RT5 Super Vee

The RALT RT5 Super Vee, produced from 1982 to 1990 by Ron Tauranac designed RALT marque, represents dominant Formula Super Vee chassis achieving virtual monopoly in USA series during mid-1980s. Aluminum monocoque construction houses Volkswagen-derived engines evolving throughout production from air-cooled 1,600cc Type 3 units with 15.5:1 compression ratio and Lucas mechanical fuel injection to later water-cooled Bertils-built 1,800cc engines producing 235 PS horsepower. Five-speed Hewland Mark IX transaxle provides reliable gear selection while lightweight construction achieves approximately 1,001 pounds curb weight. Early specifications utilized VW Rabbit engine with 1,582cc displacement featuring 69mm stroke and 85.5mm bore with external oil coolers and oil filters in air-cooled configuration.

Formula Super Vee provided cost-effective driver development series utilizing production-based Volkswagen engines delivering genuine single-seater racing experience at lower costs than Formula 3 or Formula Atlantic. The RT5 dominance demonstrated Ron Tauranac exceptional chassis design expertise developed through successful RALT Formula 2 and Formula 3 programs. The combination of aluminum monocoque construction providing rigidity and safety, evolution from air-cooled to water-cooled VW engines improving performance and reliability, proven Hewland transaxle, and RALT comprehensive customer support makes RT5 significant Formula Super Vee chassis establishing numerous race wins and championships throughout 1980s while providing accessible entry point into professional single-seater racing for aspiring drivers.