Beskrivning
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Online Auction - 26th June on Thursday the 26th of June. Background:
Hot hatches have gotten faster, Nürburgring lap records now trade hands constantly and the car that arguably kicked off this performance war was the 227bhp Renault Megane R26R in 2008.
A stripped-down, track-focused version of the R26, the R26R lapped the Nürburgring in eight mins 17 seconds — quicker than a Porsche Cayman S — and proudly wore that time on its side windows. Renault planned to build 450 units, with 230 for the UK at £22, 990 each, but the financial crash slashed that to just 159.
To unlock performance, Renaultsport cut 120kg from the standard R26. Out went the rear seats, in came a half-cage, plastic side windows, carbon bonnet, fixed-back racing seats and Sabelt harnesses. The 2-litre turbo engine kept its 227bhp, with minor tweaks like an optional titanium exhaust. The gearbox and limited-slip diff were carried over, but suspension was retuned with softer springs and improved dampers. Sticky Toyo tyres wrapped red alloys, hiding red Brembo brakes beneath.
The car:
The R26. R presented here is a superb example of the marque. With relatively low mileage, its condition reflects what the odometer shows. The driving experience is unmatched by modern hot hatches in terms of speed, feel and driver engagement. The engine pulls strongly, feeling even more powerful than the factory rating, with dyno sheets confirming it has since been returned to stock specification. Suspension and steering feel razor-sharp, with no knocks or rattles, offering full reassurance of how well the car has been maintained. The gearbox feels slick with no notches and the clutch is perfectly calibrated, with no sponginess or lack of rebound.
Externally, the car is in excellent condition for its age and usage. Over the years, it has received new stickers and a wheel refurbishment, however the stickers are now beginning to show signs of wear. The carbon fibre bonnet is generally in great condition, with the only notable flaws being on the top corners of both sides. The Perspex rear window has a small crack, but a replacement has already been purchased and will be included with the car.
The interior is in excellent condition, with the all-important bucket seats showing minimal signs of wear. The cage, nets, fire extinguisher, belts and all other R26. R-specific features remain in outstanding shape. The only interior blemish is the door pulls, which, like in many Renaults of this era, have begun to peel. The car also comes with the rare but highly desirable options of a working radio and air-conditioning.
Also included is the original Renault R26. R celebration box, featuring the full Nürburgring lap record on DVD, a single-lap Nürburgring card and the owner's edition book - a very rare and collectible set to find complete.
This car has been used for its intended purpose by professionals for most of its life and as a result, has received more precautionary servicing and maintenance than most examples. It comes with an extensive history file, with all supporting documents available in the image gallery. Crucially, the all-important cambelt was replaced recently in 2022 - a costly but essential job.
Not often has a car left such a lasting impact. If you’re looking for something unique and will blow anything away on a British B-road, this Megane R26. R is the right car for you.
Service History:
Service - 3, 800 miles - 27/ 03/ 2010
Service - 5, 214 miles - 25/ 03/ 2011
Service - 7, 626 miles - 19/ 03/ 2012
Service/ Belts - 15, 425 miles - 25/ 03/ 2013
Service - 23, 006 miles - 19/ 11/ 2014
Service - 23, 124 miles - 24/ 03/ 2016
Service - 27, 161 miles - 16/ 02/ 2017
Service - 27, 710 miles - 01/ 02/ 2018
Service - 27, 927 miles - 01/ 03/ 2019
Service - 28, 514 miles - 08/ 09/ 2020
Service/ Belts - 30, 150 miles - 11/ 11/ 2021
Service - 33, 766 miles - 12/ 10/ 2022
Service - 34, 369 miles - 20/ 01/ 2023
Service - 36, 331 miles - 20/ 10/ 2023
Location: Hertfordshire
Seller: Private
Photography: Professional
