1997 Renault Sport Spider

KEY FACTS

• A rare and exciting mid-engined modern classic open-top sports car, this Renault Sport Spider has been extensively re-engineered and upgraded.
• It is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 16-valve in-line four engine - as found in the Clio Williams , driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
• First registered in December 1997, this is one of only 96 UK-delivered cars, and has been with the seller for nearly five years. It has remained garaged throughout their ownership whenever not in use.
• The seller states that between 2012 and 2016 the car received several performance upgrades and enhancements, as well as undergoing a full rebuild in 2014, completed at a cost of £25,000. This work was carried out by Renault tuning specialist Prima Racing, drawing on their experience in preparing and participating as a front-running team in the Renault 5 GT Turbo, Clio Cup and Spider Cup/Trophy championships, to rebuild this Spider to emulate the performance of the 150mph Trophy race cars.
• After the rebuild this Sport Spider was then primarily used as a show car, being successfully exhibited by both the vendor and Prima Racing at major shows and events around the UK, accumulating an array of awards and trophies between 2014 and 2020.
• The odometer currently displays 35,030 miles, verified by previous MOT tests and service documentation supplied with the car. The car has covered around 7,000 miles since the engine/gearbox were rebuilt in 2014.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• The car is finished in Gulf Racing Blue with orange door mirror covers, with the lightweight high-backed Recaro competition seats featuring removable cushioned inserts that have been recovered in Alcantara. The rest of the interior trim is a mixture of leather and Alcantara finishes.
• The 217hp, 158lb ft 2.0-litre 16V F7R engine has been comprehensively rebuilt and upgraded, by renowned Renault engine builder Tony Hart, featuring a reworked and gas-flowed head, reprofiled camshafts with vernier pulleys, an uprated head gasket, forged balanced pistons, matched steel connecting rods, a reworked and balanced crankshaft, lightened steel flywheel, re-faced and honed engine block, modified sump, uprated water and oil pumps, and a competition clutch. The dynamically balanced engine now revs freely to 7800rpm but has been limited to 7000rpm via an integrated OMEX rev limiter/shift light system.
• Unable to cope with the additional fueling needs of the modified engine, the standard ECU was replaced with an OMEX 600 fully programmable ECU. The standard induction system was replaced with AT-Power direct-to-head throttle bodies, with a modified air box and filter system, engine mapping was carried out by Northampton Motorsport at their 1200hp rolling road facility.
• The gearbox casings has been re-machined to accommodate a limited-slip differential, with uprated internal components fitted to handle the increased power and torque.
• The suspension was removed, stripped down then re-powder-coated, then re-assembled using all new parts, the standard under damped Bilsteins dampers were replaced with a full set of fully rebuildable two-way adjustable Penske Racing dampers, as used on the UK spec Spider Cup race cars.
• The standard 16-inch wheels have been replaced with IMAGE 17-inch three-piece billet alloy wheels, chosen for future brake upgrades, fitted with Toyo Proxes R888R low-profile tyres.
• The braking system has been upgraded with ventilated and slotted brake discs and competition pads.
• A custom-built Simpson Racing stainless-steel repackable exhaust system has also been fitted, replacing the standard performance-limiting one, featuring an integrated sports catalytic converter.
• Accompanying the sale is the original aluminium presentation case and documentation, the optional 2-piece zipped tonneau cover, the optional soft top with removable side panels, a comprehensive tyre repair/re-inflation kit, a copy of the factory workshop manuals which cover every topic in depth, and a file of receipts, invoices, MOT certificates, user manuals etc.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: a few tiny paint chips in the air scoops, a small blemish in front of the driver’s side rear wheel, a small scratch on the bulkhead assembly in front of the passenger door, and a lightly scuffed passenger-side front wheel.
• The seller states that the vehicle was fully professionally repainted in 2014, the removable seat cushions, dashboard and centre console have been retrimmed, and a removable steering wheel has been added.
• The most recent MOT test was conducted on 30 March 2026 at an indicated 34,956 miles, resulting in a clean first-time pass.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The seller reports that the car was last serviced in December 2023 at an indicated 34,000 miles, and that previous services were carried out by Prima Racing.

SUMMARY

The Renault Sport Spider is a truly unique and exhilarating open-top sports car, revered for its lightweight construction, focused driving experience, and distinctive styling. Noted by the seller to benefit from a comprehensive mechanical rebuild, this example is ready to deliver an immensely engaging and visceral driving experience to its next enthusiast owner, whether for show, or for relishing on challenging B-roads or track days.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

Classic and collectible vehicles may have had cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually apparent. Photographs may not accurately reflect colour or condition, so buyers should confirm key details directly with the seller. Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a car or bike. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.