Highlights

One registered keeper from new
Double panoramic glass roof with ‘Grand-Air’ mode
Comprehensive history
ULEZ compliant
Main dealer full engine rebuild, cambelt, water pump and clutch at 72,797 miles, under Renault Warranty

The Appeal

An amalgamation of the French word “avant” (ahead) and the English word “time” to mean “ahead of time” - the Avantime did exactly what it said on the tin. Renault lost millions of Francs bringing this crazy machine to market but maintained their reputation for flare, design and quirk. As design project manager Thierry Metroz said, "we wanted someone walking around the car to be continually astonished”.

This was one of the only cars all three Top Gear presenters agreed enthusiastically upon, placing it ‘Sub Zero’ on their Cool Wall (ahead of the Aston Martin Vanquish)!

A total of just 452 RHD Avantime’s were sold in the UK. Approximately half were, like our example here, in 2.0-litre turbo guise, with 6-speed manual transmission. UK numbers are minuscule today and excellent cars are few and far between, as the best, top-of-the-range examples, find their way into private collections, including numerous exports to collectors in the USA.

This 2003 example has had just one registered keeper and comes with an advisory-free MOT. Accompanied by a comprehensive maintenance history and has only covered around 1,000 miles since its last service. Whether you’re a Avantime expert with a collection of your own or simply adore French quirkiness, this late example would be a great buy.

The History and Paperwork

Late example - registered 20th September 2003
Purchase invoice from Kitchens Renault Main Dealer is present within the extensive history file
Specified with Avantime towbar option
Main dealer serviced until 93,500 miles
Circa 1,000 miles since last service
Owners Handbook, service booklet and other guides, all present in Renault wallet
Current MOT expires May 2025 (no advisories)
Numerous old MOT certificates in the history file
Two original remote-locking Renault keys, both refurbished by a specialist in France during 2023

The Condition

The Avantime cuts quite a dash in metallic Mars Red beneath the model’s trademark silver aluminium roof rails
No lacquer peel nor noticeable colour variations are visible; the paintwork presents very elegantly indeed
A few small front bumper and bonnet chips and marks
There are a few small veins and blisters showing on the silver aluminium roof rails… a common characteristic
Aluminium wing mirror housings are a weak spot but look excellent on this car; casings do not appear scuffed or chipped
The 17” Rhodes alloys are specific to the Avantime and these all present very well with only minor imperfections while all four-wheel centre caps look in similarly excellent order
Michelin tyres were standard fitment for the Avantime; the history file shows several sets across the years, and the set currently fitted all look to be in very good shape
Sills look strong, original and undamaged
Lights, front and rear all present impeccably
All tinted glass looks free of any meaningful scratches, chips or fractures
All drainage channels look clean and free of corrosion
All exterior trims and fittings look original, unmodified and good throughout
True to the Paris Salon Concept Car design - the sweeping cockpit interior is beautifully appointed - no unsightly aftermarket SatNav binnacle spoiling the purity of the minimalist dashboard
Leather and cloth upholstery is in very good order throughout
Carpets and headlining fabrics all present as you’d expect from a one-owner car
The seatbelt plastic base sleeves that surround the belt exit on the huge front seats usually disintegrate on Avantimes; both are present, original and reportedly in excellent, undamaged order
Door cards are in good order with correct original trim fittings and only minor signs of age and use
Interior door handles and seat uprights are free from significant chips or seat buckle scars that characterise these big coupes
Centre-console plastics are clean, smart and working as they should… free from the tacky feel of aged soft plastic coatings, synonymous with many vehicles of this period
The soft plastic coatings on the electric window switches have some surface scratches
The large rear beige protective over-mat is still present and in very good condition
Switchgear appears well preserved with perfect soft-close cubbies, clips and even fine-vent plastics all in lovely order
Clear dials and controls appear to be working as they should
‘Grande Air’ mode button functions smoothly and effortlessly, retracting the glass roof and simultaneously dropping all four windows, to create a pillarless driving experience like no other car
The original jack and brace are correctly stowed beneath the rear passenger seat
The boot area is in good order and chromed floor loops are still present and un-tarnished; the umbrella shelf and vast trunk shelf are both present and in good order
The door seals and the giant boot seal are all present and serviceable

The Mechanics

2.0-litre (1,998cc) Renault Turbocharged l4 petrol
Six-speed Manual gearbox
New stainless steel cat-back exhaust system with twin-exit pipes
Two Renault keys, plus a cubby lock key
The remote on the main key locked and unlocked all doors and boot when tested
Main dealer full engine rebuild, cambelt, water pump and clutch at 72,797 miles, under Renault Warranty
New rear calliper, brake lines, discs and pads in 2022
Circa 1,000 miles since last service
Dipstick check shows correct levels
Air conditioning reportedly blows cold air
Clean and tidy under the bonnet and all appears original with no apparent modifications
The Avantime is reported as enjoyable to drive with no known issues
No MOT advisories recorded when last tested

BEFORE YOU BUY

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