Highlights

• Original and unrestored, with no modifications
• Owned by a single family from the outset
• Rare Apple Green paint
• Still stored in a garage
• Collector's registration document

The appeal

Designed by Renault stylist Michel Boué in his spare time, the R5 might never have seen the light of day had Renault's senior management not been informed of the project he was working on. They loved the lines of the saloon and immediately authorised a development programme. The rest is history.

Five and a half million Renault 5s were sold at the time, and today the brand has chosen to bring the model back as an electric vehicle with retro styling. It's an icon of French motoring, so early models like this 1980 R5 GTL are increasingly sought after by enthusiasts.

As the photos show, this Renault remains extremely original and displays a patina in keeping with its age.

The seller tells us:

"I bought my R5 from my grandmother's estate in 2019, from my aunt and my mother. My grandmother bought it new from the Michard garage in Loudéac, in the Côtes d'Armor region. The vehicle has always slept in the garage, it's "almost first hand", everything is kept as it was, having been serviced when necessary. No major work has been done or is planned elsewhere. No modifications have been made to the original vehicle.

On every outing, I always get a nice comment from a passer-by or enthusiast. I've also had a few hand signals to say hello, which is nice and triggers a smile."

History and documents

• 86,458 km indicated
• The seller purchased the car from his grandmother's estate in 2019
• Originally purchased new from garage Michard in Loudéac, Côtes d'Armor
• Still stored in a garage, which justifies what the seller calls its "near-first-hand" status
• Kept in original condition, with servicing carried out as required
• We are assured that no major work or modifications have been carried out
• Has a collector's registration document
• The serial numbers match
• MOT valid until June 2027

Condition

• Relatively rare Apple Green paintwork - the original colour
• The car shows some patina inside and out, with various marks, small dents and signs of wear and tear
• The vendor notes small rust spots on the roof, visible in the photos
• The interior appears to be in good condition for its age, with some light wear near the rocker panels
• The fabric on the top of the rear seat has deteriorated somewhat
• The vendor notes that the car consistently receives positive comments from passers-by

Mechanicals

• 1.1-litre C18 four-cylinder petrol engine
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Mechanical condition reported as very sound
• Engine runs very well, as demonstrated by the seller (see video below)
• Some age-related faults, but runs well
• Basic specification with drum brakes and no power steering
• The seller notes that this R5 is light and fun to drive with decent acceleration