(No not our Dave). A fan-built LEGO Renault 5 Turbo 3E has achieved something remarkable, reaching 10,000 supporters on the LEGO Ideas platform in just 44 days (a fraction of the typical 32 months allowed for such projects). The model’s creator, UK engineer Dave Collins, never expected his passion project to become a global phenomenon. What started quietly in his Devon spare room has transformed into an international movement that celebrates the iconic Renault 5 Turbo legacy.
“I knew there was something special about the car when I started building it,” Collins reflected, “but I never expected this kind of reaction.”
Why the World Can’t Get Enough of This Build
The appeal isn’t accidental. The Renault 5 Turbo carries a legendary status that spans generations, from the wild, rally-bred originals of the 1980s to today’s bold, all-electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E. This enduring legacy resonates with enthusiasts worldwide, making Collins’ LEGO tribute the perfect intersection of nostalgia, creativity, and modern innovation.
Renault threw its full support behind the project, mobilising its global fanbase to vote for the creation. Adam Wood, Managing Director of Renault UK, expressed the company’s enthusiasm:
“We all fell in love with Dave’s creation when we first saw it, and to see that love resonate around the world has been incredible.”
What’s Next? The LEGO Review Stage
With the milestone secured, Collins’ model now enters the official LEGO Ideas review phase, where it will be assessed for potential production as an official LEGO set. This is significant not just for Collins, but for the broader LEGO community, it validates fan creativity and demonstrates the power of collective enthusiasm.
For those eager to see the model in person, it will be displayed on the Renault stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (9-12 July), where it will be celebrated alongside the real Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
The Real Beast Behind the Bricks
While the LEGO version captures imaginations, the full-size Renault 5 Turbo 3E is equally impressive. This all-electric “mini-supercar” boasts 555 horsepower, a £140,000 price tag, and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds with a top speed approaching 170 mph. From 2027, just 1,980 examples will be built, a number paying homage to 1980, when the first Renault Turbo was produced.
The Bigger Picture
What makes this story truly compelling is what it reveals about brand loyalty and creative communities. The speed and scale of support underscore a simple truth: when companies authentically engage with their enthusiasts, magic happens. Collins’ LEGO model isn’t just a tribute to a car; it’s a celebration of what happens when passion meets platform, and when brands empower their communities.
Whether the LEGO Ideas review results in an official set remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain, Dave Collins has already achieved something that transcends any production decision. He’s reminded the world why the Renault 5 Turbo, in all its incarnations, remains an icon worth building about.
