Renault 5 GT Turbo

The Renault 5 GT Turbo arrived in 1985 as a raw, turbocharged successor to the 5 Alpine. It used a 1.4-liter pushrod engine with a Garrett T2 turbo, initially producing 115 PS. The 1987 Phase 2 update brought a water-cooled turbo and electronic ignition, bumping power to 120 PS and slightly taming its notoriously laggy power delivery. It was a formidable and often intimidating competitor to naturally aspirated rivals like the Peugeot 205 GTI.

The car's collectibility stems from its aggressive character. With a curb weight of just 850 kg, the 5 GT Turbo offered an intense, unfiltered driving experience that has become legendary. Its reputation for turbo lag followed by a sudden, violent surge of power makes it an exciting challenge to drive well. Many of these cars were modified, crashed, or rusted away, so finding clean, original examples today is difficult.

The market for the 5 GT Turbo is strong and has seen steady appreciation. With an average sale price around $25,000, collectors are actively seeking out the best cars. Low-mileage, unmodified examples regularly trade for over $35,000, confirming the model's status as a top-tier 80s hot hatch.

Prices range from around $11,250 for project cars to over $38,000 for the best examples.