2002 Renault Clio V6 (Phase 1)

Highlights

• 1 of 256 ‘phase one’ examples
• RHD, UK-market car
• Chassis 0445
• Trophy Cup competition car evocation
• Upgraded KW suspension
• Bucket seats, harnesses and a plumbed-in fire extinguisher
• Significant expenditure on Trophy Cup evocation
• Numerous genuine V6 Trophy Cup parts

Overview

Born out of Renault Sport’s love for single-marque racing and the notion of using a crash-damaged Ferrari 308 to build a one-off, mid-engined Twingo(!) the Clio V6 was birthed by the mad boffins at Renault during the 90s, during the launch of the MKII Clio, and also spawned a one-make Trophy Cup racing series.

With the one-off prototype/study being unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1998 to a rapturous reception, the wheels were put into motion to make the Clio V6 a reality, with Renault Sport engaging Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) to build what would go on to be the first of two batches (phases) of this now-iconic mid-engined hatch.

This example is chassis 0445, a RHD, UK-delivered Phase One example that has benefitted from significant expenditure to turn it into an eye-catching Trophy Cup evocation, complete with rare Trophy Cup wheels, spoiler and a full-body wrap in a period livery.

We reckon it looks pretty spectacular, and have no doubt it’ll draw plenty of attention both on the virtual auction block and beyond; good luck and happy bidding!

History and documentation

• Registered 05 July 2002
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Dec 2003 @ 14,500 miles, Oct 2007 @ 15,655 miles, Jan 2012 @ 35,717 miles, Dec 2014 @ 39,049 miles, Sep 2017 @ 41,721 miles, Apr 2018 @ 44,602 miles, Oct 2018 @ 48,848 miles, Sep 2019 @ 50,771 miles
• Service invoices as follows: Aug 2022 (no mileage) including cambelt, and another invoice that does not show the date from a well-regarded specialist
• Full document pack
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates, including invoices for numerous cambelt changes, supply & coding of a new key, tyres and more
• Two sets of keys
• The current MoT has expired, but the seller notes that a fresh MOT will be carried out prior to sale
• V5 present
• HPI clear

Interior

• ‘Clubsport’ style interior
• Cobra classic RSR seats
• Renault Sport Sparco steering wheel
• TRS harnesses
• Plumbed-in Lifeline fire safety system
• Chassis number plaque on centre console
• Flocked dashboard upper and door cards
• Battery cut off switch (plus external switch)
• The door card lowers show some wear and tear
• The Cobra seats exhibit some light abrasions but no deep rips or tears
• Typically, the alcantara steering wheel has dulled and worn-down over the years
• Looking closer, we note some expected wear to the door card grab handles, scratches on the door jambs, wear to the soft touch around the stereo, and some patination to the shifter
• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Wrapped in period-style Renault Clio Trophy livery
• Genuine Trophy Cup Cromodora wheels
• Genuine Trophy Cup rear spoiler
• Front splitter
• Removable light covers
• Aluminium fuel cap
• Bonnet/boot racing clips
• The seller notes that the graphics are removable, which would leave the owner with a silver Clio V6
• Stone chips are visible to the front end and exposed edges
• A trio of deep scratches is visible on the roof
• Both headlights are clear and free of damage as far as we can see
• We note some scuffs around the lower edges of the rear arches / mudflaps
• Being very particular, we’d point out a small area of damage/peeling on the wrap, on the lower front nearside of the front bumper (adjacent to the ‘1’ of the Mobil 1 graphic)
• There are one or two marks on the fantastic Cromodora wheels, but nothing that would put us off
• The wheels are wrapped in a set of 2018/2019 date-coded Yokohama tyres

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre naturally aspirated 24-valve V6 engine, producing 227bhp
• Bespoke stainless steel exhaust system
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• KW V3 shock absorbers with upgraded top mounts
• No reported mechanical issues or known faults

Summary

A Clio V6 is eye-catching enough in standard form, with its almost comically wide rear arches, squat stance and burbling V6 soundtrack, but throw on some Trophy Cup goodies and a livery, and this example will make almost any other example look boring by comparison.

If you like your Clio V6 with a little extra bite and a whole load more street cred, this is the one for you.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located near Epping, Essex.