Description:

SUMMARY

An historically significant car, long regarded as a cornerstone of the British Maxi Turbo story. The only genuine ‘Works’ Maxi privately campaigned in the UK in period.

DESCRIPTION

Developed during the height of Group B’s technical arms race, the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo remains one of the most evocative and uncompromising rally cars of the 1980s. This example — chassis number #201, also known as car number 16 — was developed by John Price and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the British Maxi Turbo story.

To meet homologation requirements, just 20 works Renault 5 Maxi Turbos were constructed in 1985. Of these, 12 were retained for active competition, while the remainder were dismantled to support the works rally programme. John Price, a frequent visitor to Renault Sport Dieppe, was often captivated by the Maxis and had long hoped to acquire one. In 1986, he was offered the choice of the last six cars on stands, and selected chassis #201 (Car 16), which arrived without engine, gearbox, or suspension.

Over the next two years, he assembled a suitable engine — a 1527cc unit producing around 340bhp, combining elements of the TDC and Maxi5 Turbo engines but avoiding the complexity of the DPV system and stepper-motor-driven Bosch fuel injection. A Maxi Turbo magnesium-alloy gearbox with works rally ratios was fitted, while suspension and ancillary parts were sourced through Price’s contacts at Dieppe.

The car retained its original aluminium roll cage, fabricated in 1985 by German specialists Matter, each component stamped #20 1985 Matter. Once completed, the car debuted competitively at the West Cork Rally in March 1988, finishing 3rd overall. That season included strong results at the Circuit of Kerry, Burmah Rallysprint, Manx National, and Wexford, with retirement at the Rally of the Lakes due to gearbox issues. The 1989 season saw further podium finishes, though John soon shifted focus to the four-wheel-drive Metro 6R4, and the Maxi was laid up.

Over the following decades, the car passed through private collectors, with Price reacquiring it at various points. Its complete ownership history is documented in a signed ‘Story of EXI 1465’, which will be available to view at the auction or sent to interested parties.

In more recent times, EXI 1465 was invited to Renault’s Dunsfold facility, where it was digitally recorded for a Sony PlayStation rally title, and later served as a course car for the 2010 Tour of Epynt. It was subsequently driven at La Vie en Bleu at Prescott, where Price secured class honours in 2011, marking his final public outing in car #16.

Mechanically, the car remains pretty much as it was at Prescott, with minor updates including slightly larger brake discs. It retains its genuine, factory body-shell, with original Kevlar, carbon-fibre, and aluminium panels preserved. The engine is a John Price Rallying 1527cc Maxi unit with Garratt T3 turbocharger, large-valve cylinder head, Bosch K-Tronic mechanical fuel injection, dry sump with remote oil cooler and intercooler, producing around 340bhp at 6,500rpm. The car is fitted with the factory Maxi magnesium-alloy gearbox, factory rally ratio gear-set, Maxi steering rack, Maxi brake discs, front steel suspension, Tour de Course rear alloy suspension uprights, and the original Matter aluminium roll cage.

In early 2013, the car was sold to new custodians who refinished it in John Price’s iconic 1988 rally livery, faithfully recreating one of the most recognisable British Maxi Turbo colour schemes. The current seller acquired the car in 2017, and in 2018 it was again recorded at Nicholson McLaren Engines for a second Sony PlayStation title, reportedly run to full load on the dynamometer.

Today, EXI 1465 remains presented in its striking hand-painted 1988 livery, mounted on white 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Michelin tyres and red mud flaps. It stands as an exceptionally important collector piece, a tangible link to the golden era of British rallying and a rare example of a works-derived Maxi Turbo with continuous period association.

The car is accompanied by the comprehensive ‘Story of EXI 1465’ document, containing photographs, results, and supporting material charting its development, competition history, and long-term custodianship. The most recent full service was carried out in 2023 by Welch Motorsport, including replacement of the oil pump, with prior servicing by Intersport Racing in 2020.

EXI 1465 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a defining artefact from rallying’s most fearless decade. Closely associated with John Price and offered in his iconic 1988 livery, it occupies a significant place in the history of the British rally scene and stands as a centrepiece-worthy addition to any serious motorsport collection.

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