Renaultsport Clio V6 230 TWR (2001/Y)
POA
In March 1998, Renault launched the second generation of their hugely successful supermini, the Clio. To promote the new model, Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) of Jaguar Le Mans fame were drafted in to help build a race car for a one make Clio series. A 3 litre V6 from a Renault Laguna was inserted in the middle of the car behind the front seats with drive now going to the rear wheels. In 2001, following the success of the series, a road going version of the car was launched. Known as the V6 Phase 1, it was later replaced in 2003 by a facelifted Phase 2 version. Aside from the visual changes, the Phase 2 gained 25bhp as well as addressing many of the unwieldy handling characteristics (particularly in the wet) which plagued the Phase 1 cars. The Clio V6’s unique mid-engined, rear wheel drive layout was a true homage to the 1980s Renault 5 Turbo which preceded it and achieved so much Rally success.
SPECIFICATION
Colour: Illiad Blue
Interior: Prototype Leather/Alcantara
Year: 2001
Mileage: 14,100
Engine: 3.0L V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Body Style: Hatchback
Fuel: Petrol
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INVESTMENT THESIS
According to official Renault sales figures, just 8 Illiad Blue Phase 1 Renaultsport Clio V6 230’s were delivered to the UK…..but there were actually 9!
The story of car number 9 begins in Uddevalla Sweden at the co-owned Volvo/Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) factory where this particular chassis began life as a pre-production car. With a commemorative celebration for TWR chairman Tom Walkinshaw’s 25th year in competitive motorsport fast approaching, a decision was made to gift Tom a unique example of the Phase 1 car to celebrate the momentous occasion. Finally unveiled to Tom at Cornbury Park, the car finished in a hand sprayed Illiad Blue paint scheme received a fantastic reception.
Interestingly, the pre production car was initially silver and when the respray was carried out, “Iliade Bleu” had not been designated as an official factory colour for the Clio V6. In fact, the respray had to occur off site owing to paint availability issues and limitations of plastic painting within Uddevalla at the time.
In addition, the car benefited from unique, trimmed Renaultsport Spider bucket seats mounted 50mm lower than the standard seats and a bespoke prototype Leather/Alcantara interior option pack. These were items from a Personalisation Programme that was going to be rolled out as a production option, but never materialised. There were only 2 other Phase 1 cars fitted with a prototype interior (albeit of differing specifications and both LHD). The 1st was the 2001 Illiad Blue Geneva motorshow car whose current location is unknown and many suspect is no longer in existence with many of its parts now fitted to this TWR car. The 2nd, a test car which was destroyed after use. Finally, the last 8 digits of the chassis number T0M00001 served as a fitting tribute to the chairman and its new owner.
Which brings us back to the illusive number 9! For all Phase 1 cars, TWR had complete control of the entire production process. They would sell the completed cars back to Renault who would then register them into their own systems. With chassis TOM00001, the car was never sold and delivered to Renault and as a result, the VIN was created by TWR and never recorded in Renault systems.
In 2008, TWR sold the car to a private individual with a mere 2,000 miles on the clock. It was believed to have survived the hands of TWR liquidators owing to the fact it was registered in Tom’s personal name rather than the business.
Having sat for a number of years in storage, the car which has covered just 14,100 miles from new now, has just returned to us from marque specialist SG Motorsport where it has received a comprehensive and sympathetic recommissioning.
A unique chance to purchase one of the most historically significant Clio V6 in existence.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Hand Painted Illiad Blue
Prototype Leather/Alcantara Interior
Air Conditioning
Bi-Xenon Headlights
CD Player with 6 CD Multi-Changer
TECHNICAL FEATURES
PERFORMANCE
Engine Size: 2946 cc
Top Speed: 153 mph
0-62mph: 5.8 sec
Power: 255 bhp
DIMENSIONS
Height: 1420 mm
Length: 3830 mm
Width: 1940 mm
EMISSIONS & MPG
CO2: 285 g/km
Combined: 23 mpg