1997 Renault Sport Spider

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● Very rare right hand drive example

● Upgraded with turbo conversion from respected specialist, producing 315hp

● Low mileage

● Great condition

● Gull wing doors!

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

When, back in the 90’s Renault was experiencing a resurgence and wanted a sporting flagship to top off its range, it conceived the Renault Sport Spider to serve in both a one-make racing series and also as a road car. It established the Renault Sport name as a brand that would gain recognition in its own right and installed the engine from the legendary Clio Williams into a lightweight welded aluminium chassis, clad in composite plastic body panels.

Performance was lively but the lack of a roof of any kind gave it a specialist appeal; while the total production run is thought to be around 1800 units, fewer than 100 of those were right hand drive and some report that up to 40 of those were converted to left hand drive and sold in Germany. Either way, this a very rare car.

As if that wasn’t enough, this example has received a turbo conversion to enliven the performance even further. The current owner, who has owned the car for seven years, has spent huge sums maintaining and improving it and the results are clear to see. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, look no further.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● First registered 19 December 1997, which must have proved a chilly collection experience for the first owner

● All the original manuals are present

● The car is accompanied by a large collection of invoices and a detailed record which covers all the work completed under current ownership, including details of the engine work

● The last major service was performed in 2020 when the engine was refreshed and upgraded by John Law Engineering, just 800 miles ago

● The owner tells us that he has recently changed the oil and coolant

● The MOT history is remarkably clean back to 2006 (when the electronic records start) and the current MOT, which shows no advisories, is valid until 24 July 2024

● There are two keys and door fobs

● No stolen, write-off or finance warnings on HPI check

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Entering the cabin requires deploying the car’s party piece, automatic gull wing doors with courtesy lighting

● As you’d expect from what is essentially a road-going race car, the interior is largely functional

● A pair of heated leather Recaro bucket seats are a concession to luxury, with quilted leather and, extravagantly, added head rests

● There are a number of heated seat pads to choose from which can be deployed and ‘Spider’ branded fitted floor mats

● Red four-point harnesses hold you securely in place

● Electric mirrors, a Bluetooth wireless stereo, TPMS, 12-volt and USB sockets have all been installed and while everything is said to be functional, some of the backlights in the centre display flicker and may need replacing

● Underlining the car’s singularity of purpose, the dashboard features a large, centrally mounted rev counter with matching digital Spa Design dials

● Opening the front clamshell takes a little practice and persuasion but, once tilted forward, there is a useful boot space

● Overall the interior really sets the tone for the car: it’s about driving, pure and simple

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The two-tone paintwork is the signature colour scheme for the car, pearlescent Sports Yellow over grey

● The front clamshell and rear spoiler have been resprayed and are in great condition, while there are a few marks and stone chips to be found elsewhere, and a small chip in the front offside headlamp glass

● Very rare Elia spoiler in matching colours

● Team Dynamics Motorsport alloys look great on the car and show no significant marks

● The tyres are Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R and are in excellent condition, having covered very limited mileage since fitting

● LED lights are fitted all round, with halos at the front

● There is a custom-made indoor Renault Sport branded cover

● In summary, it looks fabulous and is sure to turn heads wherever it goes

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● Open the rear bonnet, and what first strikes you is the neatness of the turbo installation; while obviously not stock, it is clearly a very professional installation

● Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox

● It starts on the button, goes hard and sounds fantastic

The engine is essentially a Clio Williams unit with a T28 turbo but the list of modifications is extensive and includes:

● Fully ported cylinder head

● Uprated cams and pistons

● Quaife LSD

● Emerald engine management system with switchable maps

● Custom intercooler (with fan)

● Custom turbo exhaust

● Uprated and hydraulic clutch conversion

● A good deal of heat shielding

● A big brake kit, custom designed by the Renault Alpine Owners Club (RAOC) for the Spider, provides the stopping power

● The Bilstein shocks have been refurbished by the manufacturer with full geometry set up

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

This rare car which was already in lovely condition has been taken to the next level by its fastidious owner. Retirement and spending more time abroad now presents a great opportunity for someone else to enjoy the fruits of his labours.

To arrange a viewing, please call 01332 913070. All viewings will be held at Donington Park from Monday to Friday between 9AM and 2PM.