Renault heritage fleet hot hatches up for auction

Twelve cars that previously formed part of Renault UK’s heritage fleet are up for auction. 

Listed on the Collecting Cars platform, the offering includes multiple generations of performance Clios and hot Meganes. 

Here, we take a look at some of the special vehicles up for grabs. Bidding is due to end on Sunday 13 March. If we could, we would…

2005 Renault Clio V6 Phase 2

Grabbing the most attention is this Liquid Yellow Clio V6. One of 18 painted in the eye-searing hue, and taken from the 354 UK-market Phase 2 models, this is a truly rare hot hatchback. 

Powered by a mid-mounted 3.0-litre V6, the 255hp Clio was originally used as Renault’s press demonstrator. This saw it used for road tests by numerous magazines and websites, with Richard Hammond driving it for Top Gear in 2013. 

With less than 15,000 miles from new, the Clio V6 has seen regular servicing throughout its time on the Renault fleet. It comes with Recaro sports seats and air conditioning – plus the sheer ridiculousness of a V6 engine where the back seats should be.

1991 Mk1 Renault Clio 1.4 RT

Slightly more sensible than the Clio V6 is a first-generation example of Renault’s famous supermini. This particular 1991 car joined the UK heritage fleet in 2018, and features the 1.4-litre petrol engine and automatic gearbox. 

Being in ‘RT’ trim means body-coloured bumpers, a grey velour cloth interior, remote central locking and a glass sunroof. 

We previously drove a 1990 Clio from Renault’s heritage fleet, saying: “Today, the original Renault Clio is an absolute delight to drive. Honestly.”

1985 Renault 4 GTL

We were similarly impressed when trying a Renault 4 GTL, like this one listed on Collecting Cars. “Although we’d be reluctant to drive an R4 every day – and it’s certainly not the choice for long motorway journeys – it’s perfectly pleasant to pootle around in, while the interior is functional and endearing,” was our view. 

The Renault 4 up for grabs is a 1985 GTL model with right-hand drive and a 1.1-litre petrol engine. A grand total of 34hp means it isn’t quick, but can reach a potential top speed of 75mph. 

Owned by its first registered keeper until November 2017, it was then acquired by Renault UK. It even comes with the original sales invoice and Renault Warranty Card.

2005 Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy

Proving that Renault really was the hot hatch champion in the early 2000s, here’s the Clio 182 Trophy. A total of 500 examples were made for the UK market, with a further 50 heading to Switzerland.

Along with the exclusive Capsicum Red paintwork, the most important change for the 182 Trophy was the fitment of trick Sachs dampers. Using race-bred technology, these improved the Clio 182’s already impressive handling, with better control on Britain’s bumpy roads. 

The first car of the 500 made for the UK, this example spent time on Renault’s press fleet.

2008 Renaultsport Megane R26.R

One of the most extreme hot hatchbacks ever made, the Megane R26.R became an instant classic when launched. The rear seats were ditched, a roll cage installed, and the rear windows were replaced with polycarbonate items. 

Using a 227hp turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four, the R26.R came with a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. Production was limited to 450 examples, with just 159 for the UK.

This car is numbered ‘000’ from the UK production run, having served on Renault’s press fleet when new. It’s one of two R26.Rs being auctioned, with car 001 also on offer.

1997 Renault Sport Spider

Launched in the same year as the original Lotus Elise, this was the very first car to wear the Renault Sport badge. It also featured a mid-engined layout, and was powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the Clio Williams.

Fewer than 100 Spiders were built in right-hand drive, although those that came to the UK did gain a proper windscreen. Tipping the scales at just 930kg, the driving experience was still intense, making this a real collector’s item. 

Owned by Renault from new, this blue and grey car has covered a scant 5,000 miles.

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