Matt Davies' 1995 Renault 5 Campus/GTT Conversion

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Matt Davies

Instagram: @carismar5gtt

Photographer: Jack Smith

Instagram: @no1carspotter

Performance Stats: 170 BHP

A Lifelong Passion for Cars

I've been into cars all my life. My father used to restore classics, so I was born into the car world—cut me open and I bleed fuel. I attended Max Power shows long before I was old enough to drive and always admired the charisma of the Renault 5.

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Fast forward 20-plus years, after going through a really rough time in life, a friend invited me over and put on Car S.O.S., where they restored a Renault 5. Before the program finished, I had already been on eBay and bought a Renault 5 Campus. I picked it up that weekend and spent a few weeks tracking down the parts I needed to convert the car. Like any project, it spiralled into more than expected, but it became my focus to pull myself out of a hard spot. My first incarnation of the car was shown at a small event as we emerged from the first lockdown.

The Max Power Reunion

Finding My Community

Then came the first Max Power Reunion, where the stars aligned. I found my people again, and what a great bunch they are! Mark Smith is the head honcho, and we all do our very best to make the show as good as possible. It's hard work, but I love every minute of it.

I change my car a bit every year so people have something new to look at. The car has been a labor of love, partly built on a driveway and in my garage. The old scene is what really cemented my love of modified cars. Before social media boxed in modifications, it was a time when crazier was better, and the only limitation on your creation was your own imagination. Much better times to be a part of the modified car scene, in my humble opinion.

The Build: 1995 Renault 5 Campus/GTT Conversion

Inspiration and Customization

The car that inspired me in the Max Power era is now my own project. My Renault 5 started as a humble Campus and has been fully converted to GTT running gear. Initially, I found a garage to install the engine and electrics, as I didn’t have my own garage at the time. Since then, I have redone much of the work, including replacing head gaskets.

All the bodywork has been done by myself, with my friend’s body shop, Ikon Bodyz, handling the paintwork. Having taught myself as a teen and worked in body shops over the years, I’ve always been good at bodywork. At this stage, 90% of the car has been built by myself.

Specifications

• Full GTT Running Gear

• Engine: 170 BHP with alloy upgrades, full silicone hoses, etc.

• Carisma Front and Rear Bumpers: Including boot spoiler, both modified to my taste.

• Front and Rear Diffusers

• Exhaust System: Full stainless system with twin exhausts.

• Wheels: Japan Racing 16” wheels.

• Exterior: Cool louvred bonnet with bad boy eyelids.

• Interior: Roll cage, front and rear strut braces, bucket seats.

• Sound System: Full boot build with lighting, housing an Audiobahn 12” sub and two 6” Vibe speakers.

• Suspension: Lowered 60mm.

• Lights: Smoked lights.

• Styling: Side skirt extensions, gold stickers to match the gold detailing on the wheels.

Unique Appeal and Driving Experience

One-of-a-Kind Creation

My car is truly unique; there is nothing else like it at any shows in terms of modifications and build quality. It's a bit of a throwback to the glory years of car mods with a modern twist. Sometimes, outside of show season, I think about selling it, but then I get behind the wheel and my face lights up with a smile. Those thoughts are long gone.

The Thrill of Driving

I love being behind the wheel. The smells, the sound, the way it drives like a go-kart—no modern car will ever give you the thrill that driving this thing does. The winding windows and lack of power steering remind me of my teen years. I get to relive very fond memories every time I take it out, and seeing other people appreciate my work makes it all worthwhile.

The Build Process

Hands-On Approach

90% of the work has been done by myself on a driveway or in my garage. Initially, the engine was installed by a garage in Hednesford, but the majority has since been rebuilt by me. All bodywork has been done by me, with my friends at Ikon Bodyz in Stafford responsible for the paintwork, which is always spot on. Credit also goes to Coles Autotech in Stafford for always hooking me up and making a great job of the exhaust system.

Future Plans

Future plans for the car are a bit of a secret—you’ll just have to wait until 2025 to see what I have in store. I can say that it’s going to be a big change.

Acknowledgements and Shout-Outs

Community Support

A big shout-out to the Max Power Reunion for giving me the platform to show my creation and having me as part of the team. Thanks also to Ikon Bodyz Stafford and Coles Autotech Stafford for their excellent work. And a special thanks to Jack for hooking me up with sick pictures, even if I do have to wait six months to see them!

Dream Car

My dream car has always been the Renault 5. I've owned a lot of nice cars over the years, which many would consider more impressive, but this car holds a special place in my heart.

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