2005 RENAULT CLIO

After a lot of thought, I'm selling my Clio 182 Trophy, number 390. Which I run as a second car.

This is a car I genuinely love, so it's not an easy decision. Since getting it back from its recent work, I've covered around 300 miles, and it's reminded me just how special these cars are. Unfortunately, I simply don't get the opportunities to enjoy it as often as I'd like, and I'd rather it went to someone who can make the most of it.

The good bits

• Trophy number 390, with approximately 94,300 miles. (will rise slightly as I do drive it when I get a chance)
• A largely original, honest example with plenty of character.
• Recently received significant attention to the front suspension, with around £2,500 spent on recent work and refresh.
• Sachs dampers refurbished, with suspension components attended to as part of the work, including bushes/arms, springs powder-coated and damper adjusters replaced.
• Brake fluid upgrade and alignment completed as part of getting the car back to where it should be.
• Cambelt changed in 2023, with the next change expected in 2028.
• Pioneer head unit fitted, providing Bluetooth connectivity. The original head unit is also included in the sale, along with its code.
• Scorpion cat back exhaust

The recent work has made a real difference to how the car drives. It feels fantastic on the road and is a great reminder of why the 182 Trophy has such a following.

The bodywork is generally tidy for its age, although there are a few minor areas of bubbling and some stone chips if you look closely. This isn't being advertised as a show car or a concours example; it's an honest, enthusiast-owned Trophy that has been enjoyed and invested in.

The less good bits

I'd rather be upfront about the imperfections:

• Air conditioning isn't working and will likely need a new condenser. It never bothered me, so it had been on my to-do list rather than being investigated.
• The front seatbelts are grubby and would benefit from a refresh — a familiar issue on these Clio's.
• There are a few minor areas of bubbling to the bodywork, as mentioned above.

It's a nearly 20-year-old performance car, so it isn't perfect. The aim has been to keep it in good, honest condition and invest in the important mechanical areas.

The sale

I'm selling because I don't use it enough, not because I've fallen out of love with it. In fact, the recent work has made me appreciate it even more.

I'd love it to go to someone who understands what a Trophy is and will make the most of it.

Happy to answer sensible questions and provide further details about the work and history. Viewing welcome for a genuine enthusiast.

Price: £11,495– open to sensible discussion after viewing.

Located near Eastbourne, East Sussex.