This stunning Renault 5 Turbo is the vision of Legende Automobile, a French collective of car enthusiasts based in Los Angeles, made up of a car designer, a race engineer and, being LA, a former stuntman – who also happens to co-own a classic car restoration business.

The Renault 5 Turbo and Turbo 2 were among of the most striking hot hatchbacks of the 1980s, and to this day they remain incredibly sought-after machines. Originally designed for rallying, the R5 Turbo was launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1980. Driven by Jean Ragnotti in 1981, the R5 Turbo won the Monte Carlo Rally on its first outing in the World Rally Championship.

So, what if you wanted one of these legendary car today, that had no limits, was the finest of its kind, and included some modern touches? Well, the Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 is that car, based on the Renault 5 Turbo 2 that’s been completely reworked inside and out.

The Turbo 3 is a completely new, from the ground-up, bespoke, hand-made carbon fibre copy of the Turbo 2, only elevated. For example, it has been significantly widened to fit larger wheels at the front and rear, while elements such as the front end look modern thanks to a set of LED headlights. At the back, we find more carbon fibre with bespoke air curtains incorporated into the C pillars, an extended rear wing, and a two-piece diffuser that houses a set of square tailpipes.

cropped-cropped-cropped-125165470_379878360126606_1874629239621518365_n copy.jpg

Altogether, the Turbo 3 is a contemporary homage to the past which goes beyond just aesthetics. While the exterior and interior are derivative of the 1980s hot hatch, sporting classic Turbo-style branding on the doors, rally-like wheels and an interior that’s sparse but clearly modern, the Turbo 3 brings a retro-modern design that’s incredibly clean and refreshing to a car yet still instantly recognisable.

Return of the Turbo