Noble Sisters: Renault 5

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.

The one-make championship, initiated by Renault with the R8 and R12 Gordini, continues with the Renault 5 with minimal changes from the standard version.

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.

The first sporty model of the Renault 5 is the 1976 Alpine version with a 1400cc naturally aspirated engine producing 93 horsepower.

Renault didn't stop there: after competing in and winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Alpine A442B, they took a major step into Formula 1 in 1977 with the 1500cc turbocharged RS01 at the British Grand Prix. The advantages of turbo technology led Renault to apply what they learned to road cars, and in 1981, the R5 was turbocharged with the sporty Renault 5 Alpine Turbo, pushing its power to 110 horsepower. Today, these models are valued around €20,000, as only 23,425 units were produced, including 706 in the special "Cup" version for competition in the one-make championship.

The Renault 5 Alpine becomes turbocharged in 1981, increasing its power to 110 horsepower.

Renault was unstoppable: in addition to success at Le Mans and in Formula 1, they sought international recognition in rallying by developing a revolutionary version of the Renault 5, designed by Marcello Gandini in collaboration with Bertone. The Renault 5 Turbo made its debut by winning the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally with Jean Ragnotti. It was only the beginning, as the car was also used in a professional track series inspired by the Renault 5 Cup. The model was produced in two series starting in 1980, with the first series now valued at over €150,000, and the second around €100,000.

The Renault 5 Turbo, designed by Marcello Gandini, won several rally events and was released in two different road versions from 1980 onwards.

By 1984, after 12 years of production and over five million units sold, the Renault 5 was starting to show its age. An heir was needed, but development was difficult with many proposals rejected. Marcello Gandini was again called in, deciding not to deviate too far from the original model, which had been hugely successful. The result was the Supercinque, which, despite its stylistic resemblance to the original, was entirely new, featuring engines mounted transversely in front of the front axle rather than longitudinally behind it, improving interior space. Another success, with 3.4 million units sold. The most collectible version of the Supercinque is the GT Turbo, which inherited the 1.4 four-cylinder engine but with electronic ignition, boosting power to 115 horsepower. Today, it can be found for around €10,000, making it a perfect entry into the world of classic cars without sacrificing performance and fun.

The GT Turbo was introduced in 1984 and represents the sporty version of the Supercinque. The power of the 1.4 turbo four-cylinder rises to 115 horsepower.