This Renault 5 Turbo orange and black number 32 faithfully represents the rally car that marked the 1986 Corsica rally. This IXO miniature perfectly captures the fighting spirit of this compact French car turned formidable racing machine.
A true collector's item for automobile and motorsport enthusiasts, this detailed reproduction testifies to the golden age of French rallying and Renault's technical daring in the 1980s.
Miniature characteristics
- Model: Renault 5 Turbo number 32
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1986
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Orange and black
- Drivers: C. Balesi / J.P. Cirindini
- Event: Corsica Rally 1986
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: a technical revolution
The Renault 5 Turbo was born in 1980 from Renault's clear intention to dominate Group B rallies. Unlike the front-wheel-drive R5 production model, this competition version adopts a revolutionary architecture with a rear mid-mounted 1.4-liter turbocharged engine developing over 160 horsepower.
This radical transformation of the peaceful city car into a racing beast requires a complete redesign of the body. The flared fenders, multiple air intakes, and rear wing showcase this technical metamorphosis. The tubular chassis and independent suspension on all four wheels make this R5 Turbo a genuine sports car.
The commercial success of this road-legal version confirms the public's attraction to this super-powered French small car, produced in 4,987 units between 1980 and 1986.
Renault: innovation in the service of performance
In 1986, Renault was in a period of sporting effervescence. The diamond brand dominated Formula 1 with its turbo engines and also shone in rallying with this R5 Turbo. This dual presence in motorsport reflects Renault's strategy of using sport as a laboratory for innovation.
Since its inception in 1898 by Louis Renault, the French brand has continually pushed technical boundaries. From early racing victories in the early 20th century to contemporary innovations, Renault has always viewed competition as a privileged experimental ground. This philosophy peaked in the 1980s with bold achievements like the R5 Turbo and turbocharged F1 single-seaters.
The Corsican epic: when the road becomes legend
The 1986 Corsica rally is etched in memory as one of the most spectacular events in the world championship. Nicknamed the "rally of ten thousand bends," this race takes place on the winding roads of the island of Beauty, where every kilometer holds surprises and traps.
This R5 Turbo number 32 driven by C. Balesi and J.P. Cirindini perfectly embodies the spirit of this mythical event. The Corsican drivers know every stone, every slope of these mountain roads where the slightest mistake can be fatal. The orange and black livery of this machine quickly becomes emblematic in the Corsican automotive landscape.
The year 1986 also marks the last flames of Group B, this premier category of global rallying that would be banned at the season's end for safety reasons. Thus, this R5 Turbo participates in the final chapters of a golden era of motorsport, where power and technology seemed to know no limits.
Beyond the sporting aspect, this participation in the Corsica rally is part of a French rallying tradition that sees French manufacturers regularly shine on their home soil. This R5 Turbo thus becomes the symbol of a conquering and innovative automotive France.
Complete your miniature collection
This Renault 5 Turbo IXO finds its place alongside other icons of French rallying. It harmoniously fits with the miniatures of the Renault collection and ideally complements a set dedicated to rally vehicles.
Collectors passionate about the 1980s will find an authentic testimony of this exceptional automotive decade. This miniature also perfectly resonates with other French models from the same era or with contemporary race cars.
This reproduction appeals to both B group nostalgics and lovers of fine French machinery. It also serves as an excellent gateway into the world of 1/43 scale miniatures thanks to the recognized quality of the manufacturer IXO.
