1997 Renault Spider

An opportunity to acquire one of only around 60 RHD Renault Sport Spiders ever produced and in fantastic condition.

The idea for the Renault Spider was formulated in the early 1990s - Renault wanted a car to promote as a sporting brand (similar to the Renault 5 Turbo from a decade earlier) and as a result the Spider was the first car to be produced under the new brand name of 'Renaultsport'.

The Spider was intended to serve as both a racing car in a one-make series organised by Renault ( driven by Jason Plato and Andy Priaulx, amongst others ) and as a slightly more civilized road car. The first prototypes for 'Project W94', as it was known at the time, were completed in mid-1994, and a concept version was presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995. The car went on sale in late 1995, assembled at the Alpine factory in Dieppe.

Designed from the outset as a driver's car, the chassis was made of aluminium (combining low weight and substantial strength) clad in a GRP body. The gearbox and engine were one unit, transversally fixed in an oscillating hinge (an arrangement inspired by aeronautical design), which all but eradicated the interference of engine vibration with the chassis. The pedals of the Spider were adjustable as well as the seat so the driver could achieve the absolute optimum driving position. The heart of the Spider was a mid-mounted 2-litre, DOHC F7R four-cylinder engine which was borrowed from the Clio Williams and later used in the Mégane Coupé. Tuned to generate 148bhp and 129lb/ ft. of torque, the 16-valve unit was linked to a five-speed manual transmission that sent power to the rear wheels. The 930kg two-seater sprinted from 0 to 62mph in 6. 9 seconds and went on to a top speed of 133mph.

According to the official production numbers there were just 1, 685 examples of the Spider assembled in Alpine’s Dieppe factory from 1996 to 1999. Each car was hand-built from start to finish and took about 90-hours to complete, which partially justified its relatively high price at the time.

400 LHD cars were produced as 'saute vente’ with a wind deflector (instead of a windscreen) which created an air-screen in front of the driver. For the UK-market, a number of RHD cars were built with windscreens, but only 60 RHD cars were sold. The remainder of the cars were sold in the German market converted back to LHD with the addition of a driver’s airbag.

This April 1997 RenaultSport Spider presented here is one of those 60 windscreen-equipped, right-hand drive examples sold new to the UK-market and has covered just over 21, 000 miles since new. It's finished in the original Pearlescent Sport Yellow – a very similar colour to the Liquid Yellow paintwork seen on later Renault Sport models.

This Sport Yellow is arguably the Spider’s signature colour, as most of the press releases at the time had Spiders in yellow. Incredibly original and still in 'showroom condition', with all the necessary “extras” - full Tourneau cover, Metoni metal service case and manuals, original jack etc.

The car is fitted with an aftermarket steering wheel and exhaust, but the original steering wheel and exhaust cat are with the vehicle.

The car is also fitted with a Toad remote alarm that actives the scissor doors remotely. Full user manuals on the alarm are with the car.

This car also has an aftermarket Canvas “Bikini” roof top that makes the car shower resistant up to the national speed limit ( this was manufactured by an ex-Aston Martin car trimmer, so is a fantastic addition to the car and an incredibly difficult find ! ) – The official Renault roof was only good for something like speeds up to 40mph.

The car is stored in a dry garage and under a custom made Coverdale car cover, which can be supplied with the car as well – see pictures of the car cover.

This Spider was supplied new in April 1997 on its original number plate P69ANW and is accompanied by its original owner’s book-pack, service book, numerous receipts and invoices, V5C, previous MOT Certificates, and both keys. There is a file containing a comprehensive service history of the car over its 27 years.

This Spider has had only 2 owners over the last 18 years and has been in my ownership for around 9 years.

It has the original glass headlamp covers, original jacking triangles on both sides of the car, no cracking or crazing to the paintwork so presents in fantastic condition and is showing no sign of accident damage at all in its 27 years.

This car has featured at the Goodwood Road Racing Club ( GRRC ) annual members day display. Goodwood have has featured this car in a couple of their videos – search “Goodwood future classics Renault Spider” and “Goodwood Breakfast Club Renault Spider”