2007 Renaultsport Clio 197

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

• Renault Sport Clio 197 converted to track car

• Stage 1 remap

• Stripped interior, roll cage, seats and harnesses

• Thousands spent on maintenance

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

As we head towards peak track day season, many of us will be considering our options for getting out on the circuit. And while there’s nothing wrong with taking your appropriately-prepared road car out, there is an obvious appeal to something that’s a bit more tailored to the job.

Unless you have ready access to a trailer, it’s even better to have something that you can drive to the event. And a car that’s not too far from standard helps to keep the maintenance costs under control.

Fellow PHers, may we present a Renault Sport Clio 197 that’s been converted to a track day spec. The history file that the owner has assembled contains bills that he would probably rather avoid adding up but we can confide in our audience that it adds up to many thousands of pounds.

With a small amount of track patina and a custom set of graphics, its appearance (particularly with the addition of a roof vent) has very much a feel of ‘touring car-lite’ and the extensive recent servicing work, including engine and gearbox rebuilds, new clutch and new cambelt means that it’s fully ready to get out on track.

If you’re looking for a dedicated track car that you can enjoy on the road too, this one looks like a huge amount of fun. Please note that this car has been fitted with a decat pipe, so a catalytic converter will need to be sourced by the new owner should they wish to make it roadworthy.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

• Registered 22 Oct 2007

• Purchased by the current owner Apr 2021

• Invoices showing the following work: Apr 2018 – Powerflex engine mounts, Feb 2021 – full service, track car prep including stage 1 remap, induction pipe, interior stripped, roll cage and harnesses installed at cost of £945, Jun 2021 – full service and cambelt, aux belt, water pump, brake pads, air con compressor, tyres and sundry suspension items at a cost of over £3,300, Jul 2021 – synchro replaced in gearbox, new crankshaft main seal, clutch and slave cylinder at a cost of almost £1,800, Jul 2022 – full service and new starter motor, Dec 2022 – gearbox reconditioned and new clutch fitted at a cost of over £1,500, Jul 2023 – major service also including new brake disks and pads all round, air con removal at total cost of over £2,200, Dec 2023 – new valves and guides, head gasket, cambelt, oil and filter change at a total cost of a little under £3,000

• Two key cards (one not working currently)

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 14 Jul 2024

• HPI clear

• ULEZ compliant

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• The rear has been stripped out but elements of the trim have been retained, including the the door cards and a carpet for the boot

• The cabin features a yellow-painted rear cage which complements the exterior graphics

• Sabelt bucket seats have colour-co-ordinated 5-point TRS harnesses also in yellow

• The carpets and headlining are also still in place. A roof vent has been fitted externally but the roof has not yet been cut to ventilate air into the car

• The radio has been removed in the name of weight saving and the battery relocated to the boot

• An Alcantara steering wheel with blue centre marker and extended gearknob also set the tone for a focused driving environment

• Overall, it’s eminently track-suitable but the retention of some of the interior fitments mean that it shouldn’t be too hardcore to use on the road

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

• With distinctive R3 graphics, it looks every inch the road racer

• The bodywork is all straight and although there are stone chips to the front as you would expect of a track car, in general the paintwork is in good order

• A roof vent is a very cool addition and is complemented by a diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler at the rear

• The original 18 inch wheels are in good condition

• Michelin Pilot Sport rubber is fitted all round

• On the road it would be a real head-turner while on the track it will look right at home

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

• 1998cc F4R inline four with air intake kit and stage 1 remap

• Six speed manual gearbox

• Front wheel drive

• Brembo brakes

• Huge amounts spent on maintenance with recent engine rebuild, cambelt and brakes all round, should be good to go

• The owner tells us that it’s been very reliable, starts first time every time and runs smoothly

• Fitted with a decat pipe, so a catalytic converter will need to be sourced by the new owner should they wish to make the car roadworthy

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

A standard Clio 197 is a riot but this one ups the ante with its track-focused modifications. Usable on the road or track, it could also make a viable targa or road rally car with the retro fitting of enough interior trim to satisfy a scrutineer. The wad of invoices should provide reassurance to any doubters/approvers of the finances, so get your bids in right away.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Sevenoaks, Kent.