2013 Renaultsport Megane Red Bull Racing RB8

Highlights

• One of just 30 UK-supplied Red Bull Racing RB8s

• Range-topping 265 Cup specification

• Numbered limited edition, sill plate No. 019

• Superb condition inside and out

• Uprated suspension for sharper handling

• Lots spent on maintenance, including fresh belts

• Ready to drive and enjoy

Overview

Ask any hot hatch obsessive to name the front-drivers worth lusting after and this generation of Renaultsport Megane comes up fast. The 265 on the Cup chassis is a particular highlight. It's the one with the mechanical limited-slip diff, the sharper springs and the red-calipered Brembos, and it flatters a good driver like little else at the money.

This is the version to have, and then some. It's the Red Bull Racing RB8, a numbered special edition finished in deep dark blue with platinum detailing, of which only 30 came to the UK. Under the skin it's a full 265 Cup, so you get the trick chassis hardware. Add the Recaro seats and numbered cabin trim and it stands well apart from an ordinary RS.

Better still, it presents beautifully. The paint carries a strong gloss, the Recaro cabin has clearly been looked after, and the refurbished wheels set it off nicely. A previous owner has fitted quality suspension upgrades and put it on fresh belts, though it is ready for its next service. Aside from that, it's a genuinely rare, genuinely quick modern classic that you can drive home and enjoy straight away.

History And Documentation

• First registered on 30 September 2013

• In current ownership since April 2021

• Two former keepers

• Service book with seven stamps: Nov 2014 @ 12,569 miles, Sep 2016 @ 24,403 miles, Sep 2017 @ 36,323 miles, Sep 2018 @ 44,749 miles, Sep 2019 @ 48,112 miles, Sep 2020 @ 52,559 miles and Aug 2023 by BeanieSport

• Belts and major service carried out in August 2023 by BeanieSport, comprising a genuine timing belt kit, water pump and auxiliary belt kit, plus a Powerflex handling pack fitted with four-wheel alignment

• Fitted with coilover suspension, which the vendor tells us is a Bilstein B14 setup

• Supplied with one key, the driver's handbook and touch-up paint pens

• HPI clear

• Current recorded mileage of 54,839 miles

• MOT valid until 15 June 2027

Interior

• Front Recaro sports seats trimmed in black with red contrast stitching and Red Bull Racing embroidery, with no tears to the bolsters

• Signature red seatbelts front and rear

• Rear bench in very good order with no tears or staining

• Numbered sill tread plate reading Red Bull Racing Formula One Team No. 019

• Carbon-effect dashboard trim with a red accent line and Renault Sport badging

• Flat-bottomed multifunction leather steering wheel, alloy gearknob and drilled alloy sports pedals

• Fitted Red Bull Racing floor mats

• R-Link portrait infotainment with TomTom satnav

• Air conditioning

• Rear parking sensors

Exterior

• Finished in dark blue metallic with platinum and silver detailing

• Paintwork presents in excellent order with a strong gloss, straight panels and even shut lines

• The vendor informs us that the driver's side rear wheel arch moulding has slightly clouded lacquer in a small area

• 19-inch gloss black multi-spoke alloy wheels, refurbished and showing minimal kerbing

• Goodyear tyres all round with healthy tread

• Red Brembo brake calipers behind the front wheels

• Red Bull Racing Formula One Team decals and a red and blue lower side stripe

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 265bhp and 265lb ft

• Six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels

• 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds and on to a 158mph top speed

• Cup chassis specification with a mechanical limited-slip differential

• Coilover suspension (the vendor tells us Bilstein B14) and Powerflex polyurethane bushes fitted for sharper handling

• Red Brembo brakes, with the vendor telling us the pads and discs were replaced in 2023 and have covered under 1,000 miles since

• Cambelt, water pump and auxiliary belt renewed in 2023

• Currently showing a service-due indicator; buyer should budget for a service

• The vendor tells us it starts on the button and is a joy to drive

Summary

This is a rare thing kept well. It's a numbered Red Bull Racing RB8 in the sought-after 265 Cup specification, presented in excellent condition inside and out. The Recaro cabin has worn well and the refurbished wheels and glossy dark blue paint look the part. Bilstein coilovers and Powerflex bushes should sharpen up an already brilliant chassis. Cars this rare and this tidy rarely come up, so it's well worth a proper look.

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 in Telford, Shropshire.