Mon Dieu! Is this Alpine R5 the coolest hot hatch of them all?

Launched in 1976, the Renault 5 Alpine proved that a sensible city car could also have a mischievous streak. Alpine’s engineers took the cheerful R5 and slipped in a 1.4-litre engine with about 93 PS, a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and firmer suspension. Suddenly, the grocery-getter could hustle.

Weighing well under 900 kg, the Alpine felt lively in a way only 1970s hot hatches can: light steering, plenty of induction noise, and just enough grip to keep things interesting. Subtle visual tweaks like darker bumpers, extra lamps, and the Alpine logo hinted that this was no ordinary Renault. The Renault 5 Alpine kept the unmistakable, upright R5 silhouette: short, boxy and full of character, giving it a stance that still reads as pure 1970s French charm. Its signature Alpine wheels, with their clean, turbine-like design, added just the right hint of purpose without overwhelming the car’s modest proportions. The small Alpine set the stage for Renault’s later pocket rockets, from the Alpine Turbo to the wild mid-engined 5 Turbo. Today it’s loved not just for its place in hot-hatch history, but for its irresistible “small car, big fun” attitude.

This particular 1978 Renault 5 Alpine is coming up for auction with Collector Cars Auctions on 30 November in Lyon. Click here for more info, an estimate price and the full auction catalogue.