport scene, including rally world champion Jean Ragnotti.
The example presented here is one of the cars that competed in this championship. Specifically, it is the car originally in Momo livery driven by Massimo Sigala, a promising and successful Italian driver, who competed in the 1984 season, finishing 5th overall thanks also to the historic victory achieved at Zandvoort with this very chassis.
The car, a turbo 1 chassis from late 1983 and therefore featuring lightened doors, wings, roof and rear panel, was originally delivered by Renault to Garage Ambrosiano (the official Italian preparator for French marque cars competing in the Renault Europa Cup). It was prepared for the 1984 season on behalf of Sigala. Following the successful racing career ending in 1985, at Sigala's request, the car was converted back to road use by Garage Ambrosiano itself, which fitted it with Alpine Turbo 2 exterior colour and interior trim—the evolution of the turbo 1 then in production. From that point on, the car was registered in the name of Sigala's wife, who used it as her daily driver.
Once it came into the hands of the current owner, the car underwent partial restoration and was returned to its original splendour in road configuration. The work included repainting the exterior using original Renault colour samples, detailing of the interior which was already in excellent condition, and a complete overhaul of the mechanical and running gear.
The car is presented in exceptional condition, retaining its original 1985 road configuration combining black and bronze grey with the Alpine Turbo 2 interior.
An opportunity to acquire a car with exceptional history and a winning sporting pedigree—a piece of automotive history in terms of both design and performance.
The car is viewable by appointment only at our premises. Thanks to our technical assistance and restoration workshop, it is possible to inspect it with our professionals, who will be able to provide any technical details.
Sporting Record:
1984 Season Renault 5 Europa Cup
Final Placement 5th M. Sigala
Zandvoort Victory 1984 M. Sigala
- details above
