Sell Your Renault

R5 Turbo and R5 GT Turbo: the mid-engined and hot hatch icons

The Renault 5 Turbo (1980-1986) is one of the most sought-after French homologation specials ever. A 1.4 turbo engine behind the driver, wide bodywork flares, and the appearance of an arcade-game cartoon; this car won several rallies in the Group B era. Only 400 original Turbo models were built for homologation, followed by around 4500 Turbo 2 versions. On classic markets Turbos are regularly presented with too little distinction, but the gap between an original Turbo (lightweight, composite panels) and a later Turbo 2 (steel, simpler interior) is enormous for collectors. The R5 GT Turbo (1985-1991), with its turbo engine under the bonnet, forms its own market for hot hatch enthusiasts.

The auction format brings together connoisseurs who recognise these differences. For sellers of an original R5 Turbo with proven provenance and factory documentation, Octane is essential: these cars rarely appear on the market and the right collector is often in another European country.

Clio Williams, Clio V6, and the modern hot hatches

The Clio Williams (1993-1995), named after the Williams F1 team where Renault was the engine partner at the time, was an instant collector item as the limited Phase 1 (3800 built). The later Phase 2 (1600 built) and Phase 3 (3007 built) have their own markets. The combination of a 2.0 16V engine in a light body, Speedline wheels, and Sports Blue paint makes this car one of the most characterful hot hatches ever. The Clio V6 (2001-2005), with its 3.0 V6 in a mid-engine layout, is a spiritual successor to the R5 Turbo and likewise has a strong collector market.

For sellers, documentation is crucial. A Clio Williams Phase 1 with original chassis stickers, low mileage, and confirmation through Renault Heritage is a strong selling context. For the Clio V6, the condition of the V6 matters most (early or late Phase 1 versus Phase 2 with revised rear suspension) along with documented service history.

R8 Gordini, Alpine A310, and the classic sporting Renaults

The R8 Gordini (1964-1970), with its modified 1.1 or 1.3-litre four-cylinder and blue-with-white colour scheme, is a real rally collector's piece. The Mégane R26.R (2008, 450 built) and later Mégane R.S. Trophy-R (2014, 350 built; 2019, 32 built) are modern hot hatch collectors that set track records at the Nürburgring. The later Mégane Trophy-R from 2019 even held the FWD record on the Nordschleife at 7:40.

For these limited sporting Renaults the auction format is the right place. Documentation of factory specification, edition numbering, and any track day history are essential. For the R8 Gordini, provenance is often confirmed via French club membership (Club Gordini, Amicale Renault).

Rust: the recurring theme on classic Renaults

Classic Renaults from the sixties to eighties have the typical French rust problems. On R8 Gordini and R5, buyers check floor pans, sills, front subframe attachment, wing roots, and boot floor. On R5 Turbo additionally: the panels behind the wide bodywork flares and the engine bay rear wall. On Clio Williams, sills and wheel arches are the main concerns. A Renault sold without clarity about body work is hard to sell. A seller who shares photos of known rust spots with panel work invoices builds confidence.

Engine and mechanicals by model

• R8 Gordini: 1.1-litre (1100) or 1.3-litre (1300) four-cylinder. Ask about head gasket history, originality of the carburettor setup (twin Solex or Weber), and presence of Gordini-specific components.
• R5 Turbo and Turbo 2: 1.4 turbocharged four-cylinder, behind the driver. Points of attention: turbo rebuild, cooling system, head gasket history, and the unique Pierburg exhaust valve. An original Turbo without proven specialist servicing is hard to sell.
• R5 GT Turbo: 1.4 turbo under the bonnet. Robust when serviced regularly. Points: turbo, head gasket, and the known oil pan gasket issue.
• Clio Williams: 2.0 16V (F7R) four-cylinder, the same engine as the Renault 19 16V. Ask about cambelt history (every 90,000 km) and originality of the exhaust setup.
• Clio V6: 3.0 V6 (PSA shared with Peugeot 406 V6). Phase 1 (2001-2003) and Phase 2 (2003-2005) have different rear suspension; Phase 2 handles much better. Document V6 servicing at a specialist.
• Mégane R26.R and Trophy-R: 2.0 turbo four-cylinder. Document track day history and any roll cage work.

Originality, colour, and specific specifications

For classic Renaults, originality is a major price factor. On R5 Turbo, factory-installed details weigh heavily: original Speedline wheels, Bertone badges, factory body kit, and correct interior colour combination. On Clio Williams, the specific Phase 1 vs Phase 2 chassis numbering, original Sports Blue paint, original Speedline wheels, and Williams decals are essential. A Mégane Trophy-R with edition number 016 of 350 sells very differently to edition number 348.

Provenance and Renault Heritage

Renault Classic in France supplies factory data and restoration certificates on request for classic models. For R5 Turbo and Clio Williams this document is a strong confidence factor. For R8 Gordini, provenance is often confirmed via Club Gordini or Amicale Renault Gordini. For modern limited models (R26.R, Trophy-R), the original Renault Sport documentation and specific factory build sheet matter. Request these documents in advance and include them in the listing.