Most modern hot hatches aren’t short on fender flares, sizeable rims, and carbon wings, but back in the 1980s many were looking for a little extra visual oomph from their super minis, which is exactly where tuning houses like Dimma came into play. Using the Michel Boué-styled Renault 5 as their canvas, Dimma went to town with a widebody kit that saw almost every panel replaced with a more muscular reinterpretation. From the twin NACA ducts on the bonnet to the bulging arches, and from the deeper side skirts to those fabulous Compomotive wheels, Dimma transformed this 1987 Renault 5 Turbo GT from a fairly ordinary if slightly spicy hatchback into a poster car worthy of any teen’s bedroom wall.
Sure, this Dimma’s 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder won’t be winning any drag races with just 120 horsepower, but don’t let those stats fool you because at just 830kg there isn’t a lot of mass to shift. The changes were more than just a styling exercise too, with Koni adjustable suspension, a Magnex exhaust system, and Momo pedals catering to the driving enthusiast. Having been recently restored, this Dimma now shows just over 67,000 miles and is in outstanding condition, with panel gaps that would likely put many 1980s show cars to shame.
Take a step inside, and you’ll first notice the amazing Dimma ‘Connect’ embroidered leather seats, followed by the cabin’s impressive state of preservation thanks to a host of new and refurbished OEM parts, including a new quartz clock, gear knob and parcel shelf. Finished in the rare optional shade of 405 Sports Blue, this Dimma is thought to be one of only two surviving cars like it, making it a fabulous would-be addition to any collection of French performance icons.
