I first got interested in the 2002 Turbo in December 1999 when I saw an ad in Autosport
Magazine placed there by a London dealer. After enquiring I ascertained that the car was in fact in Cremona, Italy and would not be in the uk until January 2000. In the New Year I travelled to Jaymic in Cromer, Norfolk where the car had been sent for Tyres and a general check over.
I agreed terms with the dealer and collected it and drove it to Gloucester to be stored at a friend’s there until I could come and collect it. While we were travelling to Jaymic we saw another ad for a Renault 5 Turbo 2 which was in Swaffham, which is only about 12 miles from Cromer. In any case we also viewed the Renault and I also bought it!
I got it home around January 2000 and set about stripping it to get repainted. There was virtually no rust, and to my knowledge it has all its original body panels. I replaced all body trims, rubber seals etc and fitted 15″ Minilites and correct aspect ratio tyres to keep the rolling diameter to what it was. We also fitted a stainless-steel exhaust at this time.
Originally an Italian Turbo and was owned by agent called Alceste Bodini who was a well-known Techno Formula 2 driver in Europe.
While I have had it, I have only replaced the steering box, track rods and ignition switch, which is not bad for 20 years!
In the time I have had it I have won prizes as follows;
Best 70’s car at IJCC Terenure Show 2003.
Best 70’s car at BMW Club Ireland Show 2003
Won Best Retro car BMW NI Show Carrickfergus 2014
Best Classic at the Retro car BMW NI Show Carrickfergus 2016
Best Classic car BMW NI Show
Best overall Car Norman Pratt Trophy 2019
Previous Classics:
1964 Morris Cooper S
1986 Sierra Cosworth
1998 Mercedes E55 AMG
1979 Porsche 911sc
1983 Renault5 Turbo 2
Current classics:
1974BMW 2002 Turbo
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL
1998 Peugeot 106 Gti
1991 Peugeot 309 Gti
1973 Simca Rallye 2
2007 Z4 2.5i
I KNOW THIS CAR AND IT IS AS NICE AN EXAMPLE I HAVE EVER CAME ACROSS AND MATCHES THE GENTLEMAN WHO OWNS IT!