Renault 5, 8 and 8 Gordini: Books - History and Models

Renault 5

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Introduced in 1972, the Renault 5 followed the success of the Renault 4 but offered a less utilitarian and more stylish approach. With wrap-around plastic bumpers and a plastic-rich interior, it was designed as a modern city car and proved especially popular with women. Now widely seen as a design classic, the Renault 5 was France's best-selling car for many years and achieved strong worldwide sales.

In this illustrated book, Renault specialist Mark Bradbury examines the design and development of the Renault 5 and its position among rival superminis of the period, including the Fiat 127, Volkswagen Polo, and Ford Fiesta. He reviews the main model updates, the Super 5, and the high-performance versions such as the Alpine, Gordini, and GT Turbo.
The book also looks at the Renault 5's success in motor sport. Published before the launch of the new all-electric Renault 5, this volume offers a clear view of a motoring icon and its lasting influence.

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La Renault 5 de mon père

More than twelve years of presence in Europe, nearly six million units, 17% of the French market alone at the beginning of the 1980s: these figures alone show to what extent the Renault 5 will have had a real career as a "Supercar", as the advertisers in charge of its launch campaign very rightly named it.

Innovative with its bumper shields and its "supermini" size, practical thanks to its tailgate and its modularity, modern and colorful, cute with its expressive face, it is a real car to live with following the tradition of the brand. The French, and beyond that, the Europeans, were not mistaken and quickly adopted it!
It was all the easier since everyone could find a model in the range adapted to their needs, from the simple basic version to the explosive Turbo, via the LS and TS road cars, the frugal GTL, the TX of the chic neighborhoods, the hard-working Société or the Alpine of the sportsmen, without forgetting the three-volume Siete reserved for the Spanish market. Who has not, at least once, made a journey on board one?

• Richly illustrated, this book is dedicated to Renault R 5 cars from 1972-1984.
• Retraces in detail the history and evolution of the Renault 5.
• This volume of the "La voiture de mon père" collection is not only a source of in-depth information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
• The technology, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
• Contains more than 200 period photos, often unpublished.

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Renault 8 Gordini, le rêve bleu

In October 1964, Renault unveiled the R8 Gordini at the Paris Motor Show - a sporty and affordable car that quickly became iconic. Its blue paint with white stripes made it instantly recognizable.

This book presents a full account of the R8 Gordini's motorsport career, from factory-backed entries to privateer adventures. It covers the famous Gordini Cup, ice races in Finland, African rallies, and more.
The book features rare photographs and first-hand accounts from those who experienced the Gordini during its golden years.

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Renault 5 Turbo

Thunderbolt at the 1978 Paris Motor Show: Renault unveils the incredible R5 Turbo. A daring bet for the manufacturer, because the newcomer was primarily intended for competition, taking over from the brilliant R5 Alpine.

After a long development period, the model did not begin its career until the spring of 1980. Designed as a real racing beast, the flagship of the R5 range only retained a vague family resemblance to its modest sisters.
It did not have front-wheel drive and was equipped with a central rear engine, in order to better outwit its formidable adversaries in the emerging Group B, the Lancia 037 and other Audi Quattros.

From then on, the legendary heir to the R8 Gordini and Alpine berlinettas would also write its name into legend, in the hands of no less legendary drivers, such as Jean Ragnotti, Jean-Luc Thérier, Bruno Saby and François Chatriot, who would lead it to victory time and time again.

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La Renault Supercinq de mon père

The Renault 5, all models combined, was a remarkable success! In 1984, the Supercinq succeeded the Renault 5 after extensive research, numerous studies of innovative concepts and various prototypes.
It featured major developments in terms of habitability such as the transverse engine and the lengthening of the five-door version. Marketing was boosted by numerous versions: basic, classic, luxurious, sporty, limited series...
Not forgetting the Renault Express, a utility van or leisure vehicle. Hailed by all, the Renault 5 saga ended in 1996 after twenty-five years of great success.

• Richly illustrated, this book is dedicated to Renault Super 5 cars from 1984-1996.
• Retraces in detail the history and evolution of the Renault Supercinq.
• This volume of the "La voiture de mon père" collection is not only a source of in-depth information for the owner, but also a concise guide to originality.
• The technique, variants, modifications and special versions are described in detail.
• Contains 300 period photos, often unpublished.

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Renault 5 sportives - Le losagne dans les starting-blocks (Autofocus)

A popular French icon of the 1970s and 1980s, the Renault 5 was a best-seller throughout its career, from 1972 to 1984. Several versions, over a dozen years, have enabled it to display performances that were often exceptional in their category, serving a particularly rich competition record.

From the first R5 LS and its famous Renault Coupé understudy to the latest Maxi 5 Turbo competing in the Group B World Rally Championship, via the R5 Alpine, Alpine Turbo, R5 Turbo and Turbo 2, these models have helped to forge a legend of which the diamond can be proud.

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Renault 8 Gordini

In October 1964, Renault unveiled the R8 Gordini at the Paris Motor Show - a sporty, affordable sedan. Instantly recognizable in blue with white stripes, it quickly became a symbol for young driving enthusiasts.

This book presents the complete racing history of the model, covering both Renault's official entries and the adventures of amateur drivers. It highlights the famous Gordini Cup, ice racing in Finland, and rallies in Africa.
Rare photographs and firsthand accounts from those who lived the Gordini era enrich this tribute to a legendary car.

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