1997 Renault Sport Spider

KEY FACTS A rare and exciting mid-engined modern classic open-top sports car, this Renault Sport Spider has been extensively re-engineered and upgraded. It is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 16-valve in-line four engine - as found in the Clio Williams , driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. First registered in December 1997, this is one of only 96 UK-delivered cars, and has been with the seller for nearly five years. It has remained garaged throughout their ownership whenever not in use. The seller states that between 2012 and 2016 the car received several performance upgrades and enhancements, as well as undergoing a full rebuild in 2014, completed at a cost of £25,000. This work was carried out by Renault tuning specialist Prima Racing, drawing on their experience in preparing and participating as a front-running team in the Renault 5 GT Turbo, Clio Cup and Spider Cup/Trophy championships, to rebuild this Spider to emulate the performance of the 150mph Trophy race cars. After the rebuild this Sport Spider was then primarily used as a show car, being successfully exhibited by both the vendor and Prima Racing at major shows and events around the UK, accumulating an array of awards and trophies between 2014 and 2020. The odometer currently displays 35,030 miles, verified by previous MOT tests and service documentation supplied with the car. The car has covered around 7,000 miles since the engine/gearbox were rebuilt in 2014. EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES The car is finished in Gulf Racing Blue with orange door mirror covers, with the lightweight high-backed Recaro competition seats featuring removable cushioned inserts that have been recovered in Alcantara. The rest of the interior trim is a mixture of leather and Alcantara finishes. The 217hp, 158lb ft 2.0-litre 16V F7R engine has been comprehensively rebuilt and upgraded, by renowned Renault engine builder Tony Hart, featuring a reworked and gas-flowed head,