Retro Turbos: 50 years of Renault 5!

So a French birthday, what’s that like? Very simple. At a sun-drenched location, dozens of Renault enthusiasts gather. The atmosphere is downright convivial; it feels like a kind of car lovers’ picnic. With French ingredients.

Dutch GT Turbo Owners: passion for Renault

The initiators behind this event are the gentlemen of Dutch GT Turbo Owners: an enthusiastic group of enthusiasts with a soft spot for everything to do with the Renault 5. And Renault in general, for that matter. They are all over the Netherlands and beyond. There were even international guests at the meeting, including a participant from France and one from the United Kingdom. Did someone say passion?

From neat classic to fat Turbo

Those who think that the Renault 5 is a sameness are deceived. We see a neat original-Dutch five, as well as super-fast 5 Turbos and even a rare Alpine Turbo. In short, there is plenty of variety, as is the “joie de vivre” that the owners exude. It is one big French family coming together. Also, the different livery’s on some specimens are unique. The Rothmans livery and a beautifully so-called weathered Turbo livery are particularly appealing.

What about the Renault 5?

The Renault 5 saw the light of day in 1972 as a compact hatchback that was supposed to be practical, affordable and quirky above all else. And that caught on. Worldwide, more than 7.3 million examples found an owner. In 1981, a sporty twist came with the introduction of the Renault 5 Turbo. A rally monster with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive and bizarre flared wheel arches. This roaring version became an icon among car enthusiasts.

The new Renault 5 among its ancestors

And of course, the icing on the birthday cake cannot be missing. Therefore, the modern Renault 5 E-Tech Electric is also on hand. Amid its predecessors, the design DNA of this frivolous electric Frenchman stands out all the more. It is a bit angular, playful and, above all, recognizable. The public looks on approvingly, and rightly so. Not for nothing is this the Car of the Year 2025.

Not just Renault 5

Although the Renault 5 plays the main role, we also see other Renaults. Sporty Renaults like the Mégane RS and Clio RS are also present, as is an R19 next to an old Clio. And then, of course, there is the Renault Spider, perhaps the unicorn par excellence. Alpine was also represented with an A110 and the A290, the electric hot hatch based on the Renault 5.

A look behind the scenes at Tachyon Motorsport

As a bonus, we get a tour of the workshop of Tachyon Motorsport, the location where this event takes place. A veritable Valhalla for fans of racing history in various forms, it turns out. We come face to face with a Dodge Viper that once participated in Le Mans, Dakar cars from Kia and Mitsubishi, a Fiat Panda that could start the next rally test at any moment and several Aston Martins. It is a motley collection of cars here for maintenance, repair and preparation. Tachyon does it all with passion and precision.

Conclusion: a birthday to remember

This was one of those Sunday afternoons when everything was right. The sun, the atmosphere, the cars, the people. No frills, no fuss, just a loving tribute to a special car with good company.