Highlights
- Rare, top-of-the-range V6 space-ship in flamboyant specification
- ‘Nocturn’ Purple metallic with beige ‘Bridge-of-Weir’ leather interior
- Double panoramic glass roof with ‘Grand-Air’ mode
- Very rare ‘Duo Colour Black/Beige Leather Steering Wheel’ optional extra
- ULEZ compliant
The Appeal
Unveiled at the 1999 Paris Salon, the Avantime was Renault’s collaboration with Matra was a daring venture into uncharted automotive territory. Featuring a striking double panoramic glass roof and an innovative "grand air" mode, it redefined openness. Rear passengers sit six inches higher than those in the front thanks to 'theatre seating' arrangement. The absence of side window pillars adds to the sense of space and light, delivering uninterrupted views of the road ahead and the vista around them.
Though Renault lost millions of Francs bringing the Avantime to production, the effort cemented its reputation for bold design, creativity, and unconventional thinking. Named 'Avantime' – meaning "Ahead of Time" – the vehicle served as a short-lived but unforgettable design statement. Project design manager Thierry Metroz explained the intent: “We wanted someone walking around the car to be continually astonished.” The debut wowed automotive enthusiasts and earned Renault widespread acclaim, albeit without the purchase figures.
Only 452 right-hand-drive Avantimes were sold in the UK. Roughly half were powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine, while the rest were range-topping 3.0-litre V6 Privilege models.
At launch, the Avantime was the only car all three Top Gear presenters unanimously praised, awarding it a coveted ‘Sub Zero’ spot on the show’s Cool Wall – even ranking it above the Aston Martin Vanquish. Today, UK numbers are vanishingly small, and high-quality examples - particularly top-spec models are becoming increasingly rare.
Nocturn Purple suits the design, adding extra funk to the quirky lines. Fabulously indulgent too with the generous and beautifully crafted seating, well presented in 'Bridge of Weir' beige leather. The more we admire it, the more we want one.
Nocturn Purple suits the design, adding extra funk to the quirky lines. Fabulously indulgent too with the generous and beautifully crafted seating, well presented in 'Bridge of Weir' beige leather. The more we admire it, the more we want one.
History and Paperwork
- 3 former keepers
- First registered on 09/04/2003
- Current keeper since 2023
- Front and rear discs and pads at a cost of £543.57 in December 2023
- Drive belt , coil springs and brake repairs at a cost of £911.60 plus the costs of new springs (sourced from the Netherlands) all in June 2025
- Receipt in the history file for stainless steel exhaust replacement in July 2022
- One remote locking key plus cubby key (key locks the doors on the door lock, not currently on the remote button)
- Radio remote present and operates radio, CD player unchecked
- Limited edition Renault plaque present in centre console numbered 041
- MOT valid until the 23rd December 2025
- ULEZ compliant
Beyond the paperwork in the file we have been informed 'Avantime Restorations' (Aberdeen) conducted a comprehensive tranche of work on the car approximately 5 years ago - one of the reasons, we are told, that the has continued to be useable across recent years.
The Condition
- Nocturn Purple has a deep shine and complements well against the car’s trademark silver aluminium roof rails
- Smart, consistent paintwork throughout, there are some very light and minor scratches and stone chips in areas of the body and notably two larger blemishes on the bonnet
- Silver aluminium roof rails appear to free of common blistering
- Aluminium wing mirror housings are a weak spot but look excellent on this car; casings do not appear scuffed or chipped
- Slight lacquer peel on the front headlight coating
- Small chip to the driver side rear taillight
- The 17” Rhodes alloys are specific to the Avantime and these all look very smart
- All four-wheel centre caps are present and in similarly excellent order
- Sills look strong, original and undamaged
- Desirable Beige ‘Bridge-of-Weir’ leather upholstery is in good order throughout with age related wear
- Very rare ‘Duo Colour Black/Beige Leather Steering Wheel’ is an attractive optional extra
- Centre-console plastics and switch-gear surrounds are clean and smart
- Door cards are in good condition with correct original trim fittings
- Beige carpet areas have remained bright with some marks and wear in places
- Both driver and passenger side ‘AVANTIME’ kick-plates are in good condition - often commonly illegible due to age and use
- Door seals and the giant boot seal are all present and correct
- Original jack and brace are correctly stowed beneath the rear passenger seat
- The underside showed no obvious causes for concern based upon a basic cursory view and has reportedly been protected with a coating while the vehicle was at 'Avantime Restorations' Aberdeen (Avantime’s are built with a galvanised chassis)
- Boot area is in good order and chromed floor loops are still present and untarnished
- Trunk shelf is present and in good order
- ‘Swan’ dealership plates front and back
The Mechanics
- 2997cc 3-Litre Renault V6 - shared with the phase 1 V6 Clio
- Automatic gearbox
- Power-assisted steering
- Stainless steel exhaust system with twin-exit pipes
- Air conditioning blows cold
- Clean and tidy under the bonnet and all appears original with no apparent modifications
- The Avantime used daily, starts easily and is reported as enjoyable to drive
BEFORE YOU BUY
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