Cars
Noble Sisters: Renault 5
The Renault 5, introduced in 1972, evolved into a motorsport legend. From its early Alpine models to the rally-winning Turbo versions, the R5 built a legacy of speed, style, and affordability, becoming a collector's favorite across the decades.
A car that deserves a spot on the podium among the "Noble Sisters" – sporty versions derived from mass-production cars – is certainly the Renault 5, first introduced in 1972 and rebranded as the Supercinque in 1984. Renault developed competition-ready models that boosted the small car’s reputation, making it appealing even to enthusiasts with its impressive performance.
Renault, which had great success with its one-make championships featuring the R8 and R12 Gordini, extended the concept to the Renault 5. Initially, it was the same car sold to the public with minor performance tweaks, adding a roll bar and four-point harnesses. The idea was a hit, allowing participation in the championship at a minimal cost. Due to its success, Renault soon introduced a version by Alpine, a racing car specialist company founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955 and owned by Renault since 1973. This sportier version, launched in 1976, was a clever marketing move as it was also sold for road use as the Renault 5 Alpine. Its 1400cc four-cylinder engine produced 93 horsepower, and the car weighed just 875kg. Today, a well-maintained model is valued between €8,000 and €12,000.
