Trophy or Williams. What limited numbers Clio should I buy?

[jackincaves]

After selling my Clio 182 FF about a year ago, and not owning a car since then because of not being able to justify the cost of owning a car in London, I'm now in the position where I can afford to run a car again.

I want to spend about £6-8k on something fun (I've got by without a car for a year, so don't need anything particularly practical) and have narrowed down my choice to two cars, both Clios because I loved my 182 so much.

So, what do you guys think? Williams or Trophy?

[jackincaves]

Trophy Husband said:

Both are appreciating. I suspect the Williams (especially Williams 1) will be appreciating faster than the Trophy no doubt? 420 Trophy's left on the road or SORN. 225 Williams 1, 200 Williams 2 and 125 Williams 3. The Williams is a special car to drive as is the Trophy. I'm biased towards the Trophy (mine is one of the SORN'd). I've had the Trophy since 2008 and believe that it is now worth within £500 of what I paid for it then.

The appreciation factor is what originally had me leaning towards the Williams, but (without having driven either, admittedly) I feel like the Trophy might be a more rewarding drive. And more suited to (occasionally) being driven in London, track days and longer road trips.

[jackincaves]

swanny71 said:

Trophy drives nicer, is the 'better' car and was cheaper after he'd spent £'s getting the Williams up to scratch. I bought mine to drive and enjoy with minimal depreciation, he bought his to do up, polish, and appreciate in value. Horses for courses.

Edited by swanny71 on Monday 7th November 19:23

I think this is what's swaying me to the Trophy. Buying a 'good' one is much more possible with my budget and realistically, and something to 'drive and enjoy with minimal depreciation' is exactly what I'm after.

[jackincaves]

Trophy Husband said:

Just make sure that belts and dephaser have been done on time and try to get one with the Sachs rebuild done for the fronts or try to negotiate a wedge off asking price if not done. Mine's number 498 of the 500 UK cars. Whether that means owt, I'm not sure!

I know about the belts etc from my regular 182 but good to know about the dampers. Anything else that's different on the Trophy that I need to be vigilant of?