Description
A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable Renault Avantime specifications: the highly sought-after 3. 0 V6 Manual finished in elegant Steel Grey Metallic with top Privilege spec Sahara/ Tan leather interior. One of only four cars ever made to this spec.
Built by Matra and produced in very limited numbers, the Avantime has become one of the most collectable and distinctive French modern classics. Combining concept-car styling, pillarless coupé design and genuine grand touring comfort, it remains unlike anything else on the road today. A real usable classic, declared in 2002 by Jeremy Clarkson as “the coolest car that money can buy”!
This example has had just three recorded owners from new, has covered only 98, 800 miles and benefits from substantial recent expenditure with the best Avantime specialist, making it one of the most sorted examples currently available. All the usual Avantime issues have been fully fixed for you!• 3. 0-litre 210 bhp V6 engine
• Rare and coveted manual 6 speed gearbox
• 137 mph top speed, 0 to 60 mph of 8. 2 seconds
• 30+ mpg
• Composite (rust free) body
• Steel Grey metallic immaculate paintwork
• Top-spec “Privilege” full leather trim in “Sahara”/”Tan”
• Two tone steering wheel (re-creation of option)
• Fully functioning original satellite navigation
• Two full sets of original Renault working remote key fobs with cubby box keys and tow bar keys
• Retractable tow bar
• 2 recorded former UK keepers (Originally sold in Ireland)
• 98, 800 miles
• ULEZ and E10 fuel compliant
• MOT to Jan 2027 with no advisories (12-month MOT will be provided for peace of mind)
• Extensive recent refurbishment by “Avantime Restorations” the acclaimed marque specialist
• Sold with reg “MY02 AVY”
• Photographed for “Daily Telegraph” article in early 2026
• Full owner’s handbook, quick start guide, service book, towing guide, many period Avantime documents plus a very rare original polaroid camera (unused) provided by Renault to record any accident!
Recent Specialist Works
Significant refurbishment and maintenance by renowned specialists “Avantime Restorations”, including:
• Full exterior, trim-off respray
• Roof rail treatment and re-finish
• New front brake callipers
• New front and rear brake discs and pads
• Engine service with new oil filter, oil, air filter, spark plugs, 3 ignition coils and inlet manifold gasket
• Refurbished spare wheel with sticker
• Sticky-touch interior trim professionally refinished
• Many trim components replaced
• New Bosch battery fitted
• Pollen filters replaced
• Gearbox oil/ filter replaced
• New “Avantime” treadplate logos applied
• Re-furbished wiper arms and bonnet latch fitted
Other work done in last year
• New air-con compressor and condenser fitted
• Rhodes alloy wheels and centre caps refurbished
• Two new tyres
• New front and rear Bosch wiper blades fitted
• New Stabilus boot gas struts
• “Avantime” embroidered, colour-keyed overmats
In addition, the cambelt was replaced approximately three years ago, providing important peace of mind for the next owner.
Service History
The car is supported by service history folders covering the last fifteen years together with maintenance records documenting ongoing care and recent specialist work.
Condition
The car presents exceptionally well following its recent full refurbishment.
The Steel Grey paintwork has an excellent finish, the alloy wheels and centre caps have been professionally refurbished, and the distinctive panoramic roof and pillarless glazing operates correctly through the renowned, one-touch “Grand Air” button. The air-conditioning system has benefited from substantial recent investment with new compressor AND condensor and the original radio and sat nav remain fully functional with its remote control.
Inside, the Sahara leather interior remains an attractive and luxurious place to spend time. Minor points worthy of note are minor wear to the driver's seat (see pics) commensurate with age and mileage, together with some light staining to the upper A-pillar trim. Maybe other people wouldn't even notice these, but I am very particular!
The power door mirrors fold, the fuel filler solenoid locks/ unlocks and the famous Avantime doors open and close perfectly.
Why Buy This Avantime?
The V6 Manual is widely regarded as the most desirable driving specification, offering greater involvement and rarity than the automatic model. Combined with the sought-after Privilege trim level, new Steel Grey paintwork and Sahara leather interior, this example represents one of the most attractive combinations available.
With major mechanical work completed, a recent specialist refurbishment, cambelt replacement, new clutch, two fully functioning Renault key sets and a fresh MOT supplied with sale, this fabulous Avantime offers an opportunity to enjoy one of the most charismatic and unusual modern classics without the usual deferred maintenance concerns.
Summary
An increasingly collectable Renault Avantime V6 Manual Privilege presented in one of the model's most desirable colour combinations and benefiting from extensive recent expenditure and specialist attention.
A rare chance to acquire a genuinely usable, highly distinctive and increasingly sought-after modern classic with excellent UK specialist and club support/ spares.
My only reason for sale of this lovely car, is that I have recently bought an even rarer “EP2” trim option Avantime and I now have three Avantimes and one must regrettably be sold.
