The second iteration of the Renault Twingo opened the moniker to wider regions with the name making its first appearance on British soil in 2007. This same car provided the base for he French brand’s latest venture into the world of rallying catering to the lower categories releasing the Twingo R1.
This 2012 example originally competed in Belgium where it is registered to this day. Having never touched gravel stages, it is still in seemingly great condition allowing its next owner to take it out on the British rally circuit with very little work needed.
According to the owner, it is eligible for many front-wheel drive rally classes while also being able to compete in various rally cross events. Though the car is also road legal and the owner dubs it “one of the best handling front-wheel drive cars,” so options are also open for this to be an excellent weekend toy come rain or shine.
History and Paperwork
Produced in Dieppe in 2012
Built to R1b regulations, equivalent of R5 today
Registered in Belgium
Imported to UK in 2019
NOVA documents included
Only ever competed on tarmac rallies
Meets many rallycross regulations
Road legal model
Parts changed over the years in accordance with FIA safety requirements
Invoices from previous work included
The Interior
FIA-compliant race seats in great visual shape
Full roll cage
RIM heads up display
Evolution dash display replaced
Detachable Renault Sport steering wheel presents very light wear
Extremely stripped out interior
Plastic dashboard in good condition
Onboard fire extinguisher
Various additional controls for hydraulic handbrake, brake bias adjustment and launch control
Race harnesses will need replacing for competition as out of date
The Exterior
Quirky Renault Sport Twingo styling
Roof scoop, mud flaps and rear wing give it the rally look
Body finished in white ready for livery wrap
Lightweight windows
Speedline race wheels, all look in presentable condition
Bodywork seemingly in good condition bar a few stone chips
Paint has been touched up on nearside rear arch
Few cracks in windscreen
Supposedly in good shape underneath
The Mechanics
Engine bay looks clean, in good condition
Original 1.6-litre inline four running 160hp – 30 more than standard Twingo RS
Upgraded exhaust manifold
Exhaust system meets noise regulations
Cambelts replaced in 2019 – very few miles done since
Mapped to run 98 octane but drives equally well on race fuel according to the owner
Weighs just 930kg
Strengthened chassis
Uprated Brembo four-pot brakes on front wheels
AP Racing two-pot rear brakes
Adjustable GAZ suspension
Rally-spec hydraulic handbrake fitted
Includes launch control system
Some spare parts included with car
Summary
A factory-built rally car, this Twingo R1 Evolution is in tip top shape ready for its next competition. Throughout its life of tackling Belgian tarmac stages, it has been well looked after with several parts being replaced. Now in the UK, all import payments have been made on this road legal racecar which the current owner describes as “one of the best handling front-wheel drive cars.”
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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