2009 RENAULTSPORT MEGANE R26.R

This Renaultsport Megane R26.R is a low-mileage example of the marque’s renowned pared-back hot hatch, which has been enjoyed as intended, and is presented in good order. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, with front-wheel drive via a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. The odometer shows 13,549 miles from new.

Featuring the improved Cup chassis, powerful Brembo brakes, and sports exhaust of the standard R26 model, this version saw much of the cabin equipment stripped away. The rear seats and retracting belts were removed, along with the passenger and curtain airbags, climate control, heated rear screen, headlight washers, stereo system, and most of the soundproofing. It was fitted with recalibrated shock absorbers and uprated coil springs.

The bonnet was made from carbon-fibre, while the rear screen and quarter windows were polycarbonate. In lieu of the Recaro items, it was fitted with carbon-fibre Sabelt bucket seats. The lightweighting saved 123kg compared to the standard car, and enabled the R26.R to sprint from 0-60mph in just six seconds, with a top speed of 147mph.

Only 230 cars came to the UK out of a total production run of 450 cars, and this example is number 60 of those UK cars. First registered in March 2009, this R26.R has just one previous registered keeper from new. It has been with the current owner for the last 11 years.

The seller reports that the bodywork is in good condition, and there is a clear HPI report on file. While the camera mount on the roll cage reveals it has been used on track as intended, there is no sign of any accident damage around the panels. The seller notes that there are some chips around the offside of the front bumper, which are clearly visible in the photo gallery, and that the paint protection film on the carbon bonnet is looking aged. Otherwise, the Glacier White paintwork presents well, and all of the light lenses and body trims are in good condition.

In the cabin, the original driver’s seat has been replaced with a Sparco Evo 3 bucket seat to provide slightly more comfort, though the factory seat comes with the car so can easily be refitted. All of the upholstery is in great shape, in line with the low mileage. The synthetic suede trim around the steering wheel and gear lever gaiter is in good order, and all of the switchgear works as it should. It features the factory-fitted air-conditioning, and an aftermarket stereo head unit.

As the car has largely been off the road and used for occasional track days during the seller’s ownership, the last scheduled maintenance was carried out in May 2016 at 12,870 miles at Backdraft Motorsport in Milton Keynes. This consisted of an engine oil and inspection service, new brake fluid and gearbox oil, spark plugs, a service of the braking system, and four-wheel alignment. During this service, a high-flow cat and decat system was fitted, and the windscreen was also replaced. The seller notes that the camshaft timing belt is due for renewal.

Prior to this, it was also serviced in August 2011 at 11,102 miles by Backdraft Motorsport, when the front and rear brake pads were replaced, along with the brake fluid. There is another record of an interim service Renault Letchworth in 2010, and before this another visit to Backdraft Motorsport in October 2009. The latter included fitment of a new intercooler kit, blow-off valve, uprated intake hose, Stage 2 ECU remap, and a new hybrid turbocharger. The front discs and pads were also renewed, and the gearbox oil and coolant was replaced.

The most recent MOT test was on 5 May 2016 at 12,873 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The wheels are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres that are in good condition, with around 4-5mm of tread. The seller reports that the engine management light is currently on due to the decat exhaust system, but that the car is running very well.

Accompanying the car is a complete book pack in the cloth wallet, including owner’s manual and the stamped guarantee and service record. There are also numerous receipts for prior maintenance work, old MOT certificates, and two keys.

At the car’s launch in 2008, Steve Sutcliffe, then writing for Autocar, said: “As a genuine driver’s car the Renault Megane R26.R has few rivals, and not just in the world of hot hatchbacks but at any level, at any budget”. Elsewhere, PistonHeads referred to it as “the front-drive GT3”.

This Renaultsport Megane R26.R is a limited-edition hot hatch hero, which is presented in good condition and with genuine low mileage. While this example has been used on circuits as intended, it has been kept well maintained by a leading motorsport specialist, and features a number of mechanical upgrades to further enhance the performance. Whether it continues to be used as a fun track toy, or is put back into service on the road, this is a modern classic that is sure to thrill its next owner.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It has already been switched back to its original age-related registration of ‘HN09 LAO’.