Renault Clio Williams: PH Carpool
Many of us had Clios as first cars but probably not as cool as this one
Car: Renault Clio Williams
Owned since: February 2012
Previously owned: First car!
'You don't choose a car, the car chooses you'
“It was the cheapest car in my wishlist! And that list contains a Delta Integrale 16V, E30 M3 and Escort Cosworth. I bought this car a few weeks before getting my driver’s licence - I got it quite late, at 24, because the engineering studies kept me busy.
“I wasn't looking for a garage queen. I wanted it to be my everyday car, my first car and the car that would teach me how to drive. It had to be a first series, with the numbered plaque on the dashboard and no ABS – as pure as possible.
“I eventually found one, at the right price. Body wise it needed a bit of attention and the Eagle F1s looked like that it had seen a track day (read ‘they were slicks’). Apart from that the car was looking great and was 100 per cent original - which was important to me. These cars don’t come for sale very often in continental Europe (I was living in Amsterdam) and I knew it would fly out of the classifieds. I was at work when I rang the owner and asked him if we could book a viewing for that afternoon. He told me that was OK for him, but warned me that he had a guy coming to see the car at lunch time, and if the guy wanted to buy it for the asking price, he would sell. ‘I will call you again in a minute,’ I said.
“A friend once told me, ‘You don't choose a car, it's the car who chooses you.’ This car had chosen me. I ran to my boss’s office and told him I had to leave earlier because I had found the car. He knew how badly I wanted a Clio Williams. He smiled and told me ‘tomorrow you have to show me that car.’
First batch Williams on the wishlist
But then I heard from the owner, who was sitting behind, ‘Hey, you haven't seen anything yet, you have to rev it past 4,000rpm to see what it’s got! Take the next right, there is a straight line after the turn, you can rev it there!" The rev counter needle touched 6,000rpm a few times and, oh boy, I bought the car!”
What I wish I'd known:
“Nothing really. This is one of those cars that has no secrets. It is what it is. It's mechanical and organic in every way. And its reliability is HUGE - believe me!”
Clean and original example - had to be bought!
“I love the sound of the engine. I can tell how fast I'm driving just by listening to it. The steering is amazing, and it sticks to the road and drives like a kart. The seats are awesome too and provide great support.
“And, of course, the looks. It’s the best looking hot hatch ever. And it’s a classic!”
Things I hate:
“There isn't one thing I hate in this car. Really. But before moving to the UK in April 2013 I had one of those moments that we petrolheads occasionally have: I thought of selling the car since I was moving out of the country. A guy came all the way from France with a trailer. And guess what? He went back home with an empty trailer. If you are this guy and you are reading this, I'm sorry.”
Costs:
“As I said, it was my daily drive for one year. I drove 14,000 miles with it.”
A few odds and ends aside it's been reliable
“Four new Toyo Proxes T1-Rs, four spark plugs and two oil changes. One power steering pump (to replace a noisy one), together with a high-pressure power steering hose. Two handbrake cables. One speedometer cable that broke (on the track) - the only corrective maintenance.
“It now needs brake discs and pads and four new tyres!”
Where I've been:
“I went through a Dutch winter, driving 60 miles a day with soft Toyo tires. Driving was a challenge on its own: 900kg, 150hp, no ABS, no traction control. Inches of snow and ice everywhere. Would do it again! Was great fun!
“I have been on the racetrack too at Zandvoort.”
Having survived Dutch winter sunnier climes beckon
“The Clio is no longer my daily drive and is getting the bodywork care it deserves. It has proven itself as a great car and a great driving school. Puts a smile on my face every time I switch the engine on.
“I have been driving a Mk3 Toyota MR2 Roadster for the past six months. Thought it was a good introduction to the rear-wheel drive world but it’s now for sale and there’s an E46 M3 on the way!
“Once the Clio is restored I’m going to export it back to Portugal.”
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
A colleague of mine about 8-10 years ago bought one of these for his first car. He was 17 and paid something like £3500 on insurance, at a time when £1500 was more normal for a 17yo. He thought it was worth it though!
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