Launched in 1991, Renault's 1.8-litre, 137hp Clio 16V heralded the start of the hot Clio dynasty. Sporting wider front wings and rear arches, uprated suspension and bigger brakes, the 16V was a proper pocket rocket: top speed was 130 mph and 62mph arrived in a spritely eight seconds.
16V is where the fast Clio began. Very rare now
Its place at the top of the Clio family tree was short-lived though, as Renault launched the legendary 2.0-litre Clio Williams in 1993. Originally intended as a limited edition, demand led Renault to build additional Williams 2 and Williams 3 cars. Eventually 12,100 Clio Williams were made, with 390 UK Clio Williams, plus 482 UK Williams 2s and just 308 Williams 3s.
The Clio Williams was developed to homologate Renault's 2.0-litre engine for racing. Fitted with an uprated crankshaft and cylinder head, forged pistons, bigger valves with hydraulic lifters and a revised five-speed manual gearbox the Clio Williams made 150hp and 129lb ft. Capable of reaching 62mph in 7.8 seconds and hitting 133mph, its famous Sports Blue paint and Gold Speedline alloys made it instantly recognisable. Note that the Williams 3 was painted in marginally brighter Monaco Blue.
RSI also largely forgotten in Williams' wake
Not surprisingly it's the Williams models which are most sought after, with the 16V somewhat unloved - as David at Renaultsport specialists K-Tec Racing explains. "The 16V Clio is not really a future classic - most need regular work to keep them on the road and finding a good, tidy example is very difficult," he warns. "The Clio Williams is the one to have, with the Williams 1 destined to become a collectors' item." And this is backed up by Rob Donaldson, Car Editor at Glass's who stresses, "Most Williams ended up on the track so are now very rare and very desirable. It's a definite classic in the making, with values rising for good standard ones."
Buy if: You want an appreciating classic (Williams or concours-condition 16V only)
Don't buy if: You're after a daily driver or a cheap track day car
We found: 1995 Clio Williams 2, service history, 55K miles, £5,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £995
Good: £1,000 to £2,000
A1: £2,000+
Special Editions: Williams £3,000 to £6,995, Williams 2 £2,000 to £5,995, Williams 3 £3,000 to £6,995