2005 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 182 TROPHY

This Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy is the limited-production pinnacle of the hallowed noughties-era hot hatch, offered for sale at No Reserve from an enthusiast owner with a detailed service history. Its 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated inline-four engine produces 180bhp, allied to a short-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, and riding on sophisticated Sachs front dampers. The odometer currently shows 93,862 miles from new, but this may rise by 20 to 30 miles as the car is in occasional use.

First registered on 30 September 2005, this Clio is car number 467 of the 500-strong UK production run and has had eight owners from new. The current vendor has owned the car for two years and eight months, in which time he has comprehensively maintained the vehicle and ensured that common faults have been rectified with original and aftermarket parts where appropriate.

Finished in its original hue of Capsicum Red, the Clio exhibits tight shut lines and no evidence of accident damage. The paintwork presents well, with only minor stone chips apparent on the front bumper, bonnet and front splitter. The seller advises that there is also a chip on the roof beside the driver’s door, and there is slight fading of the finish apparent on the door and boot handles, as well as the roof gutter rails.

The badging, including the door ‘bullets’ and vinyl ‘TROPHY’ script sill motifs, is all in good condition. This Trophy retains its original-fitment Speedline Turini alloys, which are in great shape apart from a small chip on the nearside rear wheel. A previous owner has fitted a Milltek cat-back stainless steel exhaust system, helping to unlock the distinctive engine noise of the rev-happy engine.

Inside, this Clio retains its half-leather Recaro Trendline bucket seats, which are in good condition with no rips or tears apparent. The plastic dashboard trim has resisted fading, but the HVAC control trim is beginning to flake. There are obvious signs of use on the steering wheel and gear knob, but no heavy wear or unsightly damage.

Testament to the originality of this car is the presence of the original stereo head unit, original Renaultsport-branded mats and production number plaque. The seller states that there are no electrical faults or dashboard warning lights present on the vehicle.

This Clio has benefited from regular and consistent maintenance throughout its life.  The last service was carried out in November 2019 at 92,299 miles by Eveleighs Garage of Exeter. An annual oil change was completed, as well as replacement of the front brake discs, pads and brake fluid following the MOT test.

Prior to this in 2019, the spark plugs, an injector, and ABS sensors / wiring loom were replaced at Renault specialist, M+D Autocare. An oil service and brake hose replacement was carried out by Eveleighs at 88,920 miles in November 2018, and marque specialist K-Tec Racing undertook an annual service with replacement spark plugs, brake fluid and washer jet pump at 83,795 miles in August 2017. K-Tec also arranged for the Sachs dampers to be professionally refurbished by BG Motorsport in October 2017, at approximately 86,000 miles, ahead of the sale by K-Tec to the current owner in January 2018.

A service history summary follows in full at the end of this advert. The seller has also cured the axle tramp which can afflict these models through the fitment of a purple road-spec Powerflex ‘Dogbone’ twisted engine mount bush and a Powerflex engine mount insert.

The most recent MOT test was on 29 November 2019 at 92,304 miles, with the only advisory being regarding wear on the rear brake discs, which have just been replaced, along with the power steering fluid. This hot hatch wears matching Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres all round, with the front tyres at 3-4mm of tread depth and the rears featuring 5-6mm. The vendor notes that wheel alignment has recently been carried out.

This legendary Clio will reach its next owner with its full collection of Renault handbooks, two keys, stamped service history, and invoices dating back to 2012. Its original tools are present, as well as the full-size spare wheel.

The seller is also included a set of boxed and unused genuine OE Eibach 182 Trophy yellow front springs, which are no longer produced. The protective plastic outer tubing around the original springs on the car is beginning to wear, so at the point this becomes excessive it will make sense to swap them over.

Combining accessible performance with rarity and practicality, this Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy is a well-documented example of this modern classic. It now awaits another enthusiast owner, who will continue to keep this car in sound cosmetic and mechanical condition, while relishing every opportunity to exploit its entertaining chassis on exciting B-road jaunts.

Summary of service history:

• 24/11/06 - 4290 Miles - Renault Lookers Macclesfield
• 02/10/07 - 7795 Miles - Renault Lookers Macclesfield
• 23/09/09 - 15,670 Miles - CW Motors Macclesfield
• 14/10/10 - 23,792 - Renault Solihull (Cambelt, Auxiliary Pump, VVT Pulley – Dephaser service)
• 24/05/11 - 28,987 Miles - Renault Birmingham
• 27/12/12 - 38,327 Miles - Renault Millers Truro
• 23/06/13 - 42,654 - Renault Millers Truro (Cambelt, Auxiliary Pump, VVT Pulley – Dephaser service)
• 26/11/13 - 44,854 Miles - Liss Garage Services
• 13/07/14 - 58,602 Miles - K-Tec Racing Dorset
• 21/04/15 - 67,348 Miles - K-Tec Racing Dorset
• 17/08/17 - 83,795 Miles - K-Tec Racing Dorset
• 27/11/17 - 86,446 Miles - K-Tec Racing Dorset (Cambelt, Auxiliary Pump, VVT Pulley – Dephaser service)
• 27/11/18 - 88,920 Miles - Eveleighs Garage Exeter
• 29/11/19 - 92,299 Miles - Eveleighs Garage Exeter

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.