1995 RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS 3 - 13,700 MILES FROM NEW

This Renault Clio Williams 3 is a remarkable, collector-quality example of a 1990s hot hatch icon. It is powered by the 145bhp 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, driven through the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer of this car shows just 13,632 miles from new.

The Renault Sport-tuned Clio featured the more robust suspension subframe from the Cup-specification racing car, uprated coil springs and shock absorbers, thicker anti-roll bars, and a stronger gearbox. With a kerb weight of just 990kg, the Clio Williams delivered brisk performance, and proved to be an instant hit with the motoring press.

A genuine UK market right-hand drive example, this Clio Williams was first registered on 25 August 1995. It was supplied new through Renault Wolverhampton, and the original dealer sticker is still in the rear window. There are just three previous registered keepers from new, and the current owner, himself a classic car enthusiast, has had the car for nearly four years. He has kept the car stored in pristine condition, and has added only a few hundred miles to the odometer.

The bodywork is in truly superb condition, with no panel damage, dents, or signs of corrosion anywhere around the car. Its Monaco Blue paint is equally unspoilt, and while there is a light smattering of dirt visible in the photos around the front bumper and wheel arches in the photos, there are no stone chips, scuffs, or scratches in the finish.

A thorough look around the car shows that the bonnet and boot shuts, door jambs, and sill plates are all in superb order, with none of the blemishes or rust spots that would invariably be found on less well-preserved examples. As a facelift model, this Clio Williams has the chunkier front grille panel, the contoured rear lights, and ABS as standard.

All of the light lenses are original and undamaged, and the plastic trims and rubber window seals are all in excellent condition. The 15-inch gold Speedline alloys are correctly finished with the outer edge of the rim in silver, and all four wheels are in superb original order.

Inside, the grey velour fabric upholstery remains virtually as-new, with no rips, holes, or stains anywhere on the seating. Both front seats, plus the bench in the rear, are equipped with the correct blue seat belts. The same colour accent applies to the original carpets throughout, and there are also blue fascias for all of the instrument gauges, as well as the gear knob trim. Its cloth headlining is in great shape, with no sagging or scuffs.

Factory-fitted equipment includes a three-spoke sport steering wheel, electric front windows, a powered tilt-and-slide sunroof, and a Blaupunkt radio cassette deck. The Williams-branded sill covers are also still present and correct. At the back of the car, the boot lining is immaculate, and it retains the original parcel shelf with integrated zip-up suit carrier compartment.

For the first few years of its life, this Clio Williams was evidently used only occasionally, perhaps reserved for spirited drives on sunny weekends. From 1999 onwards, the annual mileage declined significantly, and it was evidently stored very carefully to keep as an exceptional example. In the last 20 years, it has covered barely 1,700 miles.

The car has been started and run at appropriate intervals while in storage to keep it in good order, and its last scheduled maintenance beyond this was carried out in July 2017. This comprised a standard annual service with renewal of the engine oil and oil filter.

Prior to this, it was also given full services in June 2016 and in August 2012. There is no confirmation of a cambelt replacement in the history file, so it should be assumed that the car needs this renewed before driving any significant distance on the road.

The most recent MOT was on 13 July 2017 at 13,613 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. The seller will also have a fresh 12-month MOT certificate on the car before handing over to the next owner. Its wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot HX tyres in size 185/55 R15 all round, which are believed to be the original items from 1995. While they have a good level of tread remaining, the next owner could consider replacing on the basis of age if using the car extensively on the road.

Accompanying the car are all of the original handbooks and associated literature, invoices and receipts, as well as a stamped service record. The original Pre-Delivery Inspection slip from August 1995 is also in the history file.

This Renault Clio Williams 3 is an exceptional example of the breed, presented in outstanding cosmetic order. While it would benefit from a fresh service, cambelt and tyres before using at speed on the road, it needs nothing if the initial intention is to store within a collection of low-mileage modern classics. It would be incredibly hard to find another Clio Williams in such superb original condition, so this hot hatch hero is an opportunity not to be missed.

Summary of maintenance history:

• 28 Aug 1996 - 4,852 miles
• 27 Oct 1997 - 8,073 miles
• 26 Oct 1999 - 11,952 miles
• 7 Jun 2003 - 12,981 miles
• 29 Apr 2009 - 13,148 miles
• 8 Aug 2012 - 13,344 miles
• 13 Jul 2017 - 13,613 miles