Renault 5 Turbo - Full Throttle Drive And Expert Buyers Guide

Last year Chris Harris drove a Renault 5 Turbo for the channel and lots of you wanted more, so we found ourselves an expert and a tidy example of the Turbo and James went to have a chat with Olly Melliard from Melliard Motorsport about what makes this titan of a hot hatch so special!
Thanks to Melliard Motorsport for taking the time to show us round the two featured examples that they have set up and restored and to the long term owners for allowing us to film the cars.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
03:22 - Where it began
05:35 - Engine variants
06:59 - Renault 5 Turbo vs Turbo 2
10:56 - Life after group B and the series 8221
16:32 - Detailed walk around
17:07 - Headlight extensions
18:30 - Cash tube
19:36 - Corrosion
20:14 - Availability of parts
30:00 - Wheels & Tyres
36:09 - Oil cooling
37:39 - Engine
41:40 - Perishables
42:47 - Fuel tanks
45:31 - Drive
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[@mrtub2]

How refreshing to read the comments and find them all supportive! I was entirely anxious about doing this as I can assure you it’s not my forte in life. I ducked and dived but ultimately had to do the interview for awareness and because James at CC was a thoroughly good chap and helped me through it. We freestyled in one take as my nerves wouldn’t take the pro method. I purposely avoided watching and reading until now as we all hate our own voice and was dreading the feedback or whether misinterpreted. Thank you all for kind comments and appreciation to what I try and do. Pity we lost the incar footage but I wasn’t fully abiding the road law so you had to put up with less car and more me, sorry chaps 😂

[@JustinSeara]

You’re a legend, mate! Thank you for doing it.

[@althejazzman]

You can't see any nervousness at all in the video. Well presented!

[@ryang575]

After the intro I wanted to have a look in the comments to see how your brutal honesty was reacted too in the intro. (The remortgage etc). A real effort to achieve your dream that hopefully will mean the Renault 5 restorations hit the values they should and you’re hard work is appreciated financially as much as it is amongst those who have watched this.

[@iamyourfuture808]

What is refreshing is you actually know what you are talking about. I've just watched another video from IT who was basically just relaying Wikipedia

[@gson6867]

This guy is made for TV, could listen to his enthusiasm and product knowledge all day. His enthusiasm for something he’s obviously immersed himself with is infectious. Classic video, up there with any video you’ve been involved with. What a star. More content with this gentleman please….

[@jackwilson8651]

Completely agree. Fascinating character. Credit to the other guy for listening, allowing him to speak and promoting him with the right questions

[@deon246dgt]

I’ve had my Turbo 2 for 3 years now, I had it out at a show yesterday and it still amazes me that the younger guys know all about it

[@miura67]

I’d take a 5 Turbo 1 in blue or red over any modern day ‘Super Car’. Absolutely adored them when they came out; an object of desire for my 13 year old self!

[@alexvaz5210]

Same here... I even have the Majorette R5 Turbo model just like that... cheers.

[@SilebimusTuumReligiones]

​@@alexvaz5210(🇲🇫) Bravo à vous deux, si vous saviez ma passion pour ce modèle et comme ça fait plaisir et rechauffe le cœur ❤️ de lire ces commentaires, (bien des Français en rêvent si vous saviez) étant passionné depuis petit par ce modèle, j'avais la miniature moi aussi, pendant que mes copains ou camarades, avaient des posters et/ou miniatures de la F40 et/ou de la Lambo Countach... Ils ne comprenaient pas ! Mais mon père roulait en (une très belle) Rentrant 8 modifiée par ses soins, (moteur R16/trains/intérieur/arceau) et mes cousins, l'un en R 5 Alpine Turbo bleue, et l'autre en (une très belle) A110 rouge V85 "modifiée", (dans les règles de l'art) ailes "plates", magnifiques jantes (bien larges) 3 parties, pot Devil, arceau, bref, trop belle... Et donc, pendant que mes copains ou camarades rêvaient de supercars, j'entendais parler de la 5 Turbo, ou, la voyais dans des magazines ou quelques fois (rarement) rallyes à la TV... J'ai toujours pensé que les autos du groupe B comme la Turbo, differenciaient les hommes des petits garçons. ("humour") Cordialement.

[@NellingtonBear]

I could listen to this guy for hours. Such enthusiasm for something which he clearly loves, and this comes across in spades. Great video and I’ve just learned pretty much everything about the history and workings of this absolutely fantastic little car. Fantastic. It’s so nice to hear somebody with so much knowledge and passion

[@the_tube]

Great video and a joy to listen to someone so knowledgeable and passionate.

[@scottweeks4852]

What a knowledgeable chap. As said a natural presenter. Barely prompted! All the questions I’d ever had with these iconic cars answered in one video. Fantastic

[@peterbonnez]

Something weird. This morning I pulled out my model Turbo 2 to photograph it for my daily photo site. Then I go to Y/Tube and find not 1 but 2 new videos featuring the Turbo 2 posted today. Spooky. I had a number of them in the early '90's. Bought in Germany and resold them in UK. Fab cars.

[@gson6867]

I have to reiterate it again, outstanding content, this guy is the ultimate go to car guru for any make of car period. The fact it’s not a Ferrari 250 short wheel base or a McLaren F1 it’s a blue collar quirky French flair and engineering marvel.. The fact that he remortgaged his house to get his hands on his first one to now building a business around it which just doesn’t add up financially just mind blowing. What a guy, what a legend. I hope one day the value goes inter galactic like Skyline 34 GTR or Lancia intergrale evo just for him and his dedication to his passion. 10/10

[@mrtub2]

Thank you that is very kind

[@Dukedadumbboy]

​@@mrtub2I live in the states, and we have an auction site here called Bring a Trailer. They had 2 85 Turbo IIs. One sold for 155,000 USD and the other sold for 172,000 USD. Here they cost quite a bit of money.

[@Retirement_Life]

What a really interesting guy Olly is. I could listen to him enthusing about his cars for ages…

[@woznaldo]

Can’t believe I’ve only just found this! I love Olly’s passion and enthusiasm for these cars. Top bloke to deal with. I’ve recommended him several times and will continue to do so.

[@steveness7909]

I owned a 1980 Blue / Red s/n 0012 that was originally owned by Francois Castaing head of Renault Sport. It had 280 hp and was scary as hell. Relentless acceleration in all gears. I owned it for 12 1/2 years and sold it to a guy in Japan.

[@johnbowes5852]

What a video! No editing required - point the camera at the beautiful cars and the man who knows all about them, use it in full. Fantastic.

[@bingoberra18]

Thank you for making this video, it could have been 3h if I had it my way.

[@Anderstorp1199]

He says so many things that are really facts. And he has the ability to tell them like a book. great respect to this guy. I am sure he is really good in his job.

[@tedt7991]

absolute dream car, what a presence

[@philcliffe6909]

As someone who owned a pearl white GT Turbo back in the day I found this truly fascinating - Thank you.

[@themrmarkprior]

This guys passion is infectious. I hope many many more 5 Turbos come out of the woodwork and give him much profitable business.

[@crosbyworx7284]

Agreed, its refreshing to listen to someone as passionate as that.

[@markonmotoring]

Truly fascinating to hear from a true enthusiast who really knows what these cars are like to live with. Sadly these will remain.well out of reach for me though I did get to sit in one last year, I think it was one of the 200 adapted Turbo 2 cars. I got into.Renaults at four years old when my dad bought a brand new phase 1 super 5TC with a 956cc engine. This was the first of many and my first car was also a Super 5 1108cc TL. I did of course lust after a GTT or one of the 1721cc GTX or Monaco but never got one. I feel the pain of lack of parts availability. I really struggle finding parts for my 1997 mk1, phase 1 Megane Coupe. I honestly think that it's easier getting parts for a 1960's ford or MG than it is for 80's and 90's french cars.

[@gmain1977]

This guys knowledge of these cars is top notch. Fair play

[@TC10193]

This is fascinating. Love listening to experts like this guy

[@mrrandom177]

Back in the early 90's i had a Renault 5 GT Turbo, near to where I worked there was a car dealer Southern Cars on princess Parkway Manchester,. He had a red Turbo 2. up for sale. we called in one lunchtime and while chatting to the owner of the showroom he told us he'd been expecting an easy sale but was struggling to move it on ... the asking price back then... 14K

[@chucku00]

Wow, I'm impressed at Olly's knowledge and enthusiasm about this car. I wish him the best for his business .

[@luisa.1470]

Max temperature indicating labels… very clever Olly. Putting some on mine. “Trust but verify” the sensors, gauges and hot air exhaust fan.

[@mrtub2]

That’s the racing anxiety in me, stick and record every run! The 5 turbos, well it’s a quick spot when they come back and always interesting.

[@whizz14]

Great video Olly. Who wouldn't want one after listening to you. Nice one

[@benlecluyse]

Insane Renault ! What an absolute beast !! 😈😈

[@joncrooks2843]

Really enjoyed that film, would love to see more of this type.

[@TVtwarn]

What a great video ! Superb . What a knowledgable lad

[@davdidit6]

I think it was seeing one in a Bond movie that got me to fall in love

[@jonathanpilbeam3781]

What a great expert - complete knowledge, insight and a great communicator - great stuff!

[@helimaster_F3C_SPECIAL]

Olly my friend. The best Renault 5 turbo specialist out there. Greetings to Elena from Greece.

[@pauldavidson2443]

Fascinating video, and absolute expert in his subject with engaging communication

[@alhambrakev]

Great video. So refreshing to hear an accurate account of the history and evolution of specification of our fantastic cars, from a guy who knows his subject. Brilliant.

[@oliviergrandjean1918]

I've been looking for the reason why the 205T16's nose dipped on jumps (even in the Evo 2 with its massive rear wing) since 1985. Now, thanks to Olly Melliard, I know it's caused by the direction the engine spins! Finally!!

[@andyplage6590]

Like early Vtec civics

[@mrtub2]

Brilliant! On the plus side they could change a cam belt quickly 😂

[@Bolts2021]

Although I have worked on Renaults for 30 years I am surprised I didn’t know too much details about 5 turbo but then I worked on almost every model of Renaults back in 70s and 80s.🤔

[@markspencer7275]

I owned a Turbo 2 in white back in the mid 80’s for 2 to 3 years, it was my daily driver. Apart from an alternator failing which involved a trip to John Price to replace, it never let me down. Great fun to drive with exceptional roadholding and ride, the weak point IMO was the engine, laggy and not particularly powerful. I remember taking it out in the snow one year just for fun, hilarious entertainment, at first you think its going to swap ends on you even on a straight road, but once I got used to applying large amounts of opposite lock, you could drive it sideways all the time, great traction even without an LSD. Thanks for putting this excellent Video up, VERY informative honest and all dam good advice and you bought back some great memories 😃

[@Marvdogger2]

Great video. Really enjoyed him talking about parts.

[@midlifemotors5050]

This fella really knows his stuff. Brilliant info, great video.

[@originalforgery]

Outstanding video. Had a Turbo 2 in to late 90's (ex Peter Stringfellows) pearl white with a Pigeon Blood Red Leather interior. Things back then were very different for parts like having to beg John Price for stuff and good old Accy Paul & Peter Meaney from the Group B club. With luck I found an Alpine Specialist in the South West who helped enormously. Loved it I did but stupidly sold it the week after it was on display on the cricket pitch at the 2003 Festival of Speed. I believe it now lives in Spain. Not a week goes by without fond memories and huge regret. Thanks Olly - you are the man without a doubt...👍👍

[@owcfc9072]

Amazing video, extremely insightful into such a ground breaking car, if only it was 5 hours longer!😁

[@-DC-]

One of the most charismatic car's I've ever owned absolutely fantastic cars ❤️

[@leechampion6538]

Awesome vid 💪🏻

[@candidcars]

Really interesting and awesome cars, I can fully understand the appeal. Olly seems about as knowledgeable and sound as car guys get. Congratulations Collecting Cars, you're now making the best content of this kind on KZbin - at least in my opinion.

[@euclidclack5621]

Been dreaming about having one of these for years. So so cool.

[@bodybuildingandpaintingana8167]

Fantastic watch. Got close to a rally version at Reis Race (@Stonleigh Park) today. In-depth and very interesting video charting the history of this brilliant car. Thank you!

[@C22RLD]

Excellent video, really insightful and interesting. Thankyou for this

[@aneeskhan4416]

great video nice to hear someone so passionate about what they do

[@1sobitis]

Impressive video on the history of the car. Amazing. Well done!

[@Jasonbaker2006]

Excellent video and such enthusiasm from the specialist, this was a joy to watch. Absolutely brilliant content, as is the podcast! Keep it up. 👍

[@Speedscholars]

I mean, he must be a boring date, but that is an amazing level of knowledge!! Great video 🎉

[@mrtub2]

😂 brilliant

[@luketaplin42]

Wow so interesting I’ve loved this video Dude knows his stuff respect ✊

[@TheKianscookie]

Wow what an absolutely awesome and informative video, really enjoyed.

[@jackiechan8840]

Great chat. He knows his stuff.

[@Gonch666]

What a great video. I love the inside 'expert' view on all the little details that are unique to these cars. A true guru.

[@simonsauter3229]

Perfect car for a French holiday this summer! 👍

[@FraxinusExelsior]

Amazing stuff!

[@davidreddington4381]

NIce badass little car!

[@irs4486]

this is brilliant

[@Pstaines439]

That was brilliant!!!! I just wanted to see more of the interior

[@joshimitsu96]

Fantastic sounding four cylinder!

[@phildini4929]

What a great video, well done Olly!!

[@mrtub2]

Thank you ‘dini very kind. I had to step up and can tell you wasn’t keen!

[@colletteodonoghue5940]

I love these cars and thoroughly enjoyed this video, I'm totally confused by all the info, which seems very fitting for this madly eccentric wonderful vehicle.

[@MOSSFEEN]

JPR Classics (John Price Rallying) is the go to people for all Renault 5 Turbos T1 / T2 / Maxi

[@hotf00t13]

What a brilliant and fascinating dude

[@albertvanwoerden5650]

Very nice video and very nice guy. The capri in the beginning made my heartbeat accelerate also.

[@user-iz4lk4lh6v]

Hi. Really good and accurate vid, w'done! I owned a T2 in the 80's, I remember seeing a T1 at the London Motor Show for the first time and totally fell in love with it. Then i drove one and ended up buying it. I've driven some amazing cars in my life but the T2 is the one i still crave for and miss. I love what you said about 'inherent instability'... that's exactly it! It demanded your attention when driving but wow, it gave a lot back! Great to see someone else so passionate about this super special car. I'd love to drive one again!

[@jamesdash1906]

I've always wanted one !!!!!

[@keithhooper5965]

Specialists are the way to go .. fantastic video if your in the market you wouldn’t buy from anyone else !

[@Punisher9419]

Guy knows hsi stuff and sounds very responsible.

[@jony6toes307]

This was just next level....👍👍👍👍

[@kimnielsen7449]

My uncle had a blue pre production red interior, I love them.

[@johnkiprov7210]

One of these for sale in Oz recently.The guy wanted 120,000 dollars, about 60 thousand English pounds and the bloody thing looked like it had been sitting in a swamp for 20 years.One of these or ten Ferraris and the Italians can keep their junk thank you very much.

[@marcusingram522]

If I’m every in the fortunate position to have a dream car garage, one of these would be in it for sure

[@geeezer9]

fascinating

[@Schmitzelhaus]

Such a cool car, but that Capri ticks the boxes for me even more! Always wanted one of these, ultimately i´m just a Coupé guy.

[@mrtub2]

The Weslake is very special!

[@420pilz]

I would be happy with a turbo raider always wanted one

[@BamoweD]

As a E30 and E46 M3 owner I can say: Amazing car, the R5 Turbo! Would love to drive one but I think this will never happen. 😉

[@seekingtruth3228]

Stay positive. I went to see one 16 years ago, test drove it so that at least I know what they are all about. Offered the owner some money and he declined. I left the offer open since he was trying to get more money on Ebay back then. I watched the auction and it didn't reach his desired amount. He phoned me right after the auction and said "come pick up your car". Having already test drove it already, it was a very easy decision. Followed up a few years later to get a E30 M3 and a Clio V6 Phase 1. Never say never..... make it happen.

[@yannicklamoureux8058]

Merci pour le patrimoine français

[@pimseverien7251]

Amazing! I do have a question, hope someone could help me. A good friend has a Renault 5 turbo 2. the rears are 285 x 40 x15 fronts are 205 x50 x 15. We are looking for the optimal Tyre pressure. Does anyone know the right tyre pressure? Thnx

[@andyplage6590]

In 94 a little used car garage in Flint North Wales had one he was struggling to sell at £6750 as it was LHD the salesman said his boss would take £6000 for it !! I'd have bought it had I know Mrs was soon to be Ex !!! 😒

[@michaelj7069]

I've wanted one since they first came out. Sadly it still eludes me.

[@jacobturner1490]

This is my favorite B class rally car on Forza Horizon, lol

[@himanshukafirmisra]

Give like for renault 5 turbo 2 all time boyhood dreams car

[@jep1912]

He plays golf.

[@mrtub2]

Made me laugh 😂 couldn’t be further from the truth. I would be the green keepers nightmare! “the best way to spoil a good walk” I think Churchill said.

[@sundeepubhi]

Harry, I think you should test the hyundai i30n. Click like of you agree with me people.

[@pereldh5741]

Group 4 ftw..! Bring it back to WRC. But he’s saying the Renault Alpine’s preceeded the italians in 1905-10 like Fiat/Lancia/Alfa’s in F1 & rally.. Really? 😊

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Mais je croyait que vous détester Renault sport aussi qui n a rien a voir avec Renault normal les normal appartiennent aux peuple français c est l état le patron et nos impôts paye la marque mais les sport c est la formule 1 Louis Renault et mort en prison après la seconde guerre mondial et nous avons récupérer l usines ok donc si vous aimer pas tant pis pour vous nous on adore et les alpines c est encore un crâns au decu faut l essayer sans y mettre une écharpes dans le moteur pour qu elle prennent feux en direct à c est sale con de top geard qu il le dise il l on bruler parce que parfaite et vous avait tousse gober tant mieux sa en fait plus pour nous les japonais l on adopter les bras ouvert normal c est des vraies connaisseur eux 🙏😑🤲🇫🇷👉☝️

[@7sq]

Make a good video or continue making bad music videos !

[@obsidian....]

This guy is such a Renault 5 Turbo apologist. . It was so good, except - excuse, excuse, excuse. It was so far ahead, except - excuse, excuse, excuse. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonyfarnan5935]

Honesty and nuance works like that…

[@obsidian....]

Trying to compare this to a F1 car, by way of a TORSION Bar and then later a Gurney Flap, is ridiculously idiotic. . Could say it has tires like F1 as well... GTFOH 😆

[@malcolm.703]

Great video, fantastic content, and I just love the shape of those Renault turbo cars, classic.👍👍👍

[@davida7713]

A Renault 5 gt turbo “isn’t quite good” there absolutely garbage 🫣🫣

[@AttackTheGasStation1]

Are you homosexual ??