Renault’s design chief from 1991 to 2007, Patrick Le Quément, was nothing if not bold. But then he was known for breaking the mould. As a young designer with Ford, it was Le Quément who penned the Ford Sierra – a car that set into motion a seismic shift in car design and was hugely controversial at the time of its launch.
At Renault, he presided over the original Laguna (his first project) and gave us the Twingo city car, before following an even more maverick design path that led to the Laguna II and Megane II, both of which defied convention in the most conventional of ways.
The Avantime, however, didn’t have a sniff of convention about it. Based on the third-generation Espace MPV, it was a last hurrah for Renault’s relationship with coachbuilders Matra, who had made Espaces since 1984. The 2002-on Espace 4 was being brought in-house, the fibreglass body being ditched in favour of steel. But Renault had a contract with Matra that ran until late 2003.
It filled the gap with one of the strangest and most unusual cars ever made – the Avantime. The coupé-MPV hybrid that nobody ever asked for but which Le Quément had envisaged several years earlier. It was a gloriously freestyle project, sold in low volumes, but utterly commendable for its form over function. A design classic.
A total of just 452 Avantimes were sold in the UK, mostly to Renault itself. This is one of them – Avantime number 73, a top spec V6 Privilege in Mars Red with a genuine low mileage and lovely beige leather interior.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
Three owners
46,682 miles
In the last 8 years, the car has been mainly stored and has therefore done less than 500 miles
Full set of books
Servicing invoices from independent specialists
Genuine low mileage
MOT until 25th June 2025 with both advisories since attended to
In June/July 2023 £1,700 was spent on service, and replacing coils as necessary
Early UK car, first registered in March 2002
Originally owned by Renault UK
Lever arch file full of service paperwork
Both the radio and locking work manually, but need to be re-synchronised with the remotes so that they speak to the controller
Numbered plaque on handbrake surround
Original Avantime Owner’s Certificate and Limited Edition print
Three service stamps to 31k
Additional £1,507 invoice from Renault Main Dealer in 2003, at 46k miles
Most old MOT certificates
Two keys
The Condition
Mars Red Metallic
Very good paint finish overall with only minor blemishes
Some minor alloy corrosion on roof rail panels
MOT advisory for subframe corrosion, since treated and undersealed
All glass and trim in good order
Correct badges
All light units in good order
Very smart Savannah Beige leather
No major wear to seat surfaces
Fully functional twin electric roof and pillarless electric door glass – known as “Grand-Air” mode
Some slight ‘stickiness’ to panels around gear selector has now undergone some remedial work so now presents much better
Excellent factory alloy wheels with no kerb marks
Air conditioning not currently working – suspected compressor repair required
Over £1500 recently spent on Renault main dealer service
Recent new ignition coils
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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