1995 RENAULT CLIO

Few hot hatches have achieved the cult status enjoyed by the Renault Clio Williams. Originally conceived as a homologation special for RenaultSport's rally programme, the Williams combined the lightweight agility of the first-generation Clio with a larger-capacity 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, uprated suspension, a wider track and distinctive gold-finished 15-inch Speedline alloy wheels. The result was one of the defining driver's cars of the 1990s, widely regarded as one of the greatest front-wheel-drive performance cars ever produced.

Introduced in 1995, the Phase 3 represented the final evolution of the celebrated Clio Williams, incorporating the mechanical and cosmetic refinements developed throughout production while retaining all of the qualities that established the Williams as a true performance icon. They were finished in Monaco Blue Pearlescent (432) as opposed to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 versions of the car, which were painted in a slightly darker Sports Blue (449).

Offered here is an exceptional example showing a remarkable 15,182 miles from new at the time of cataloguing. Presented in outstanding, highly original condition, this Clio Williams benefits from a fully traceable ownership history and has had just three owners from new.

Originally supplied to a doctor based in Chelsea, the car spent its early life garaged beneath his home and remained in his ownership for an impressive 17 years, during which it accumulated the vast majority of its mileage. In 2012, it passed to its second owner, an enthusiast who had long aspired to own a Clio Williams. Although purchased with every intention of regular use, work commitments meant the car spent most of his ownership carefully stored in one of his warehouses, helping to preserve its exceptional condition and remarkably low mileage.

The current owner acquired the car in 2023 with plans to enjoy it at classic car events. Recognising the importance of correctly recommissioning a low-mileage vehicle after a prolonged period of storage, he undertook a programme of preventative maintenance to return the car to excellent mechanical condition. The work included a full service using genuine Renault parts, replacement of the cambelt and water pump, re-greasing of the brake calipers and sliders, and the fitment of four new tyres. As a result, the car is now presented in excellent running with an MOT valid until 2nd February 2027 and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.

As values of the finest analogue hot hatches continue to strengthen, truly exceptional Clio Williams examples have become increasingly difficult to source. Cars with genuine ultra-low mileage, well-documented provenance and such careful ownership are now seldom seen on the open market, making this one of the most compelling examples to be offered in recent years.

Whether destined for a discerning RenaultSport collection or simply to be enjoyed on the road as its creators intended, this outstanding Phase 3 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest surviving examples of an automotive icon. With just 15,182 miles and three owners from new and a fully traceable history, it is difficult to imagine when another Clio Williams of comparable quality will become available again.