2005 RENAULTSPORT CLIO 182 TROPHY

This fantastic, limited-edition Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy is number 309 of 500 that came to the UK, and it is presented in generally excellent condition. Mechanically sound and with very few blemishes, it’s a shining example of a desirable 180bhp, 2.0-litre hot hatch. The odometer shows 108,994 miles.

First registered on 13 September 2005, the current owner has had the car for around four months, though it is not currently registered in his name. It had previously been off the road in dry storage for most of the last five years.

Now an in-demand 21st century hot hatch, the Clio 182 Trophy was limited to just 500 examples in the UK, with each car getting a rear spoiler, sophisticated Sachs dampers and lightweight wheels, as well as Recaro seats and a special plaque to mark their limited-edition status. Today, the 182 Trophy is widely regarded as one of the best hot hatches of the past 20 years.

The Capsicum Red paint that adorned all examples of the 182 Trophy looks smart, with few obvious marks or scratches. Very close observation reveals a few small chips on the front bumper around the Renault badge, but otherwise it presents very well. For a car with a six-figure mileage, it appears remarkably clean. The Speedline alloy wheels do show a few grazes and scuffs on one rim, so would benefit from refurbishment to match the quality of the bodywork.

As with the exterior, this car’s cabin is remarkably clean considering the age and mileage. There are a few creases in the leather on the sport seat bolsters, but certainly no heavy wear that you might expect. The part-leather upholstery has survived incredibly well, although the steering wheel is showing a few signs of age. Otherwise, there are a few scratches on some of the cabin plastics and some small marks on the back of the seats. The interior remains original however, and the seller reports no electrical faults or warning lights.

Part of the reason for this car’s excellent condition may be that it has been dry-stored for the past five years, with care and attention lavished on the vehicle. The full service history shows the most recent service was carried out by McNab Motorsport in September 2020, when the oil, filters and gearbox oil were all replaced. The car also received a new timing belt and auxiliary belt, as well as a water pump and dephaser pulley. During the car’s lifetime, it has benefitted from modifications including new rear shocks, an upgraded air filter and exhaust system, as well as aftermarket suspension top mounts.

The most recent MOT test was on 28 May 2020 at 108,870 miles, which resulted in a clean pass. The car was tested the day before, when it failed due to an engine warning light and an emission issue, possibly caused by an exhaust fault. This issue was evidently rectified and the car passed the following day with no advisories. At present, the car wears four Federal tyres, with 4-5mm of tread remaining at the rear and 3-4mm of tread remaining at the front.

A large amount of paperwork accompanies this car, from the original owner’s handbook and service book to the piles of receipts and invoices. It covers more or less every aspect of the car’s maintenance and upkeep over its 15-year life to date.

A rare thing even when it was new, the Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy is now among the most desirable modern classic hot hatches. This example is in great condition for its age and mileage, but the same would still be true had it covered half as many miles. A smart example of a contemporary performance icon, which is ready to drive and enjoy as intended.

Summary of service history:

• 04/07/2006 – 12,122 miles
• 12/04/2007 – 23,905 miles
• 19/04/2008 – 36,827 miles
• xx/09/2009 – 48,000 miles
• 10/09/2010 – 56,487 miles
• 28/03/2011 – 61,575 miles (incorrectly recorded as 2010)
• 25/04/2012 – 73,182 miles
• 05/03/2013 – 83,197 miles
• 15/03/2014 – 95,286 miles
• 19/07/2014 – 100,561 miles
• 24/05/2015 – 107,091 miles
• 21/09/2015 – 108,024 miles
• xx09/2020 – ~108,990 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered 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.