2002 Renault Sport Clio V6

Highlights

• Mid-mounted 3.0-litre V6, producing 230hp and 221lb ft of torque

• One of the most iconic hot hatches of the 21st century

• Iceberg Silver paintwork and multispoke wheels in excellent condition

• Rare and appreciating future classic

Overview

The Renault Clio V6 is just One Of Those Cars, isn’t it? No matter how many times you see one (and thankfully they remain a relatively frequent sight at PH Sunday Services) you simply have to stop and stare.

Based on Dieppe’s Clio V6 Trophy racecar, which ushered in the new millennium with its own single-make series, road-going vee-sixes were hand-assembled by Tom Walkinshaw Racing. TWR’s expert engineers ripped out the rear seats, crammed in the Laguna’s 3.0-litre powerplant and pinned on one of the most purposefully proportioned body kits ever to grace the automotive annals.

The model was divided into pre- and post-facelift Phase 1 and Phase 2 designations, with a lovely example of the former being what’s on offer here. Only around 1,500 Phase 1 cars were officially produced, with just 250-300 ending up in the UK. A mere 39 of those remain on the road, according to How Many Left, with a further 120 listed as SORN. Those numbers reveal much about Clio V6 ownership, with the car often considered to be both ‘a bit of a handful’ and yet one you’ll find yourself keen to hold on to – as perhaps evidenced by the current custodian’s 22 years of ownership.

But the Phase 1 Clio is far from alone in being a vehicle whose lairy reputation only serves to get it further under your skin. That you’re considering this lot seriously enough to have read this far means you’re likely already well aware of the stories; the combination of mid-mounted V6 and short wheelbase, and resulting reputation for swapping ends faster than you can say sacrebleu.

In an era of electronic drift modes and auto rev matching, there’s little that says you know your onions like arriving in one of these, then. And besides, its ‘characterful’ reputation was also the product of an era in which the majority of cars were, for the first time, starting to become really rather approachable. If you’ve any experience of the hot hatches and performance saloons of the 1980s and early ‘90s, you may well find yourself wondering what everyone’s been fussing about.

In that case you’ll soon find yourself zipping up to the 7,150rpm red line, the V6 singing over your shoulder and sonorous exhaust keeping tune behind. What’s more, you’ll be among the lucky few able to enjoy not only one of the best looking cars of the early 21st century, but one of its most talked about driving experiences as well.

History and documentation

• First registered 30/11/2002

• Two-owner vehicle, acquired by current keeper in 06/04/2004

• £445 road tax

• Maintenance history including scheduled services: Nov 2003 @ 12,423 miles, Aug 2004 @ N/A miles, Nov 2005 @ 28,026 miles, Dec 2006 @ 33,228 miles, Dec 2007 @ 33,324 miles, Jan 2009 @ 36,417 miles, Jan 2010 @ 37,401 miles, Feb 2011 @ 38,291 miles, Mar 2012 @ 38,684 miles, Aug 2013 @ 39,397 miles, Jun 2022 @ 39,455 miles

• Vehicle kept in secure storage and SORN

• Two keys

• Sale includes the number plate

• Original handbook and extensive paperwork

• Current MOT expires 30/09/2026

• V5 in current owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Cabin in good condition with minor signs of age

• Leather and Alcantara bucket seats well maintained, with slight wear to bolsters

• Embroidered Renault Sport logos on headrests

• Leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel

• Aluminium gear knob and pedals

• Odometer shows 39,514 miles

Exterior

• Iceberg Silver paintwork appears in excellent condition

• Multi-spoke alloy wheels appear immaculate

• Red brake calipers

• Immaculate engine bay

• Undercarriage appears in good condition without any critical rust

Mechanical

• Mid-mounted 3.0-litre V6, producing 230hp and 221lb ft of torque

• Six-speed manual transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

• Full engine out service, with new plugs and belt changes including water pump - video available

• Pirelli P Zero tyres

• Owner describes car as being in very good condition all-round

Summary

Once the Clio V6 itch has taken a hold of you, there’s really only one way to scratch it. And if that’s what you’ve decided to do then you’ll be hard pressed to find a nicer example of the OG iteration than this.

Enjoyed properly when on the road and well looked after when not, this looks to be an excellent illustration of a car which straddled the line between the heady eccentricity of the preceding decades and the competent composure of what was to follow.

And if it does prove too hot for you to handle, well, you can always just sit and look at it.

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 Sevenoaks.