Description
1980 RENAULT 5 GORDINI NRP 118Y — 51, 488 Miles IndicatedAn intriguing and increasingly rare 1983 Renault 5 Gordini, registration NRP 118Y, offered as a genuine barn-find restoration project and representing an exciting opportunity to acquire one of Renault’s most charismatic sporting hatchbacks of the early 1980s. The odometer currently displays 51, 488 miles, although this mileage is not warranted, it is believed to be genuine. The Renault 5 Gordini occupies an interesting place in Renault’s sporting history. In continental Europe, the car was known as the Renault 5 Alpine, carrying the name of Renault’s celebrated performance division. For the British market, however, the Alpine name could not be used because of trademark considerations, and the model was consequently marketed as the Renault 5 Gordini, adopting the name of the legendary Italian-born performance engineer Amedée Gordini, whose association with Renault had become synonymous with competition and high-performance road cars. The Gordini therefore represents far more than a cosmetic version of the ordinary Renault 5. It was developed as a genuine sporting derivative, combining the lightweight and compact nature of the standard 5 with a tuned engine, sporting suspension and distinctive Gordini detailing. It became one of the memorable European hot hatches of its era and today enjoys a particularly strong following. This particular example is a fascinating genuine barn find, having clearly spent a considerable period in storage. The bodywork is now decidedly crusty and will require comprehensive restoration, but importantly the car retains its characteristic stance and proportions. It sits well and provides an excellent basis for a full restoration. The car has previously been rebodied, and the interior is believed to be incorrect for the vehicle. These points should be taken into consideration by prospective purchasers, but for the committed enthusiast they also provide an opportunity to source the appropriate components and recreate an authentic Gordini specification. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of a complete set of five Gordini alloy wheels. These highly characteristic wheels are an important part of the Gordini’s appearance and provide an excellent starting point for the restoration. The Renault 5 Gordini was a car born from the early European hot-hatch movement, offering lightweight construction, compact dimensions and genuine sporting character in a practical package. It was precisely this combination that made the Renault 5 such a success and established its sporting derivatives as desirable performance cars in their own right. Finding one today in genuine barn-find condition is increasingly unusual. Most surviving examples have either been restored, modified or disappeared altogether, making an unrestored project such as this an increasingly interesting proposition. There is undoubtedly considerable work ahead, and this is very much a full restoration project, but the opportunity to acquire a scarce Renault 5 Gordini with its distinctive identity, correct period wheels and honest barn-find character is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate. In fact it is documented that less than 25 examples remain in the UK.. Highlights* 1980 Renault 5 Gordini* Registration NRP 118Y* 51, 488 miles indicated — not verified* UK-market Gordini version of the Renault 5 Alpine* Named after legendary Renault performance specialist Amedée Gordini* Genuine sporting derivative with enhanced performance and handling* Genuine barn find* Full restoration project* Crusty bodywork requiring comprehensive restoration* Previously rebodied* Interior believed to be incorrect* Complete set of five Gordini alloy wheels* Increasingly rare and collectible RenaultA fascinating genuine barn-find Gordini, offering the dedicated Renault enthusiast the opportunity to restore one of the most characterful European hot hatches of its generation. Certainly requiring significant investment and sympathetic restoration, but increasingly scarce and with the potential to become a very special example once returned to its former glory.This vehicle is located near Chesterfield, Derbyshire S43 from where it will need to be collected. Motorscan report and videos available on request. Viewing is by appointment, please contact the office to arrange.
