Highlights

Desirable Phase 1 car with 67,373 miles showing
Extremely rare project car for completion
Lots of recent work already done
Turbo rebuilt and other mechanical recommissioning
Fitted with stainless steel exhaust and downpipe
Powder-coated subframe with new bushes, lower arms, and drive shafts
Starts and runs; offered as a project requiring finishing work

The Appeal

Some 80s hot hatches looked exciting, but the 5 GT Turbo was exciting, with bells on. Its blown Cleon 1.4-litre engine may have delivered just 115bhp, but with only 850kg to haul around, when that turbo kicked in, the 5 really, really flew. It’s no surprise that when Renault chose to recently revisit the Cinq, they invoked the ethos of this model.

Any GT Turbo is rare today, but the early Phase 1 cars especially so. This 1987 car would have been one of the last built and has covered an indicated 67,373 miles in the intervening 39 years. Classically finished in red with a full black leather cabin, it is a partly completed restoration project where much of the hard graft has already been done.

We’re told that recent work has included refurbishing the subframe, rebuilding the turbo, overhauling the mechanicals and fitting a stainless steel exhaust. It is also lowered to enhance the stance. The vendor tells us that the car starts and runs, but will require further work to complete, including tuning.

Here is a rare chance to not only bag an early GT Turbo, but add value. Once done, you get one of the most entertaining classic hot hatches around.

Key Information

Mileage: 67,373 miles due to being off road for a number of years
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: expired
Technical specs: 1,397cc 115bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: V5C, handbooks, wallet, invoices as shown

Recent work advised by seller:

Turbo rebuilt with new heat shield and braided stainless steel oil return line
New intercooler, intercooler pipes, radiator, and expansion tank fitted
Stainless steel exhaust and downpipe fitted
New carburettor fitted; requires balancing and tuning
New brake callipers, brake lines, and brake master cylinder fitted
New battery and new tyres fitted
Distributor, HT leads, and spark plugs replaced
Silicone hoses fitted throughout
Alternator rebuilt
Subframe powder coated with new bushes fitted where needed
New lower arms and drive shafts fitted

The Detail

Classic red paintwork showing some fade and deterioration in photos
Vendor advises that car would benefit from a full respray
Some age and fade to unpainted exterior fittings
Some badging missing such as to hatchback
Retains the correct Phase 1 alloys that appear to be in good condition
Black leather interior fitted (not original to the specification)
Dashboard, door cards and trim in good order as shown
Original Philips head unit reportedly retained
Sills require rust repair
Corrosion present around the window area
New windscreen required
Fitted with glass sunroof and electric windows (untested)
Vendor states that the car starts and runs
Various invoices dated 2023 for recent work detailed above and in photos

BEFORE YOU BUY

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