1995 - Renault Clio Williams French registration... - Lot 6 - Collector Cars Auction

1995 - Renault Clio Williams French registration Chassis n°VF1C57M0513671305 - Worthy heir to the Renault sports car line and much-loved limited series - In good presentation and working order - Less than 141,250 kms, partial history file and spare key - Mechanical overhaul with timing gear replacement in 2024 The Clio Williams was built by Renault Sport as a racing evolution of the Clio 16S, requiring the production of at least 2,500 examples of the road version to obtain Group A and N homologation. Unveiled to the press in Corsica in 1993, at the same time as the Group A and N rally derivatives, it was named after the partner of the Renault Sport subsidiary's F1 victories, thus paying tribute to him, even though it was intended for rallying. Despite this paradox and a familiar allure close to that of the basic version, the Williams is indeed the fruit of special homologation and a nervous little car with characteristic equipment. Aesthetically, the pearlescent Sport Blue (449), combined with the gold Speedline wheels and the many matching "Williams" name and monograms on the bodywork, highlight the domed fenders and hood, inherited from the 16S, giving it an assertively sporty appearance that's not short on effect! In the cabin, the color blue is used extensively as a reminder of the bodywork, from the instrument panel to the carpeting, including the gearshift lever, belts and carpeting, not forgetting the W embroidered on the blue-gray velour bucket seats. 90s ambience guaranteed! The Williams engine is derived from the 16S, with a longer stroke and a revised displacement of 1998 cm3. The hardened, resin-coated cylinder head marks the car's F1 pedigree. The pistons, connecting rods and camshaft have been modified, while the valves have been enlarged, the crankshaft reinforced and a lightened exhaust system fitted. This two-liter four-cylinder thus develops 150 horsepower at 6,100 rpm. Power that's no mean feat, but it's matched by a very reasonable weight of just 990 kilos and highly efficient running gear. The ground clearance has been slightly lowered, the damping is specific and the driveability surprisingly good, without making the car uncomfortable, while the steering assistance is not too pronounced and allows you to place this bombshell as you wish. This dynamic temperament is well complemented by four brake discs, ventilated at the front, with sufficient bite and endurance. All the more so as the car has no ABS. The fruit of a successful marketing strategy, with its devastating looks, exhilarating handling and low running costs, the Clio Williams was an unexpected success. So much so that the initial production run of 3,800 units was extended to meet demand. The Williams thus benefited from the restyling of the Clio in 1994 with phase 2, production of which continued until 1996. Considered the heir to the Renault sports car line, the Clio Williams has become a highly sought-after collector's item, appreciated by all generations. The model on offer is a Clio Williams phase 2. It was launched abroad in November 1995 and imported into France in April 1996; where it has had eight owners, according to the Histovec report on file, one of whom kept it for a dozen years from 1997 to 2007. The evolution of its mileage has been regular and progressive, and today it stands at just under 141250 original kms, which is very reasonable for this model compared to what can be found on the market. It underwent a significant overhaul by a professional in 2018 when it was acquired by its current owner, and was then maintained by the latter until this year. In the spring, following a broken timing belt, a major mechanical overhaul was also carried out by a specialist at a cost of almost €5,000, details of which are available on file. Today, the Williams is in excellent working order. According to the latest inspection report, only corrosion remains to be treated on the chassis. Nevertheless, despite a few other age-related defects (see photos), the car looks good both in body and interior. Be that as it may, this Clio Williams is attractively priced, and will easily enable its future owner to make the most of it.