Here’s baT Auction Success Story: maldav’s R5 Turbo
BaT member maldav won this BaT Alumni 1985 Renault R5 Turbo 2 Type 8221 from Belmont in a July 2022 auction, and he recently wrote in with an update on it:
I first saw the Renault R5 Turbo on the cover of CAR magazine’s July 1980 issue at a bookstore that specialized in foreign magazines. Despite being an enthusiast, I had never seen anything like it. I pored over the article and aspired to own one.
Image: lignesauto.fr
That aspiration came true in July 2022, when I won this 8221-spec Turbo 2—the last spec that Renault built to homologate the R5 Evo for WRC Group B competition. It was finished in my desired color of red, which was the same hue as the car shown at the 1978 Paris Auto Show. During the bidding process, @nice_guy commented on the nature of homologation cars, and it made me realize that I, too, gravitate toward homologation specials for their performance and uniqueness. I already own a Yenko Stinger and recently added a 1970 Alpine A110 1600S, the R5’s ancestor.
There were a few things I wanted to sort out before driving it, so I stored the car while I began rounding up parts and searching for a marque expert to work on it. BaT member @sjmorgan helped along the way and introduced me to Neil Donkin, who ordered most of the parts and completed the mechanical work. I also obtained the original Sun International Manila file folder on my car (with handwriting in pen), which included the Renault Sport invoice, ocean bill of lading, and letters from the DOT and EPA. I also traced its provenance back to when it was new. @YvesPGB, whom I met through BaT and have known for a few years, had previously worked on my car for the seller and was quite helpful, as well.
While Neil worked on my car, he noted that the hood, bumper, and front fenders were aftermarket replacement bits installed following the car’s Maxi-style conversion from the early 1990s. Neil sourced OE panels that he installed and arranged SUPRLIFE Studio in Maplewood, New Jersey, to refinish them. They did a great job.
Based on the documentation and from Neil’s work, we learned that the first owner had the car upgraded with the Renault Sport 200CV kit and Pierre Ferry-modified Bosch fuel delivery parts; the optional 180CV kit was fitted in Dieppe. I modified the car by installing a proprietary LSD designed by Quaife manufacturers exclusively for the GTO, new Bilsteins to replace the original de Carbon dampers, a reproduction of the now-unobtainium Renault Sport steering rack reinforcements from 3S Développement, and a pair of vintage Michelins up front. After Neil wrapped up his work, I put the car on the dyno, where it delivered 196 hp and 206 ft-lb. of torque at the wheels; stock figures were 160 and 163, respectively.
I’ve now put more miles on it than it had seen in the last 20 years. I roll down the windows just so I can hear the turbo spool up. The 200CV kit’s header and Devil exhaust system emit a wonderful sound, making it what could be the best-sounding turbocharged car out there, in my opinion. Once it reaches 2k rpm, the car delivers an almost brutish race car feel and experience.
Image: Drew Dorian, Car and Driver
The car was invited to show at the Production Turbo Class at the 2026 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. While the judges didn’t give the car any love, Car and Driver, Robb Report, and Autoblog sure did—they all included the R5 in their Amelia Top-Ten lists!
In closing, thanks to @YvesPGB, @sjmorgan, and Neil for their help getting my R5 sorted, as well as @BaT for inviting me to share my story.
We’re glad to see the update, maldav! Thanks for sharing, and we’ve included your images in the photo gallery below for everyone’s viewing pleasure.
If you have a Success Story about a car you’ve bought or sold on BaT, please send a few lines and pictures (or a video) to community.content@bringatrailer.com, and we’ll send you a $50 credit to the BaT Gear Store when your story posts to the site.
We love to hear from satisfied BaT buyers and sellers, and a Success Story feature is a great addition to any car’s history when you’re ready to sell.
