Description
FOR SALE my 2003 Renault Sport Clio Cup (2003) in Iceberg Silver with working air-conditioning/ climate control (a rare option, I think it makes the car much more usable and the 'weight-penalty' is completely worth it, others will disagree!) on c. 87, 300 miles with full Renault Main Dealer service history from new. Belts last done 20 August 2019 by SJ Cooks & Sons at 85, 960 miles, stamp in the book. Gearbox fully rebuilt with new Valeo clutch in December 2021 by Ian Gibbins of Herts & Beds Transmissions Ltd. I appreciate the highlighting may look a bit over-the-top, but these are the main points that I think makes this car stand out. It's ace.
It's very good condition inside and out with only a few stone chips, minor paint imperfections outside and a small pull on the passenger-side front seat, its' remarkable for an 19 year old car but not perfect.
My reason for sale is that I have a few cars and this one just doesn't get used as much as it deserves. I don't need to sell, the price is pretty firm to be honest, as I can SORN and tuck it away if I can't find it a suitable new home.
MECHANICALS
The car was given a health check on 28 October 2021 by Redline Performance in Aylesbury, who have also since carried out work on it and they have been impressed with it's condition and the way it drives, having personal experience of 172 Cups before. It also got compliments from the service team at Brayely Renault for it's condition when it was serviced in April 2022. It is a very well maintained example and drives really well (although that's for you to judge I guess!).
The car is modified, which I like but appreciate won't be for everyone. A list of the changes is set out below:
- KTEC stealth backbox and silenced centre section.
- Ramair air intake (original airbox supplied with the car)
- H&R lowering springs
- Rear anti-roll bar
- Ferodo Racing Brake pads, front & rear (2019)
- Ate Supergold Brake fluid (2019)
- Goodridge braided brake lines
- Lightweight Ultramax competition battery (2022)
Work carried out in the last twelve months:
- 25 October 2022, four wheel alignment, Black Boots Chesham, £60
- 4 November 2022, replace leaking sump gasket, replace worn n/ s. f shock top mount, Redline Performance, £436. 95
- 3 December 2022, gearbox rebuild with Valeo clutch, Herts & Beds Transmissions, £1, 000
- 18 December 2022, repair and repaint bonnet, LSJ Body Shop, £432
- 10 March 2022, MOT and replace o/ s/ r brake caliper, Redline Performance, £265. 82
Other notable items in the recent service history: front and rear Bosch windscreen wipers (2022), windscreen washer pump (2020), air-conditioning condenser (2019), radiator (2019) and loads more going back further, the stack of papers is impressive!
As far as I'm aware there is no rust on the car; LSJ did look it over in connection with the repair of the bonnet and said that it was a really good example in their opinion. From what I understand rust isn't generally a problem for these but it's still been reassuring to know it's solid underneath, and there is certainly no visible bubbling on any of the body panels.
EXTERIOR
The exterior cleans up brilliantly and is an impressive looking thing for it's age. The the car is 19 years old so there are some imperfections when you look closely, stonechips and some paint scrapes but not that many, no panel scuffs or dents though as far as I have seen. Cup badges present on both b-pillars.
When I purchased the bonnet had a sizeable stone chip as well as deformations on the leading edge from people closing it along the centre crease so I had the panel repaired and repainted by LSJ in Long Marston (2022).
Lower chin spoiler in tact. Wheels are in in very good condition with matching Federal RSR tyres and locking wheel nuts (locking wheel nut and cap removal tool both present and correct).
Supplying dealer plates and rear windscreen sticker.
INTERIOR
All standard in there, including original seats and head unit (radio code comes with the car). No signs of being smoked in, which is a big deal for me as a non-smoker.
The seats are in great condition which doesn't really come out in the pictures (there is a very slight pull in the passenger seat on the off-side bolster if you are being picky, but it is minor) as is the steering wheel which has absolutely no 'melting' at all and the thumb-grips are perfect.
Speakers all work, CD player works, air-conditioning works, electric windows work, electric wing-mirrors both work, that's about all there is! The central locking does not work on either keys (two keys come with the car) but does lock both doors and the boot on the button inside the car; I have lived with it, it's OK.
When I had the gearbox rebuilt I had the standard gear lever replaced with one from a Clio II Renaultsport Mk1 which has the silver cue-ball topper which I think is much nicer than the Mk2 leather gear lever (which will come with the car). The gaiter is a little tatty at the base but I purchased on the condition of the topper which is really good.
SERVICE HISTORY
The service history of the car is exemplary and, I expect, unusual for what was quite a cheap car at one stage. Full Renault Main Dealer Service History with 14 stamps in the book, 13 from the supplying dealer - SJ Cook & Sons of Bristol ("SJC") - and the last from Brayley Renault in Milton Keynes dated 19 April 2022 (87, 152 miles), and the car has also been looked after by various Renault specialists over the years too. Belts last done on 20 August 2019 at SJ Cook & Sons at 85, 960 miles. Fully stamped service book available with significant paperwork going back to 2004, all in a Cliosport. net folder, together with original leather/ leatherette Renault branded wallet with book packs (not photographed).
Stamped service history as follows:
- 25 August 2005, SJC, 5, 925 miles
- 10 October 2007, SJC, 13, 586 miles
- 23 May 2009, SJC, 24, 581 miles
- 29 December 2009, SJC, 36, 137 miles
- 4 June 2011, SJC, 54, 091 miles
- 3 February 2012, SJC, 62, 137 miles
- 24 October 2012, SJC, 67, 355 miles - belts
- 11 November 2013, SJC, 73, 396 miles
- 5 November 2014, SJC, 77, 927 miles
- 13 January 2016, SJC, 82, 088 miles
- 19 January 2017, SJC, 84, 219 miles
- 12 November 2017, SJC, 84, 967 miles
- 26 February 2019, SJC, 85, 571 miles - belts, plugs, engine mount
- 19 April 2022, Braley Renault, 87, 152 miles
HPI checked 18 October 2021 and clear, report available on request.
It's a great car, brilliant to drive, raw and exciting. It's an icon from a different era. I'm fortunate to have owned a number of sports cars over the years and this is honestly the car that has put the biggest smile on my face, it's just so well suited to British roads. No, it isn't a Trophy but I have driven those and the difference wasn't material to me (although it will be to others, granted) and these are the next best thing in terms of rarity, rawness, and x-factor (IMHO).
V5 is in my name at my home address (HP20) and confirms that the car is registered as Cup, which is reassuring. Test drives will be at my sole discretion, and I reserve the right to see evidence of comprehensive insurance or require the full purchase price to be in my hands/ account beforehand. No tyre-kickers, test-pilots, group viewings or low ball offers please (obviously), I know what this car is and how hard it would be to find another one in this specification, condition and with this history; I'm very happy to answer genuine questions though.
I expect it won't make a blind bit of difference but for the full asking price I will throw in an OEM breathable cover in maroon and a very fetching black, soft-shell Renaultsport jacket (L)... yes, I'm that guy!
Thanks for looking.
